Many people think and picture an island as a calming, refreshing, and a good place for

recreation. Yes this is true. But a young man like me who was born and raised on an island has a
different story to tell.

People on an island offer their whole life for survival— sailing at sea even though the weather
is not good just to provide for their own living and sometimes the hardest part is when they get home
with nothing after having a long venture with a bad weather. A chain of situations; fish now, earn, eat,
then sleep and make it as a routine.

My father walked the same path, but also as a fisherman who leads fishermen on our island
where he made a big difference. He was a leader, he walked the talks and he was the voice of the
poor. From being a fisherman, he was also a fish warden who captured a number of illegal fishermen,
an advocate for saving the environment. During the super typhoon Haiyan, he was one of the first who
went to the municipality and secure food for the people on the island. My father had his own way of
helping others despite poverty and he was so proud it. So I thought, if a person without much
resources can make a difference how much more for those who have? At a young age, I set my mind,
to study hard, believing if I can be something someday, I can be more like my father. Sadly, my father
died before I graduated my Junior high school.

My mother who was reliant on my father has no permanent source of income. Though she
never showed us the hardships she felt raising us on her own, we can still see it in her eyes whenever
we saw her thinking on her own, worrying about the following day. There were times when she
remained silent whenever we asked allowance (to take the one hour boat to Salcedo, where my school
is located and for food allowance).Instead of showing us a hopeless face she showed her strong
character as a mother. Witnessing this kind of situation, I learned how hard life is. But instead of losing
hopes, I made it as a motivation. A motivation to encourage me to push harder and to continue the
race I started.

To never stop is what I taught to myself, and with perseverance and ambition I graduated
senior high school with honors. What lies ahead after my Senior high school?

To make a big difference is what I want. To inspire young people in our community how we
can be more than fishermen. How we can be more like my father bringing out the best in each one of
us. I know words are not enough to motivate. I need to establish something for myself to hopefully
eventually motivate others to strive to be more than what is common on the island.

I have not been on my path on my own. Other people have also helped me pursue my studies
and helped me finish my Senior high school. Eskwela Haiyan is one of the scholarships I had, and they
encourage me to strive hard and inspired me to believe in my dreams. Today, I am on the next step
for my next endeavor.I believe Far Eastern University is the best University which can help me in
reaching my goals. How? Through their quality education that is associated with great facilities and
well trained Instructors. In addition, letting my self be embodied by the three core values they have
namely Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness, I can achieve more than what is expected from me. I
feel FEU can heighten my consciousness and care for the environment and continue to help motivate
me to always perform to my fullest potential at the same time.

Above all, I wanted to prove something that no one on our island has ever tried: To go to my
dream University in the Capital Then one day I can bring the beacon to our island and I do believe
when this happens, many views will be changed. Many young children will aspire for a higher vision.
With an education with Far Eastern University, I believe I can bring change to my home in Eastern
Samar, Maliwaliw Island.