I always remember the story about my dad’s life when he was young. Although I am not emotionally attached to him, I still admire the way he coped with life even when he was very poor and had nothing. Seeing his name engraved in custom name plaques for all his recognitions and awards make me proud of him as a person.

During his elementary days, shoes were not readily available in their rural area. He wore rubber slippers to school. But during rainy days the road becomes sticky with clay, and it clings thick under his slippers. Most of the times his slippers broke, and had to walk barefoot to school. My grandparents cannot afford to buy slippers all the time, so he had to repair it and use it until the soles are totally abraded.

There were days that dad went to school without breakfast and lunch. My grandparents were very poor that they always borrow rice from their neighbors. And when not fortunate to borrow enough rice, they just cook it to porridge in order for the family of six to subsist.

But in spite of these hardships, his studies were marked with flying colors. He was consistent First Honors all years and graduated Valedictorian in class during elementary graduation. During his high school days, dad had to walk four kilometers from their place to school daily. When the weather was not good, and the rain poured heavily, he had to take cover under big trees. But usually arrived at school wet.

Dad even had more extra curricular activities during his high school days; and responsibilities too. What with being class president, he was the editor-in-chief of their school organ, and the president of the student government.

I feel proud of his achievements during his school days. Winning the First Prize of the Talent Unlimited Contest for four consecutive years was really a feat. And to think that a very poor islander like him defeated the representatives of all high schools in the province, region and the country.

But it did not end there, he was a working and academic scholar during college. He also managed to graduate with honors in college and passed tge board exam with high ratings, despite working and schooling at the same time.