POSITIVELY dealing with life despite UNCERTAINTIES

I was trying to look back at my past.

I come from a very poor family. My father was carpenter-painter-tricycle driver rolled into one. He tried to work in all kinds of job, even went to fishing, just to survive us. No one would ever imagine how I graduated college and how we survived. If not for my determination to finish college, I know I would be a beggar.

I am a polio victim. My feet are underdeveloped because of polio. But this doesn’t stop me to go to school, to dream for a better life. GOD is certainly good. He sent instruments to show His love for me. I was accepted in a scholarship until I finished college. I never let my disability hinder my aspirations of doing great in school, making friends with schoolmates and live a normal life. I graduated Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from one of the prestigious school in my place.

Reality sets in when I was already applying for work. Nobody wanted to employ me because they consider me a liability instead of an asset to their company. It hurts me so badly but the positive outlook in me keeps on burning inside. Although there are times that I was affected by rejection, I still hope that someday I could land a good job. It took me three years from graduation when I got my first work in private company. It was a great feeling to know that there are still people who trust my capacity.

It was during this time (year 1998) that I met my wife. I got married when I was 24 years old. We are blessed with three beautiful children, one boy and two girls. I was then employed in the City Hall of Ozamiz as casual clerk in the year 2003. Four years as casual, I was so disappointed that I did not get a regular position. So I decided to look for sponsor to send me into law school. I really believe that even if I don’t get a regular position, as long as I can finish law school, a lot of opportunities will be in store for me. With God’s Divine Providence, He sent Fr. Oliver Macrosan to be an instrument in realizing my passion for law school and to become a lawyer. Fr. Olie, shouldered my tuition fee.

Presently, I am now on my third year into law school. It’s a mix of hardships and challenges. However, no amount of hardships can stop me from pursuing my ultimate dream of becoming a lawyer. Even if I have to climb everyday to our classroom located on the third floor of the school building, I won’t mind. Even if I have to defy storm and rain, just to attend my daily classes, I have gladly been doing it.

I still continue to work and at the same time study. I have very limited time to study because from work I go directly to school up to 8:00 o’clock in the evening. But still, up to the wee hours at night, I am reading my books because I love what I’m doing. It’s just that I have limited time for my kids and my family. But they are so supportive of what I’m into. They know that by the time I finish my studies and become a lawyer, our life will be totally changed.

Despite my disability, I could say I am giving my family a better life compared to what I have been experiencing while I was young. But I know I could give more to them, especially in securing a better future for my children, if I succeed. A better life for my family and an opportunity to help others will be my inspiration to hurdle all challenges life is giving me.

For now, I am so concerned where I shall get funds for my review in Manila by the time I graduate on March 2011. It would be a very risky investment considering that BAR exam is one of the hardest exams in the Philippines. Risky because there’s a chance that I will flunk in the exam. But the positive person that I am, I know I can make it. I know that I will become a lawyer. It’s just that I am still so conscious now who can help me anew. Fr. Olie may still support me but I am afraid it’s no longer the full amount considering that it would cost me more than 100,000 pesos for the review and the BAR.

God will provide..,