A Thank You Letter From Our Scholar

One of our scholars, Asriel, recently sent a testimonial about his life as a student and, after reading it, I could not help but realize just how much sacrifice it required from a lot of people to be able to send him to school. 

It required the sacrifice of his family, like his sister who had to stop her own schooling so Asriel can continue his own. Or his parents, who would have preferred having him under their roof so they can make sure he is always safe and out of harm's way, but instead had to let him go and spread his own wings so he can get a shot at a brighter future. His parents must have been imagining all sorts of crazy things happening to their son (what torture that is for any parent!), but had to keep their faith that he is taken care of and he will soon be able to achieve his life's ambitions.

It required the sacrifice of his Ates and Kuyas (who are in no way biologically related to him but still thought of him as family), who spent a number of Saturdays going to and from the mountain barangay where Asriel used to attend High School, just so they can prepare Asriel and his classmates for college entrance exams. More than the weekends, they also spent countless days and nights thinking of ways to help Asriel and his fellow scholars get through the 3-year term in CITE, from making pabaga (becoming shameless) in looking for sponsors for tuition money, thinking of ways to bridge the gap between the scholars and their parents, to facilitating the many hangyo (pleas) from the scholars to the school during the times when their parents could not pay for their share in the school fees. (You can read one Ate's testimonial here, which she delivered as a speech during CITE's Scholars Day last August 2015.)

It required the sacrifice of his sponsors, the JamJar Angels, who had to shell out hard-earned money just so they could help underprivileged students they never even met, instead of spending it on themselves as a reward for their hard work or on their family who should have been their top priority.

It required the sacrifice of Asriel himself, who had to endure going up and down the hundreds of steps in CITE almost every day, burning the midnight oil studying for exams, and scrimping on food just so he can get by on the allowance that is afforded to him.

But, I must say, all these sacrifices paid off. Asriel and his fellow scholars' lives have begun improving. Asriel now has a job, receiving quite an impressive salary for someone who has not even officially graduated yet, and he is able to send money to his parents back in Palompon. And this is just the beginning. We have all contributed to laying out the foundation for the road leading to a brighter future for Asriel and his fellow scholars. It may have been bumpy at times but at least it is going forward.

So for everyone's sacrifice, this is Asriel's thank you:

I just cannot express my sincerest gratitude that one at a time, unpredictably I should say, I am achieving my goals in life.  I know that I need to eat more rice and still have a long journey to experience as I am at my teenage stage just yet, but I have to say that I feel satisfied and happy already of these great opportunities and blessings that I have right now. And without any doubt, I dedicate all these possibilities to all of you. 

One time, a supportive teacher of mine asked and suggested to me which college I would go to.  I said in a phlegmatic way, “With what we currently have right now, it does not matter for me, as long as my family, who has made and helped me all the way, is there to support my endeavor.”  But I did not exactly think of those words, it all came out just like how I was brought to CITE.  I never anticipated or imagined studying in this school, worst case, studying in college.  Seriously, I am the first of eight siblings to attend college and it has been a great achievement already.  Yes, I can say that we are not blessed with all those material things, but with this inspiring bible verse from Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” it always reminds me to live simple, contented and thankful with all that we have.  But I have my ambition, I know what I want and I am going get it.  It always seems impossible but that does not mean I will give up; I will go for it until it is done.  

So I courageously applied, enrolled and studied at CITE for 3 years.  I never thought of giving up or losing hope; rather, I firmly believed and looked forward to all my goals.  Yes, there were times when the world seemed to cease me, just like the tragedy we experienced from the earthquakes and deadly typhoon, but it made me stronger and discover life at its best. 

To my ever supportive and lovable family

You are my inspiration, you believe in what I can still be.  Your sacrifices and struggles push me harder. You never fail to remind me that life is not fair but also remind me how important it is.  Especially to my sister, for being my rock when I needed it most, for supporting me and sacrificing for me for three years of our lives here in Cebu.  Thank you for providing me with a sense of strength and resilience that very few could ever carry as well as I have.  My parents, who kept on guiding and showing me what determination really means.  Thank God, a great lesson that life has taught me is that, sacrifice and suffering is a good thing when it is done for the good of the family.  

To my funny and dedicated friends and brothers 

We have gone through a lot of struggle and pain, but because of your presence, my life here in Cebu seems so easy   It is very nice to have sincere and genuine people around you.  Our advices to each one, funny thoughts and worthwhile sharing of happy and crazy moments, our ‘tita tita and BB gurl BB gurl’ expressions just make me smile and laugh every time.  I pray that God will give us the strength and wisdom to continue the good that we do.  

To our Ates and Kuyas 

We are overwhelmed and touched by your generous acts.  You certainly influenced and motivated us in reaching our aspirations in life.  You always remind us how appreciable life is.  Thank you for your unconditional support, advices and care.  You teach us to be confident in what we are doing and make sure we never lose track of our hopes and dreams and that we should fight for every single thing we want in life.  Thank you for advocacy and being a part of our lives.  God will continue to give you fruitful blessings.  

To the kindhearted JamJar Project Angels 

I wish I could name and meet each and every person who has helped in providing me the change to take on what is ahead.  Awarding me as the JamJar Project Scholar has lightened my financial needs, allowing me to focus more on the most important aspect of school.  Your generosity has inspired me to help my family and sister who is now attending school, but was helping me at first.  I hope one day I will be able to help students to achieve their goals just as you have helped me.  

I am now currently working as Probationary Survey Programmer at Survey Sampling International (SSI) and at the same time, reporting as a student once a week in my school.  With God’s grace, hopefully I can graduate this coming November and can continue for regularization in my work.  

Just to end, again thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Like always, I pray that God will continue to bless all of you, and I thank you for choosing to share your blessings and paying it forward.

~Chacha ☺