RISLIE CATAM-ISAN

 
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RISLIE
CATAM-ISAN

S.Y. 2016-2017, Bachelor in Elementary Education - Early Childhood Education

I was nine years old when my parents separated because of domestic violence, so I was forced to live with my grandmother’s sister. My father was a farmer and my mother worked at carinderias.

Right after high school, I had to stop studying because my family could not afford to send me for further education. I was a minor at the time, so I could not find a decent job even though I really wanted to work. I ended up working at a bakery near our house, and after some time, became a stay-in babysitter for almost a year.

I was surprised to find out that one of my high school classmates, who I knew also had financial problems, was able to study at Cebu Normal University (CNU). I thought that maybe I, too, can enroll despite my situation.

I took the entrance exam with the money I earned from babysitting. I waited to hear back from the school, but I did not receive any report of the test results as the months passed. I decided to inquire at another university, but the application period had already passed. At that point, it felt as if my world crumbled.

I decided to enroll in a different university despite the pricey tuition because I really wanted to finish college. However, my employer for babysitting advised me that going to university was not wise because I wouldn’t have enough to pay for my education in the long run. Despite having already paid the down payment, I withdrew my enrollment without refund.

When the applications to CNU reopened the following school year, I reapplied and got in. Being in CNU meant that I had to live with my aunt in Mandaue just outside Cebu City. Her family lived at an ice plant because my uncle works there and they were given a small place to stay in.

In my first year in college, one of my classmates sold snacks in school. She was not consistent with selling and our other classmates would still look for her goods. This inspired me to sell biscuits, chips, and candies. I enjoyed earning my own money, and this eventually got me into direct selling. It did not take long before I became an agent of five different beauty and clothing brands, as well as an agent of a well-known insurance company.

It was in the middle of all these that my perspective about managing my time changed. During my vacant hours, instead of resting, I would be busy getting clients’ orders and delivering it to them. I admit that at first, I felt ashamed having to do all these, but when I saw how my businesses were helping me financially, I started enjoying what I did.

In my third year in college, I became a Real LIFE scholar. Victory Cebu’s senior pastor at that time and the Real LIFE team had me transferred to a boarding house because my aunt and uncle’s place at the ice plant was not conducive to live in.

The best thing about being a Real LIFE scholar was we got to experience so many exciting things. Even though I did not have parents or older siblings to guide me, I had my mentors and leaders.

I recently graduated Cum Laude from Cebu Normal University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education – Early Childhood Education. I am now working as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and I am able to send one of my nephews to school. I also dream of having my own business someday.

 
 
 
 

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