Evangeline Pat S Guibao COMPUTER 100: 046226 7:30-10:00 MW

Reaching Your Goals

GRADUATION is a proud moment for students, especially for parents, but
the road leading to it may not always be a walk in the park.
Getting that college diploma was never easy for Verzosa Bianca, who
graduated last March 20 at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class
of 2017.

Verzosa, when she was 16 years old, had to work as a maid for five
years to support her studies and her family.
Her work led her to enter the PMA after learning that her employer’s
son was an instructor in the academy in Baguio City.
“I did not see myself being poor as a torture but I made it as my
inspiration,” she said.
She is now a junior commissioned officer, an ensign in the Philippine
Navy.
Bianca, which is now 25, said that she already wanted to study when
she was 5.
“At that age, I promised my parents that I would help them because I
was aware of our situation,” she said.
She mastered about the PMA when she worked as a housemaid to the
family of Krista Villareal, whose son was an instructor in the academy
in Baguio City.
Rosita, 46, Bianca’s mother, laughed while she reminisced the time
when the teacher told her that her younger daughter’s handwriting
(Bianca) was better than her older sister’s.
“She was a fast learner. She has so many medals in our house in Toledo
because she was a harmonious honor student. I always thank the Lord
that He gave me a daughter who is responsible, discipline and good to
us, her parents,” Bianca said.
It was on April 1, 2013 Bianca became a cadet in the academy, despite
earlier protests from her parents and relatives of the danger of
joining.
During Bianca’s graduation, Rosita said that she cried out of pride
for her daughter.
“I couldn’t believe it. After so many hardships, she finally fulfilled
her dream,” she added.
Ezrael, 48, Bianca’s father, said that he will continue to support his
daughter.
“Just because she graduated doesn’t mean that we’ll depend on her
alone. As long as our bodies will allow it, we will help her,” Mario
said. He is a farmer and a carpenter.
Meriam promised her parents a new house in Toledo, Cebu. Ezrael said
that he will be the one to manage its construction.
He said that he was overjoyed with happiness when he saw his daughter
in the graduation ceremony.
Meriam said that she often sold wood and coconut shells to earn P20,
and it was an experience that she couldn’t forget.
“It taught me determination and perseverance. This is my advice to
aspiring cadets: Always ask for God’s guidance because you cannot do
it alone without Him,” she said.

“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your

dreams and your willingness to work for them.” — Michelle Obama.