A Childhood Marked by Hardship

Growing up in Cebu, Rislie Catam-isan knew hardship all too well. Her father worked as a farmer, while her mother earned a living at carinderias. Money was always tight.

At just nine years old, her world turned upside down. Her parents separated due to domestic violence, forcing her to live with her grandmother’s sister. The future looked uncertain, and when it was time for college, financial struggles closed every door in front of her.

Dreams Put on Hold

After high school, Rislie had no choice but to delay her dreams—college was simply out of reach. Too young for stable work, she took jobs at a local bakery and later as a live-in babysitter.

But hope arrived when she learned a high school classmate, also struggling financially, had enrolled at Cebu Normal University (CNU). Inspired, she thought, If she can do it, maybe I can too.

The Fight to Keep Going

Determined, Rislie used her babysitting money to take the CNU entrance exam. But months passed without any results. Desperate, she applied to another university—only to miss the deadline.

“I felt like my world crumbled,” she recalls. “I wanted to keep going, but every door seemed to close.”

Still, she refused to give up. She enrolled at another university despite the high tuition, but her employer warned her it was unsustainable. Heartbroken, she withdrew—even after paying the down payment.

A Second Chance at Education

A year later, when CNU reopened applications, she reapplied—and got in. To attend classes, she moved in with her aunt and uncle, living in a small space inside an ice plant facility in Mandaue.

Determined to support herself, Rislie sold snacks at school and expanded into direct selling. She became an agent for beauty and clothing brands and even an insurance company.

“I used to feel ashamed of selling,” she admits. “But when I saw how it helped me financially, I started enjoying it.”

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Balancing school and work was tough, but Rislie persevered. Her breakthrough came in her third year when she became a Real LIFE scholar. The scholarship provided financial aid and mentors who guided her not just in academics, but in life.

Recognizing her difficult living conditions, Victory Cebu’s senior pastor and the Real LIFE team helped her move into a boarding house—giving her a better place to study and grow.

“The best part about being a Real LIFE scholar was having mentors and leaders who guided me. Even though I didn’t have parents or older siblings to turn to, I never felt alone.”

Achieving Her Dreams

Today, Rislie has defied the odds. She graduated Cum Laude from Cebu Normal University with a degree in Elementary Education – Early Childhood Education. Now an ESL teacher, she’s paying it forward by supporting her nephew’s education, determined to give him a better future.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community. She dreams of starting her own business one day—using the strength she built to create opportunities for others.

“Even though I did not have parents or older siblings to guide me, I had my mentors and leaders.”

🎥 Watch Rislie share her incredible story in this video: Watch Now

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