The Other Side of the Coin

When I first learned that I was suppose to visit the homes of our TD kids I was panicking because I am alone and second I didn't know how everything would go. I thought we'd have to visit all eight students and like I said, I am alone. Honestly, I was partly hoping it didn't have to be done while maybe, just maybe a part of me wanted to do it.

The Homevisit, of course, pushed through. I was so careless that I forgot to ask where my student lives and my student's name is Raiza. Accompanying us on our voyage was CJ and Louislyn, my other two students. Anyway, it was only on the day itself, Nov.7, that she told me that she lives in San Mateo, Rizal. I was so afraid 'cause I didn't know how to get back or how to get there. In spite of my fear though, it was relinquished when it was Raiza leading the way(obviously, it is her home XD). We got to her home by first walking, taking two jeeps then walking again. Upon arriving at the area(not the house yet, it's a few minutes more), I saw how wrecked their area was and how much it hadn't been repaired. There were still mounds of mud around and dust surrounding the whole vicinity. Around two minutes later, near their home, across the distance I saw the river colored brown and trees and rubbish all around. In spite of all this though, the kids were joking around like daring each other to jump into the mud or jump into the river(weird, they might get hurt and get filthy and all that). When I get to the house though, the homevisit, officially began.

At their home I was greeted by her mother, and her mother introduced me to her husband and child. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of her mother but miraculously I remember her husband's name which is Ryan. I stayed there for around two hours, talking about her daughter, telling stories, talking about the storm, about scholarships(didn't ask for it),their school life, their lives and all that. When I told them all about how their child was doing an excellent job with her grades. Her mom replied, "Talagang masipag na bata 'yan, mana sa side ng daddy nya." She kept saying how she's so glad her daughter is so smart and hardworking. When she talked about her life she talked about how she lacked education and money. I won't say everything we talked about, but what struck me most was when she was talking about her daughter, dreams and their lives.

She told me, she believes in her daughter so much and that she wants her to go to a great school but they can't afford for it. Great it is that her daughter actually gets high grades and I think she has the chance of getting a scholarship. Raiza, works hard and is really smart girl. Other than being proud of her daughter, she said that her dreams or anyone's dreams in their family can only be fulfilled by someone who has the chance to and she believes that her daughter can do it. She believes her daughter will become successful and hopes that she'll be able to do well in life. Raiza's mother, believes in her daughter so much 'cause of the situation they're in. She has no money and her husband has just been working again for 2 weeks. She only lives off her sister's graces because her sister is an OFW. Graces, meaning their house, food and some necessities.

Honestly, I feel sad for them and helpless. I feel sad 'cause all their hopes are burdened on their children. I feel helpless 'cause I'm just a teenager with no job whatsoever.

These are things I will always remember: I have a blessed life, there are people who are struggling with life, I have more opportunities, the actions and consequences I have/make and the effect of education.

Every time I experience volunteer work, I always realize how blessed I am and I shouldn't take anything for granted that I have a luxurious life compared to others. Other people's lives on the other hand though, are not as luxurious as it may seem. They have to rely so much on others to live and some of the areas they live in is not conducive to bring up children.

Compared to my TD kids, I have so much more opportunity to choose my way of life. I can choose which school to go to or what goals I want to achieve as long as I work hard and stay disciplined. Sad for my TD kids, they don't even have the choice to really choose which college they can go to or what goals can achieve(requiring a lot of money and etc.)

One insight I learned, is that all the actions and consequences can take such a big toll on life. The mom of Raiza said herself that she wasn't able to finish school and currently she has so job nor money. In turn, she can only put her daughter in a public school. Hopefully though, if Raiza does well, she can get into a great school.

Lastly, the effect of education. Like I said, Raiza studies well and is a hardworker whilst her mom didn't even finish school. Education, is really such a big deal. It's so important that it effects so many aspects of life and proof of this is Raiza and her mom. Her mom didn't finish an education same as her husband and now their only hope is their daughter.

Anyway, apart from what I said above. I have an experience to say and actually something about me. I never really ride jeeps. I never have ridden a jeep on my own before. Even till now, I have not. During this homevisit, the one's guiding me were Raiza and Louislyn. Without them, I would've gotten lost. God maybe, is telling me to learn how to fend for myself 'cause soon I will be going to college and the college I want to go to is UP.

I hope all I have said, makes sense, and hopefully all I have said has made a significant change in my life.

Dear God, thank you for the wonderful life you have given me and others you have given the privilege as you have given me. I hope all the people's lives will soon one day change in someway through me or someone else giving a piece of their own life. A life which can shine someone else's life to become glorious. I thank you too, for opening my eyes to reality and telling me to not take for granted my own life. I pray, not to continue having a luxurious life. I pray, that those who do not share the same blessing as I do may someday be showered with the light you have given the world. Amen