Poverty is not a hindrance to success that was happen to my cousin son Leonard M. Arado, he make it!!! Graduated as Magna Cum Laude . He proved to all here in our town that despite of trials and obstacles his family facing he able to survive and their situation didnt affect in his desire to finished college with high honor. A writer, a Math wiz and an exemplary students of all season.
Leonard was a second son of Nora my mother's neice, who was at early age lost her father and inherited some pieces of land from her deceased father. But having hectares of coconut land doesnt help their lives so she went to Manila and work as servant from rich family. Nora like my mother have a good intellectual capacity and excel in school and thats where her two kids got their brain from.
Poverty did not affect my cousin's desire to send her kids to school and she was very right in her decision because the two boys make it real good in their academics. The Elder son graduated Cum Laude and automatically he was qualified eligible and started applying for a work. I remember when he had his interview before and i saw his very old shoes and out of order, i told him to go with me and i bought him a pair of shoes and i gave him money for the interview. I saw a happy face that makes my heart melted and he rush to go home in where he lives in far village where he walked 30 mintues to get there.
But in the midst of all their hardships their miseries they are still happy even if they are poor they enjoy noble and equal opportunity to aim high and lofty ambition that is not denied them because they are poor.Such ambition is as free to as the air that they breath, as free as the light as they see.
The physical strength which mainly come from the body, but also from the mind and the spirit. We may have only a meager food to eat hence our bodies may become weak. But if our mind is strong, if our spirit is embued with the highest idealism then we can summon enough courage and strength to do any works and to tackle any hard task at hand.
I am truly proud of Leonard because being poor didnt stop him in pursuing his ambition and now that he make it I am sure that this is a new beginning for him and his family. With all the potentials he possessed surely he have long way to go. keep it up!!
You are an epitome of good poor boy whose bulwark is the strength and courage destined to live and endure through the years, happy and honorable in the pursuit of gainful works without minding where you came from. Your desire of making on top brings you where you are now and I am exceedingly proud of you.
Congratulations!!!
