Poverty is not a Hindrance to One's Success

"Poverty is not a Hindrance to One's Success" (via face book)

by Lourdes Cabrilles on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 10:33pm

As I read the pages of a newspaper (Inquirer) today, my attention caught by the article " Teenager's grade best in postwar UP" by Julia M. Aurelio. I was amazed by this 19 year-old teenager, GABRIEL PELIAS, who will be graduating this Sunday as summa cum laude with the general weighted average of 1.016 which appears to be the highest garnered in UP history after World War II, (according to the writer).

PELIAS, an only child who supported himself with scholarships as his Lola Sandra had no job and only savings to get them by. His is an inspiring story of how a poor boy dreamed to become successful. The lack of money should never be a hindrance to one's dreams.

After I read the whole article, my past flashed back. I remember how I struggled to finish my studies despite the fact that we are poor and no one to turn to. I finished college as a working student. It was very hard, and thought of giving up due to too much pressure, lack of sleep, etc...But through the help of Liclican's family (esp. Nana Tiying), my sister Phora, my friends, and of course my prayers I was able to go through with it. Now as I look back, I still cry because I can't believe I was become what I am now. Being an educator, I always tell my students my journey of becoming a teacher. I always advise them to finish their studies no matter what the hindrances are. And I know someday, they will remember and thank me for that.

Gabriel Pelias story and  my story are  proofs that poverty is not a hindrance to one's success.

And every CHILD, every person deserves a better EDUCATION.