By: Mae Anne A. Alipusan
| LINAN
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“Dreams are the fuel that ignites the fire within us, propelling us forward, and shaping our destinies. They are the vision that allows us to imagine what is possible and to strive for greatness. When I think about dreams, I am reminded of the multitude of aspirations that reside within each of us. Dreams come in various forms, and they are as unique as the individuals who conceive them,” said Anthony Keith Samino Linan, the class valedictorian of Batch 2023, when he delivered his words of gratitude on his graduation.
Just like many young people, Keith also has lots of dreams. There are many things he aspires to achieve. One of them, of course, is to earn a college degree which he was able to fulfill when he graduated from college. This dream is typical among students. But Keith used to dream of something which seldom happens to anyone except to someone like him who grew up in an imperfect family.
It has been Keith’s wish to live in a so-called “home” with a father and a mother beside him. Unfortunately, he grew up with neither of them by his side. Instead, it was his grandmother who showered him with the love which his parents are supposed to give.
“My dream, above all else, way back then was to have a complete family beside me,” Keith shared.
He was raised not under the care of his biological parents but in the care of a remarkable woman- his grandmother. This woman holds a special place in his heart. She has been his inspiration and the reason why he continues to dream and strive to achieve his goals.
He grew up longing for the presence people whom he could call “Mama” and “Papa.” At first, he thought that the woman he calls Nanay is his biological mother, and he is the youngest among her five children. His certificate of live birth reveals that his mother is his Nanay and his father is his late Tatay.
Keith grew up believing that his grandmother is his real mother. However, there was confusion that led him to discovering the truth.
“I was in Grade 3 when I asked Nanay why I address one of her children or I thought my sister as Mama. I address my other ‘siblings’ with their nicknames and I wondered why I had to call one of them as Mama. I kept asking my Nanay until finally she told me the truth,” Keith shared the biggest revelation in his life that the “sister” he calls Mama is actually his real mother.
Keith also learned that it is his grandmother’s name that is written in his birth certificate because having a child out of wedlock might hinder his mother from getting a job as a teacher.
One school project that Keith could not forget was making a family tree. He was very scared and confused when they were required to make a family tree. He did not know who he would put on it.
He was slapped by this reality at an early age, as well as by the constant reminder of her grandmother that ‘Wa timo it Tatay, kinahanglan mo gid tana magtimakas.’
This was the reason why he strove and studied hard even though he was not fond of studying, and luckily, he was a consistent honor student from elementary to Senior High School and even up to college.
“I faced many difficulties, and the absence of a stable home environment created a void in my life. I must admit that I have low self-confidence and I’m very timid. But I’m thankful that despite these deterrents I managed to cope up with my studies,” Keith confessed.
Despite all the struggles, his grandmother embraced the role of both parents, nurturing him with boundless affection and wisdom. His grandmother’s unwavering belief in his potential pushed him to defy the odds. She instilled him the belief that education is his ticket to a better life, a life beyond the limitations of his past.
“It made me realize that the dream of having a complete family is actually what I am experiencing. All I need is to appreciate and recognize that I am surrounded by people who love me, people who shower me with the warmth that I am longing for,” Keith admitted.
Now, he understands that dreams do not always align with reality. Life often takes with unpredictable turns, and circumstances may not always allow our dreams to materialize in the way we envision. However, it is essential to acknowledge that dreams have the power to guide our actions, influence our choices, and shape the people we become. They serve as beacons of hope, guiding us toward a purposeful existence.
“And now, I can proudly say that even though that it’s what my life story is, that we are just farmers, that Nanay works in the rice field which I was ashamed of before, she was able to make her five children graduate in college,” Keith shared trying to control his tears.
Keith stands as a testament to the incredible impact a single person can do in shaping one’s life. He honored what his grandmother would always remind him that education is the only treasure she could leave him. His Nanay only wanted him to finish his college and earn a degree just like his siblings. But Keith so loved his grandmother that he made her the happiest parent during his graduation. He graduated with Latin honors and as class valedictorian of his batch.
His grandmother’s love, sacrifice, and relentless support have molded him into the person that he is. He was able to gather strength to rise above adversity and the resilience to face challenges head-on and to keep dreaming of new things in life.
“Let us carry with us the values that shaped us: integrity, empathy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Let ‘padayon’ be etched in our hearts as a reminder to keep moving forward, to embrace challenges, and to create a better tomorrow,” Keith exhorts young people like him to keep going amid the challenges they face in their life.
Life is indeed a battle. The winners are those who conquer their fears, swim in the ocean of worries without being frightened of drowning. We are capable of so many things, we just need to believe. May our untold stories, doubts and bruises from our silent battles lift us to success. We should strive reach our ultimate goals, without worrying the fall. “Padayon” lang.