At long last! After navigating a series of bumpy roads, God brought her to the exact destination where others still en route are sure to find their way.
Frustrations, sleepless nights, and financial restraints— like any other students, these have defined my elder sister's tough college career. She wisely took a break during the pandemic, alleviating the burden on our parents. Studying at a local private institution, her quite big scholarship proved inadequate to meet the demands of her third-year enrollment payment demand. The process of securing the necessary funds dragged on, and unfortunately, the school didn't consider her circumstances leaving her no choice but to pause due to our parents' job loss during the pandemic. She worked overtime just to help. Adding to her distress, the scholarship when she went back to school was forfeited, barring her from reapplying since she stopped once.
Switching from Accountancy to Management Accounting didn't deter her pursuit of success. As the first graduate in our family, she filled us with immense pride. The graduation ceremony commenced promptly at 12:30 noon, and we reached the coliseum just a few minutes prior, despite our initial rush. My aunt graciously offered her car as our transport, considering the hour-long journey and the presence of some Titos and Titas who were eager to attend. More like a gift to her also. Despite our best efforts to be on time, an unexpected delay caused us to wait nearly two hours. I woke up at 7 in the morning because we'll be picked up at 10 AM.
But then, we found ourselves waiting totally beyond due to my cousin, who should be also attending, was participating in a Brigada Skwela event and ran behind schedule. Worried that her tardiness would lead to a backseat position, my sister chatted her on messenger. During the ceremony, arriving late meant surrendering your designated seat. As the clock ticked past 11:20 AM, it became clear that my cousin wouldn't make it in time. While we offered to pick her up en route, she declined due to her outfit choice as he was only wearing pants and she thought it wouldn't look good to go. You know, girls.
Our ride to the venue was remarkably quick, bouncing between excitement and trepidation. Despite the fast pace, my sister and I couldn't stop laughing. I joked lightheartedly, "Hang on tight, this could be our last day." Amid the strain, I entrusted my uncle's driving skill and, most importantly, placed my faith in the hands of the Almighty. Additionally, I think if it's our right time, it will.
We arrived safely, though somewhat exhausted because the graduation ceremony involved a lengthy processional march that lasted an hour. Thankfully, award distribution had taken place during the Baccalaureate, streamlining the main event. Despite being tired from the three-hour wait, I found it difficult to stay engaged due to poor audio quality and being seated far from the stage which is on the last row upper right side. Just took the picture when we got down to buy something. What also inspired me even though the course I'm taking has no board exam unless taking up masteral or whatsoever, was the substantial monetary rewards bestowed upon the top ten students who excelled in their licensure examinations. I heard that the top-ranked student will receive an impressive half-million pesos—an achievement that served as a wellspring of inspiration. Haven't seen clearly if there was.
After the ceremony, we relished in a feast at a "buffet" style restaurant for a mere 199 pesos per person. I was so full that I can't even zip my pants. Hahaha! Of course, I had to make my 199 pesos worth it. My sister and I were even thinking of not eating lunch just to make it really worth it but then, we just can't.
While it was an exhausting experience, it was undeniably memorable. A huge congratulations, to my Ate!♡
