Being poor is never a hindrance to success. 

Once more this adage was substantiated by a Grade 12 student at Lo-ok National High School in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Daisy Caparoso is one of the school’s academic awardees on May 29, 2024 on her graduation day. 

Daisy will finally get hold of her diploma along with 174 other graduates of Lo-ok National High School’s Senior High.

Aside from her academic award, she is to receive as well two special awards for the performing arts because of her dance prowess, and for her accomplishment in work immersion or apprenticeship that is part of the senior high school program.

POIGNANT MEMORIES

Daisy looks back at the road she had to tread to get to senior high, and she could not hold back the emotions. 

Her parents have separated when she was a bit younger. It was backbreaking for her mother to send her and her two siblings to school, she narrated. 

So, her 75-year-old grandmother supported her financially. However, her grandma earns a measly P250 daily income as a store help. 

She said it crossed her mind to quit school. 

“Naa gyud toy time nga nakaingon ko nga dili na lang ko mo-eskwela kay wala koy kwarta,” Daisy narrated, welled up with tears.

But while she was on the verge of giving up, she said, she has the struggles of her grandma to think about and thank for. She does not want to upset her who have already moved heaven and earth to provide for her. 

“Pero mipadayon gihapon ko. Dili man ko gusto nga ipakita nako sa akong lola nga bisan unsa mi kapobre moundang ko og eskwela. Ako gyung gipakita nga bisan unsa mi kalisud, mohuman gyud ko’g eskwela,” Daisy said in an interview. 

She said she looked for ways such as “mamaylo” or the act of borrowing money from her classmates to be able to pay for her school projects. As she is into dancing, she would earn a few hundreds of pesos every once and a while when hired as part of a performing group. She would use the money to pay off her debt. 

WORK NOW, STUDY LATER

Daisy said she does not want to bother her “Lola” any further about her college education. Instead of thinking about her college enrollment, Daisy prefers to look for a job right after graduation day. 

Prospective jobs at call centers are teeming for people her age and experience, she said. She would want to give it a shot.

She added that she would rather save up first before taking up a college program in Tourism. One small step at a time, one chasm to conquer at a time. 

CHARACTER IS KEY

Her class adviser, Ruby Ligot, vouched for the diligence and persistence that made Daisy an achiever. Ruby said that no matter how hard life could get, Daisy does not complain. Ruby saw how Daisy comes to school without “bawon” (provision), especially when her grandma had to be taken to the hospital on May 1, 2024.

Ruby is confident that success will come to Daisy because of her disposition in life and the dedication she has toward her studies. Daisy is a consistent honor student and active in school activities.

Poverty did not dampen her spirit, Daisy said.

She will pursue her aspiration to take up a career in tourism once she gets to earn and save.

But the dream to be in college has to be put to sleep for now.