Went through top schools since I was a child because of the hard work put into it by my family. I was an average to above average performer but my abilities wavered under pressure. During a very trying time I went through a death in the family. I had to help out at home. They insisted that I cannot go get a job till they themselves earn enough money so I can study. It hurt me and my pride but I sucked it in and prioritized the ones left behind by my grandfather's death. I was afraid my grandmother would soon follow. I sacrificed "lakwatsas" or "barkada", studies as well. Just to be there for her and the rest of the family. It really shook us and tested us as a family. Because of this and several other bad events, it took me, technically 9 years to finish college. I switched from a major university to an unknown but soon to be a top tier college. I entered a course in that school that surprisingly enough, got amazing lab facilities and taught me a lot about the industry I got into. I started college pretty young (skipped a couple of years when I was a kid), 15. So I graduated at 25. Considering that I knew a lot of people who graduated in their mid twenties or late twenties or even early thirties that got successful eventually, I'm not afraid. I know that what I did was right, my family comes first. And now I'm sure that they can handle things on their own and it's my turn to get what I want/need.

Now, I graduated, not with honors, sadly because of the long rest time that was needed for me to secure my family together. But it's alright, it's a small sacrifice to make sure that they're safe. I'm still waiting for the arrival of my diploma, I visited my aunt in singapore, I have prospects both there, uk, dubai and canada. I'm doing freelance and a proper portfolio while working my way into a good company. Also, I found a girlfriend who seems to be a total keeper, willing to stick through thick and thin with me, while she also focus on her goals.

All, in all, life's not perfect but it's alright and like Dory said, "just keep swimming". Just keep living. Never give up. The struggles I've faced may not be enough to be put on a resume, but it sure prepared me for a lot in life, especially in the trying years. I'm learned to keep my chin up and make ways to keep a positive outlook on things. Cheering myself up and others is important for my "survival". Love and hope is pretty cheesy but it's honestly what got me going.

Tl;dr we just gotta keep on motivating ourselves each day and keep doing what we want/can do to better ourselves and contribute to our surroundings. :)