Against all odds

How one student conquered financial difficulties to support her studies

- BY CHLOE NICOLE DIANA

I am a girl raised in a home where dreams were limitless SCAN despite constant financial challenges.

Ever since I started studying, I realized that education was the only key to a brighter future. I was, however, taken aback by the many walls that would need to be overcome.

As the eldest of two children, I needed to balance my education with responsibilities at home. Without my mom and dad beside me, and with only my uncle supporting our education despite not having a permanent job, I was able to continue my studies. The strain of earning a living, however, often permeated my life. School supplies, miscellaneous school fees, lunch money, and even basic meals from time to time became luxuries.

Despite these challenges, I stayed tough. I remember one time at school, I was studying with tears in my eyes because I didn't have money to buy food for lunch. Knowing my situation, my classmates would treat me and offer me something to eat every day at school.