You're in honor roll all of your life.
Some people had tutors to teach them.
But being a product of an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) mom whose a nurse in Saudi Arabia then to US, you had to make the best out of it.
I was Papa's girl in every sense of the word.
My mom worked abroad  during my forming years.
At 12 years old, I left Philippines.
Because my mom worked as a nurse here in U.S.A.
That was hard.
Because I never really had a mother.
But she left us to provide for us.
It took me awhile to think and accept that.
Raised by nannies and maids, I had to grown up at an early age.
At 10 or 11, I handled all of our family's expenses.
Mom was a nurse abroad.
Papa was a businessman.
My older sister Bel who I'm 7 years apart was in college.
I had to be the strong one.
I had to be a mother-sister-friend-nurturer for my Papa and my siblings.
At 9 or 10, I had to become like an adult.
Not by choice but my circumstances.
I would study.
I would get good grades.
My cousins had the Ricky-rich lifestyles.
My cousins had tutors to sharpen their knowledge.
I had to be there for my Papa and my siblings.
I did the best I could.
I was a consistent honor roll,
Because I had to.
Because that's the only thing I can give my Mama for her hardwork.
I never wanted to leave Philippines.
But Mama said America is the land of honey and grass.
Truly, America taught me a lesson.
It paved my way to grow up, to work hard, to achieve.
I paid my college dues.
I was a Dean and President lister consistently.
I was a recipient of awards and scholarship.
I worked my way up to be recognized.
It was never an easy journey.
I am challenged and judged every day.
I have not quite made it.
I'm still under construction,
But help me, God.
I know He has wonderful plans for me.
And I believe.
I persevere.
So help me, God.

posted by pinay freestyle @ 8:52 PM

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