By Chloe Nicole Diana

Incoming Grade 12

Bagumbayan Agro-Industrial High School

I am Chloe Nicole Diana, a girl raised in a home where dreams were limitless despite constant financial challenges. Ever since I started studying, I realized that education was the only key to a brighter future. I was, however, taken aback by the many walls that would need to be overcome.

As the eldest of two children, I needed to balance my education with responsibilities at home. Without my mom and dad beside me, and with only my uncle supporting our education despite not having a permanent job, I was able to continue my studies. The strain of earning a living, however, often permeated my life. School supplies, miscellaneous school fees, lunch money, and even basic meals from time to time became luxuries.

Despite these challenges, I stayed tough. I remember one time at school, I was studying with tears in my eyes because I didn't have money to buy food for lunch. Knowing my situation, my classmates would treat me and offer me something to eat every day at school. There were times when my class adviser would give me money so I could buy food. Our school principal once gave me a chocolate after I cried in front of her, telling her my situation and how our family struggled financially. I was hopeful to continue, knowing there were people like them who never judged or questioned my life status.

With my skills in editing and as a student journalist, I started to earn a little money. I began accepting school projects from other students in exchange for a small amount. Every peso earned was a step toward finishing senior high and a better life.

There were times of uncertainty—evenings when tiredness and anxiety made giving up seem like the only choice. But I pushed forward, leaning on the motivation and encouragement of a few close friends, my teachers, and a belief that every obstacle had a purpose.

Because of my dedication to succeed, I studied hard. I participated in many of our school's extracurricular activities, and luckily, I always brought something home for the school—a medal—and for myself—the lessons learned as I stepped out of my comfort zone. I showed everyone that I could, even if it meant going anywhere without a single penny, only the dreams that I carried in my pocket every time I competed.

Surprisingly, I became an official delegate for the Asia Youth International Model United Nations and Asia World Model United Nations, which was a breakthrough for me. As the school year is fast approaching, I am an incoming Grade 12 student and will be in my last year of high school—ready to thrive and to prove that I can, with or without a penny. I believe that if I can do it, then you can too if you choose to believe in yourself.

To other students who are going through the same situation, you are not required to have it all to make something of yourself. Use what you have. Work harder than anyone else. Don't be afraid to ask for help. And never, ever stop believing that you can change your story. 

Against all odds, I or we will continue to not just survive, but thrive in spite of everything. And in doing so, we can show that success is determined by how hard you are ready to battle for your goals, rather than where you start. 

Padayon!

Chloe Nicole Diana, a 17-year-old incoming Grade 12 student at Bagumbayan Agro-Industrial High School, was raised by her grandparents and an uncle after growing up without her parents. Grateful for their sacrifices to support her education, Chloe is determined to study hard and make their efforts worthwhile. She dreams of becoming a journalist one day, believing that education is the key to giving back to the family who never gave up on her.

‘Voices’ is Manila Bulletin Lifestyle’s dedicated space for young writers and future journalists as they talk about the topics that matter to their generation—from pop culture and social trends to mental health, education, and everything in between.

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