Living the DREAM for low-income Grade 6 Students

My name is Hailie Mique Chua, and I am 18 years old. This is a recount of my experiences from the start of Grade 7 until my graduation from Grade 12 at Tagudin National High School, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

 Before entering Grade 7, I took an exam for a special math class. Unfortunately, I didn't qualify because my math grades were below 80%. I was disappointed because I thought I would get in.  This made me feel down, and I ended up crying.  As I left the room, I came across 2 ladies - Ma'am Grace Apusen and Ma'am Lilia Carreon, who apparently saw me crying outside. I didn't know them, but when they approached me, I spontaneously hugged Ma'am Grace tightly.  After calming down, they asked me why I was crying. I explained the situation.  To my surprise, Ma'am Grace offered me a chance for a Scholarship. She told me what I needed to bring, and the next day I took an essay writing exam. I wasn't a good essay writer then, but I finished it.  Many things happened until I was accepted as a member of the Gawad Pangarap Foundation Scholarship Program.  I'm incredibly thankful to God for answering my prayers and helping me with my studies, as I don't have parents to guide me, only my grandparents, who are quite elderly.

 From Grade 7 onwards, I committed to studying hard to avoid failing and losing my scholarship.  I'm grateful that I never failed throughout my high school years.  In Grades 8 and 9, the pandemic made things difficult.  I had to study the modules independently because we were on a modular learning system. If I didn't understand something, I asked my older sister. Once she explained it, I would complete the lessons myself.  Sometimes I was scolded because I had to help around the house, and chores interrupted my studies.  Therefore, I often worked on my modules at night, sometimes until 12:00 AM or even later. It wasn't easy to understand the lessons on my own, so I looked for explanations on YouTube until I finally grasped the concepts.  I had breakdowns, but I didn't give up because I had dreams to achieve.

In Grade 10, face-to-face classes resumed. I wanted to prove that I wasn't just good at modular learning and quiet in face-to-face classes. I excelled and proved myself to be a capable student, earning honors during junior high school.  I encountered people who underestimated me, but I focused on my own efforts, knowing their opinions were just that—opinions. I didn't let their words affect me, whether they were facing me or not. I knew I hadn't stepped on anyone or hurt anyone. I'm not exceptionally intelligent, but I studied hard, persevered, strived, and focused. I believed in myself.  Whatever trials came my way, I knew God gave them to me because He knew I could overcome them without relying on others.  I achieved the medal and award I had long desired.

Senior high school was more challenging than junior high.  It was harder to excel and win awards.  But I didn't let myself fail. I struggled because I didn't know what to prioritize, as everything seemed to happen at once.  The allowance from Gawad Pangarap Foundation was all I had to get through Grade 11.  I struggled to connect with my classmates because they were arrogant and difficult to get along with and trust. So, I decided to join the Gymnastics team to cope with my anxiety. I enjoyed it, even though the training was extremely difficult, I still managed to do well. I became a champion at the municipal level and first place in the district level. After finishing the gymnastics competition almost mid-semester, I caught up on my classes to finish the missed activities and quizzes from my training days. I had breakdowns and felt overwhelmed by the burdens I carried, burdens unknown to others. I'm the type of person who solves problems alone.  I am worried daily about managing my allowance for the month, considering additional contributions, bills, projects, and research and so on. I also struggled with strict people around me and problems with my classmates, leading to trust issues. I attempted suicide three times, but fear stopped me each time, as I knew it was a grave sin.  I constantly prayed, "God, where will I get the money for my studies? How will I overcome these problems that I can't even share with others, not even my family?" I trusted that God had a plan, and it would be better than my own.  The next day, I would receive blessings—my prayers were slowly being answered, and I didn't lose hope in myself.

 After Grade 11, I took a break and went away to clear my head. I realized I let my emotions affect me too much. I was overly sensitive and constantly worried about things beyond my control. When I returned home, my grandparents were surprised by how much I had changed. I had matured, and my understanding of things deepened. I was able to help others, give advice, and comfort them—something I had wished for myself. Because of my kindness, I didn't realize people were taking advantage of me. I was afraid of hurting others.

 I told myself I was different from them, and there was a reason for everything happening in my life. My life started anew in Grade 12.  Many things happened again, life isn't easy, and everything requires effort.  In the end, I deserved my Gawad Pangarap Foundation medal and diploma.  Even if I wasn't an honor student in senior high school, I didn't give up. Many believed in me, and many doubted me, too, but that's okay. I proved I could do it, and I'll do even better in college.  This is for my dreams, my family, and those who believed in me and helped me, especially the Gawad Pangarap Foundation. Thank you very much.

Hailie Mique Chua - 12th Grade Graduate TNHS

This essay is a recount of one of our High School Scholars. If you are touched, please support us by donating to the link : http://goto.gg/38937.  Thank you to our Donors and Supporters for the continuous financial assistance and believing in our endeavor. 

Respectfully,

Grace Apusen and the Gawad Pangarap Team