Famous author Tommy Lasorda once said, "the difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."
Cealline Griarte embodies the quote as she posted her heartwarming story on her Facebook account.
"Ako'y anak ng isang construction worker. Kahit kailan hindi ko ikinaila kung ano ang kalagayan ng buhay namin. Lumaki akong hindi nasusunod ang luho. Kung meron salamat at kung wala nagpapasalamat pa din ako dahil buo ang pamilya namin." she said.
She shared about her hardships as she strived to make it to the top 5 of her graduating class when she was in high school in order to have a better chance of getting a scholarship in universities.
She was the Salutatorian of her high school batch and was offered a 50% discount by many universities. Unfortunately, she knew that her family still couldn't afford it.
Thankfully, Jose Rizal University offered her a full scholarship. When she applied at Jose Rizal University, she was asked several questions at the testing office.
"Nang kausapin ako ng head ng Guidance & Testing Office, (Hinding hindi ko talaga makakalimutan yung usapan namin) Tanong nya sa akin ng makita nya ang occupation ng papa ko, "Paano ito? Araw-araw kang magbibiyahe.. kakayanin ba na tustusan ng mga magulang mo ang gastusin mo araw-araw (baon at pamasahe)? Paano kapag nataong walang hanapbuhay si papa mo?" Paano ka nyan? Ang sagot ko naman, "Ay, sir. Masipag po ang papa ko. Madiskarte po yun."
Unfortunately, she was unable to maintain her scholarship and had to drop out.
But she didn't give up! She looked for a job and was hired to work as a call center agent. She worked full-time while studying. She pushed herself to take up regular units even though she worked the graveyard shift.
"Hindi biro ang buhay ng call center agent, stressful. Kung mahina hina pa loob mo at didibdibin ang mga mura at stress na ibinabato ng customer mo, pwera pa ung mga target at demands ng team nyo ay mabubuang ka na ng tuluyan. At the same time, hindi din biro ang buhay estudyante. Minsan stress sa prof, sa mga kaklase, exam at mga requirements. Kahit ako di ko alam paano ko nasurvive yung halos 8 months na yun. Napagsabay ko sila. Two-timer lang ang peg! Haha halos onti na lang natitira noon sa sahod ko kasi every cut-off nagtatabi ako pantuition ko, pang abot kahit papano kina mama. At syempre pamasahe ko."
She then had to quit her job due to her demanding school schedule and her health. To make ends meet, she worked as a student assistant.
"Dalawang sem din ang nilagi ko sa Main Library ng JRU. 3rd year second sem at 4th year 1st sem. Araw-araw, tuwing umaga nagdedeliver ako ng dyaryo sa mga department. At kung ano pa ang iutos. Syempre kailangan sundin. Kumpara sa una kong work, mayroon ako sapat na oras makapag aral at makaidlip tuwing vacant ko."
During her fourth year, she had to give up her work at the library due to the university's policies. Not to be deterred, she worked hard to avail of the university's academic scholarship so she could continue with her studies.
"CEALLINE A. GRIARTE A.K.A Suki ng Scholarship ??
BSBA Major in Accounting
La Pluma Scholar (A.Y 2013-2015)
Student Assistant (A.Y 2015-2016)
Academic Scholar B (A.Y 2016-2017)
Dean's Lister"
Many netizens were inspired by her story as it has already garnered 36 thousand reactions and over 7.3 thousand shares!
See her full post here!
What can you say about Cealline's determination? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
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