WE may be influenced by our surroundings but who we become is all up to us. I always wince when I hear grown men excuse their weaknesses on their family. One alcoholic said, “I grew up in a dysfunctional family.” A drug addict blamed his family for not loving him so he took his escape in drugs.
I suppose people who study human nature would say that these are valid reasons. Those of us who have met children living in the different parts of our pier areas definitely cannot accept these excuses. We’ve met children who had to battle against gambling mothers and fathers who were more drunk than sober.
One boy we met grew up under squabbling parents. He would earn money by washing boxes of oranges or apples from 5 to 7 a.m. After classes he would sell rugs, cigarettes etc. just so he could make money for himself.
One day, he approached us with his savings and asked for more help so he could afford his tuition in a public school. He brought his old card which showed that he would be in grade five.
His savings plus the determination in his eyes touched our hearts. We searched for his parents at the pier area. They really didn’t care one way or the other.
We agreed to help him and that started his climb out of the squalor of his surroundings. All he asked from us was help to finish high school. Once he got his high school diploma, he thanked us and said, “Daghang Salamat. Maningkamot na ko ma’am ug ako. Anad naman ko mangita ug panginabuhi. Pagtabang nasad ug lain.” (Thank you very much. I can look after myself now. I am used to taking care of myself. Please help somebody else).
Today that boy is now a certified plumber and I know the hardships he went through.
There are many poor children who walk miles to school, who even go to school hungry but they strive to better themselves.
Nothing in life is easy. Both the giver and the receiver in this kind of a relationship undergo additional worries like money for projects, money for school events and finally the graduation attire.
Many of my friends have sponsored scholars and they speak of the joy which high school graduation day brings. My friends belong to the middle income group but they willingly share what little they have.
There are many vendors selling their wares near the vicinity of Magellan’s Cross, the parking area near City Hall and near a big mall. They all come from the pier area. They are trying to earn an honest living. They are the living proof that one’s surroundings do not hinder one’s dream to succeed.