A girl from Cebu went viral after inspiring many netizens with her story. Regine Villamejor hails from Barangay Taloot, Argao town, in Southern Cebu. She is about to graduate this coming March 25th from the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
But her story isn't as simple as that. Her family sells fish for a living. Her father is a fisherman and they live in a small hut in Barangay Taloot. She shared how she has to wake up at 5am every morning so she can help her mother carry ice buckets for the fish. She would then help her mother sell the fish which would generate around 700 pesos daily, just enough to help them get through the day.
"There were times when my parents (would) argue where to get (the) money (that we need). We even reached a point where my parents suggested that I stop going to school,” she shared, noting how her mother got sick 3 years ago which cost them a lot. She was also forced to sell fish on her own. Her father also worked harder to meet all their financial needs.
"Looking back, my father would shed tears while looking at us when we were sleeping. We couldn’t even move because our house was so tiny,” Villamejor said.
"My father told me one time that he wanted to sleep more but he said (that) he had to work hard (to do) in order for me to continue my studies,” she added
She studied hard and eventually got a scholarship from her school. She was given a 50% discount on her tuition but had to maintain a grade of 1.3 and up. She rose to the challenge and now, she is finally graduating from college.
She shared how she will always be proud to be a daughter of a fisher folk and how she appreciates her parents' hard work.
"I’m not ashamed to sell the fish. My friends know about it but still they accept me for who I am,” she said
"I will always be a proud daughter of a fisherman and a fish vendor”.
Despite the hardships, Regine is thankful because according to her, the struggles made her stronger.
"As I look back at my struggles, I realize that it made me stronger. And I want to thank my parents. Whatever achievements I have, it’s because of them,” she said.
“If I did not go through those challenges, wearing the toga (graduation robes) will not be worth it. We should not give up. Poverty is not a hindrance in achieving our dreams,” she added.
“I should never forget where I came from. No matter how many achievements you have, humble yourselves and keep your feet grounded.", Regine says.
She has two siblings, and her dream is for them not to experience the same hardships. She also hopes that she will be able to provide a better life for her family.
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