NOTHING is impossible for those who want to reach their goals in life as long as one has the desire to fulfill their purpose and survive challenges that can deter the fulfillment of their dreams.
Redeen Isabel Z. Biene, 22, of Purok Lawayan in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City, shared her story of hard work and dedication as an economically challenged student.
"I've been working since ninth grade as a personal tutor(and) I earned a meager income, but it helped me in my studies,” Biene recalled, adding that in 10th grade, she was hired as a sales lady of ready-to-wear clothes (ukay-ukay).
When she was in 11th grade, she worked as a cashier and then as a service crew for a seafood restaurant when she was in 12th grade.
In college, she took Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City.
In her freshman year, she still worked as a cashier at a Convenience Store and a cleaner in a Condominium unit until she was in her sophomore year.
This is on top of her job as an online instructor, which she described as “unimaginable” but fortunately, she did well in all of these endeavors.
There was also a time when she worked as a barangay encoder and a barangay assistant secretary, which eventually became her regular job until now.
Despite it being seemingly difficult to balance work and studies, she was able to finish college and recently received her diploma.
"I could not take my eyes away from my fellow graduates... I was among them receiving a college diploma (and) it was never easy on my part,” she said.
She stressed that the only means to sustain her education is to work hard.
“I don't choose jobs as long as it is decent... I told myself that I would continue pursuing my dream regardless of its difficulty,” Biene noted.
She is thankful that God granted her prayers and sustained her as she went through a lot of hardships.
Asked for her message to others who are also struggling in life, she said, "I hope this will inspire others to finish their studies because I am a living witness that nothing is impossible for those who trust God,”
She said that God will always match how dedicated you are to what you want to achieve.
“If only I had focused on my economic condition, I could not have attained this degree... I know the Lord will continue to sustain me and provide opportunities for me and my family," she said.