Growing up I had several rebellious phases. One of them is during elementary school. There was a time that I didn’t want to go to school and even if I did I’d skip classes. I made people at home believe that I went to school since I had my trolly with me along with several notebooks and elementary books. But, underneath my school uniform, I was already wearing an extra shirt and pants so I’d be prepared to wander around without being questioned.
There were only two places I’d go to pass the time: a mall nearby, and the church cemetery. I know. Graveyards are a weird place for an elementary school student to be at. What can I say, I was a weird kid and still am now. I just like it there since it was quiet and people rarely go there so I was less likely to be seen.
However, despite thinking I was a smart ass kid, what gave me away was my black school shoes with frilly white socks. I wasn’t able to bring a different pair of shoes or slippers with me as I might look suspicious at home. It might have been the reason why I caught the attention of this street sweeper cleaning the church grounds, she might have also seen me several times there already. One day, she approached me and started talking to me. Even though I didn’t say anything, she instantly knew I was skipping class. She asked me if I was hungry and treated me to some cheese sticks (a Filipino street food composed of sliced cheese wrapped in spring roll wrapper then deep-fried) and gulaman (a Filipino cold beverage made from brown sugar syrup and jelly, sometimes with tapioca pearls).
Fortunately, she didn’t press many questions but she did tell me her story. Told me that she became a street sweeper because she also skipped classes during her youth and wasn’t able to graduate. She took the opportunity given to her by her parents for granted and became rebellious. She wished she did things differently and told me to choose a better path as the one she’s chosen before is full of struggles. After our brief meeting that day, I went back to school the next day and continued with my studies. Then I never heard from her again. I wish I could remember her name so I could thank her for opening my eyes but despite not knowing where she is or how she’s doing, these realizations I got from her will stay with me for the rest of my life:
1. Don’t waste opportunities given to you
The fact that you are able to go to school means you’re already blessed. Not every parent has the financial capacity to send their kids to school. So consider yourself lucky to have a parent who sacrifices a lot of things just so you could get a proper education. Whatever opportunity is handed to you, never take them for granted as you might not get another chance next time.
2. Education is the key to a better life
To lead a better life, one must have a proper education. You might have heard this several times already, but it will remain true no matter what your status in life is. By getting an education, it opens up numerous opportunities and possibilities for you to succeed. You develop skills that you can use not only in your professional career but in your personal life as well. Although, there are some who did find success even though they weren’t able to graduate but you shouldn’t take that risk and hope it would be the same case for you. Everyone has different circumstances in life, and each path may lead to a different outcome.
3. You always have a choice
No matter what your starting point in life is, you always have the choice to make the situation better or to make it worse. Life will always be full of struggles, but making better choices can help you navigate your way through them all. Think things through and always be careful with the choices you make as each one will have repercussions. Always remember that you have the power to change the course of your life.
A Simple Thank You
To the street sweeper that spoke to me that day, I may not remember your name or how you looked like, but I will forever cherish the things I’ve learned from you. Thank you for taking the time to speak to the ungrateful child I was before. For making me realize how blessed I was and how important education is. At that brief moment, you became a Nanay (mother) to me. Guiding a complete stranger to choose a better path even though we’ve never met before. I salute your care and kindness for other people, and you in general. Wherever you may be, I hope you are well, and that people show you the same kindness you’ve shown me. I hope there would be more people like you in this era and the next ones to come.
We all might have met someone who changed our lives one way or another. It might have been your family, partner, friends, or even a complete stranger. Share your story by leaving a comment below or by submitting a guest post. We’d love to hear your story whether you’re a fellow striving millennial, or simply someone who’s gone through a life-changing event and would like to impart the things you’ve learned or realizations you’ve gained.
