Not Too Late to Hope

By RON MONDIDO

I CAN SAY that I grew up not rich nor that poor. I’m thankful that I can eat three meals a day.

My grandmother Norma Rosie raised my siblings Rachele, Shiella, and me in her home in Antipolo.

That’s because our parents separated when we were still in our toddler years. Each already has a second family — but they continued to support us– so, we were able to study until high school.

In time, Lola Norma got sick and passed away, leaving my sibs and me by ourselves in our home in Antipolo.

Then, there came a time when we really so lacked money, I couldn’t go to college right away.

I stopped studying for four years. To get by, I worked as sewer in a factory in Taytay for two years. Until came a blessing.

Chance for a Dream-Come-True

My teacher, Mrs. Jeanne Marigondo, happened to know about Pag-asa ng Pamilya Scholarship Foundation and she helped me apply for a college scholarship.

I received the Pag-asa tuition grant! I was four years late for college, but of course, I didn’t think twice in taking this chance to have a college education—for it’s the way to fulfill my dream to give my family a good life.

So, now, I am studying at the Marikina Polytechnic College for a degree as Bachelor of Industrial Technology, major in Welding and Fabrication.

My Choice

Chances come and go. But you choose what’s good for you.

I’ve chosen to keep my job as a sewer even as I am studying — to earn money for my other school needs.

I work when I don’t have classes or during school vacation time.

Here is a photo of my two student teachers (in pink), with my classmates, from left: Deo Gaynelo, John Kenneth Logronio, John Rich Magsilang, Romnick Mejia, Meynard Parino, Renz Dela Cruz, Krishelly n Ingua, and Junnel Acueza.

What I like most about Pag-asa is it does not really require a very high grade for grantees to maintain the scholarship. The objective is to simply help those in need to have an opportunity to have an education – as a major step to have a source livelihood and thus be productive citizens , and be of help to their family.

I can say that my life now is happy and easy since as one of the scholars of the Pag-asa, I received this generous financial help for my studies.

I really hope there are many more people like those behind Pag-asa.

Thank you very much for sincerely helping us all !