My childhood was nestled within a family of seven, my parents, siblings, and me. As the second of five, I yearned for family dinners, but college whisked me away to a new city. Living solo was tough. Juggling school with chores was a daily dance, and meals often took a backseat to textbooks and projects. University cafeterias and brand new sneakers were luxuries I envied, replaced by frugal lunches and worn shoes. Yet, amidst the longing, a fire burned – the memory of my mother and sister leaving our younger siblings to work as caregivers, sacrificing everything for my education.

Though I earned a partial scholarship for graduating top of my class, our financial reality bit hard. My chosen path – Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Foundation University – was far from a walk in the park. Sleep became a rare commodity, traded for endless hours of accounting principles and balance sheets. But I persevered, earning recognition in my early years. Until one day, everything crumbled. My sister's pregnancy coincided with a failed subject, snatching away my scholarship and plunging my dreams into darkness. Devastated, I quit school, months at home a barren wasteland of lost purpose.

Boredom gnawed, but books, paper, and pen offered solace. Then, a spark: I returned to the city, landing a job as a Call Center Representative. The work was challenging, especially navigating the minefield of angry customers, but it was rewarding. Finally, I could contribute, seeing my efforts ease the burden on my parents. We paid debts, bought luxuries once unthinkable, and tasted the sweet abundance of life.

Blessings continued to bloom. My dear Auntie, my late grandfather's sister, extended a helping hand. Dismayed at my abandoned studies, she offered to sponsor my return to school in Manila, inviting me to share her home and lighten her load. Hesitant at first, I embraced her love, packing my dreams and leaving my resignation at the call center.

Manila was a whirlwind of firsts – first plane ride alone, first city symphony, and most importantly, first meeting with Auntie. While waiting for university acceptance, I poured my heart into poetry, filling the void with words. But Manila's university wasn't my haven. Sparse classes and uninspired learning left me adrift. Auntie, sensing my despair, rescued me once more, arranging my transfer back to my original university. Home beckoned, and I, with a sigh of relief, finally returned.

Years flew by, and I crossed the graduation stage, diploma clutched tight. This wasn't the initial path I walked, but the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Management Accounting felt like a hard-won victory. It was my gateway to new possibilities, a key unlocking doors I hadn't yet seen.

Today, I stand tall in a reputable company. Though comfortable, my eyes are drawn to the horizon, searching for greener pastures. Milton Berle's words echo in my heart, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." And that's exactly what I'll do. With resilience and a heart full of dreams, I'll navigate the uncharted waters, forging my own path, one step at a time.