Chapter VIII
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| The last hope (age 17) Chapter VIII |
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| ����������� After graduation in high school, Sister Mercedes Ventanilla recommended me to apply as Working Scholar in Immaculate Conception College, under the supervision of the LaSalle Brothers, Ozamis City.� Because of my academic background, plus my hard work experience and being an orphan, the school management prioritized and accepted me. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� As a working scholar, we have to maintain the standard grade requirements of the school and at the same we would excellently performed our assigned job daily.� My first assignment was to clean two college classrooms as early as 5:00am.� We were expected to finish the cleaning on or before 7:00am because classes usually started at 7:00am. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� I'm glad I entered college last April 1988, summer class.� My tuition fees were free except for my food, boarding house, allowances, fare and laboratory expenses. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| One time amid of my summer class, I really had thought that I could no longer finish my college since I have this unforgettable experience.� I have no more food allowance.� I have only one cup of rice left.� Since I did'nt have any relatives in Tinago, Ozamis City, two kilometers a way from school, where I boarded, I budgeted the one-cup of rice that left to be enough for one week consumption.� During cook time, I just poured a small scope of rice into my pot and filled it with water until it became sticky and ready to serve.�� However, my worst experience was this, my one cup of rice did not last longer and I have no more rice to cook.� I have lost my hope that time.� Seems like the bridge that I was crossing was cut in the middle.� I felt like I was walking in a very dark night and found nowhere to go.� That's why one evening, I packed up all my things, stirred to my two hands and felt pity to myself and thought that its all over. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At 4:30 am early in the following morning, I still reported for work in my area but very starving.� At 7:00am, one of the school security guard and the student guard saw me and told me to go home and prepare for my own breakfast.� I faced and told them that I will not go home and just stayed the area until my classes start.� The student guard insisted that I must go home to eat first to gain more energy and to avoid ulcer.� I told them again with tears that I have no more rice to cook, that I have no more allowance left.� The student guard and the regular security guard took me with mercy to their quarters.� They noticed that I'm starving so they gave me food and advised me that if I have problem, I should not hesitate to tell them because they knew that I have no parents anymore and they were willing to help me in their very simple way. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| I thought that was my last day in school but I thanked GOD it was not.� The student guard, also a working scholar, offered me their home for free.� I can eat any food available in their house I want for free too. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Without my knowledge also, the regular security guard reported my case to the Maintenance Supervisor, Mr. Francisco Daniel.� So, in the afternoon, I was told to report to his office.� Inside his office, I was surprised when he knew everything that happened to me.� He knew also that everyday I have a long walk ( hiking) from by boarding house to school, which was quite far .� That time, I was very happy when he told me to stay at ICC Arts Center.� So right away, I packed all my things and brought them to ICC Arts Center.� That same day, Mr. Daniel Francisco visited me at the ICC Arts Center to know my convenience and brought me kilos of rice and meat for my whole week allowance. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A week after, Mr. Daniel Francisco visited me in my working area and told me good news.� He informed the school management (British -Columban sister) headed by Sister Margarette about my situation and granted me sixty pesos (P60.00) weekly allowance.� He further informed me of my new assignment. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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