4 minute read
Defying adversities: Setting an Example of Hope
VALUES
words by Mdpwn. Mairel A. Gerzon & Mdpn.Jan Eynard L. Galilea photo courtesy of Daphne Grace Alegroso
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As the warm breeze of June started to envelope the whole atmosphere of the crowded hall, Daphne, a freshmen student stumbled in the hallway while clutching her handbag as different students paced back and forth. It was her first time seeing new faces of people to make friends and get along with. She is far from her home but she’s ready for what is meant for her and take one step closer in reaching her dreams and achieving success— this is where her journey begins.
Daphne Grace Alegroso, a third-year student of Bachelor of Science in Cruise Ship Management (BSCSM) is a woman who is committed to her dreams. She took a huge step by joining the portals of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) and beginning her goals and her path towards success as a Lacsonian.
“Going back to school was one of the biggest achievements that I can be proud of. Without the help of some people, I do not know where my life is headed now. Being a choir-member of JBLFMU Kinaadman Chorale, then I saw the treatment as a family. And being a Lacsonian, I am proud to have entered this school, here I have also discovered my talents and who I really am,” Alegroso narrated.
In life, challenges do come to test our faith, this year was indeed a rough year for Daphne, she was tested by many challenges until she decided to stop going to school because her parents could no longer afford to pay, not only the school’s tuition but also her boarding house, allowance and other school fees. She was about to stop studying, but indeed, some people really do come into our life with a purpose— to help us build our dreams and give us hope in the darkest times.
“My Tatay worked as a motorbike driver and my Nanay stopped working since she became diabetic and her two eyes were diagnosed with cataract. My parents suddenly can’t afford my tuition after what happened to Nanay. My Tatay’s salary is exactly the same as Nanay’s medications and maintenance for her illness but I made this as my motivation to study really hard and focus on reaching my goals,” she added.
However, with her love for singing and commitment to learning, she became a scholar of Kinaadman Chorale who supported her studies financially and helped her to make her dreams come true. She has also received a lot of guidance and encouragement from Maam Arcelo, who had a tremendous influence on her life.
Life sometimes brings us down to teach us lessons that we need in order to become a better person, “We all have different stories and stages in life. As a student, entering college wasn’t easy for us. We experienced problems financially and struggle to balance our time to study and also the time for our other responsibilities. Still, we managed to study for our future in order to return all the sacrifices of our parents. We may fall apart sometimes but we will never give up, we will fight and never quit- for our future,” she emphasized.
Moreover, Daphne highlighted that, “as a Lacsonian, we should embody the value of PERSEVERANCE. We have the strength, character, and determination to face and overcome various kinds of difficulties and obstacles. If we continue to persevere, we will definitely reach our goals in our lives. Being strong and never knowing not to give up are several examples of being productive. Only know, you can do whatever you want, however, it requires action, determination, and bravery to turn your dreams into reality.”
Despite the adversities, fill life with joy instead of struggles, just like a flower who always struggles to survive but never forgets to bloom with joy. And for you to stand up, you got to know what falling down feels like. Those who persevere in order to overcome these struggles and challenges will often be changed in an unexpected way. Hard times enter each and everyone’s lives as unwelcome guests but they bring with them valuable lessons. And once you persevere, the lessons during your journey will be your true treasures— they’ll turn you stronger, better, and wiser.
