..for some, it was easy, for me it wasn't..

I finished Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering for 7 long years. Yeah, you read it right, it was a 5 year course but I extended 2 years in college because of financial problem.

For some, their college was easy, they have a rich family to sustain all their needs and could pay the tuition whenever it is needed. For me, I had to write multiple promisory notes in order for me to take the examination, and it was the hardest thing a student would feel.

I was not born with a golden spoon in my mouth, my parents are both poor but it didn't stop me to pursue Engineering. My 1st to 2nd year in college were full of anxieties and silent cries because I don't have allowances and the school's canteen foods are pricey. I had to survive a day with a growling stomach the whole day. At the age of 18, I had to work to sustain my studies. I applied as a callcenter agent and luckily, I passed. I support all my needs, and I pay all the tuition fee. I also got to help my family at home and it was the best thing ever.

It was all good until I was diagnosed having Vertigo. I was forced to stop schooling and it was one of the worst day of my life. The reason was over fatigue, no proper sleep. I was studying in the morning and working in the evening. Even if I was not okay, I forced to be okay because the bills in the hospital is what I was thinking.

I didn't blame my parents for all of this because they are the best parents in the world.

After that, I continued my studies and chose to resign in call center. In order to sustain my studies, I applied as a working student in our university. It really help me survive in college, thanks to our university, Cebu Institute of Technology - University.

It was not easy to be a working student. You have to accumulate 24 hours duty a week, so time management is very important. I always go to school early and go home late. That was my everyday routine for almost 3 years until I graduated in college.

I always find myself napping every vacant hours, because that's the only time I could rest. It was a good journey tho, I didn't regret doing those things to help my family financially and help me graduate in college. It help me mature in life, and help me being grateful to the smallest things I have.

Coffee helps me a lot especially during my major exams! ☕

Yes! Coffee plays a big role in my college. I have to do a lot of reviews and coffee is there, always, for me. I think, I already drink all types of coffee. Major examinations were my hatest times because I only slept 1-2 hours before exam. I have to do all types of cramming to learn the concept and memorize all the formulas. I had to overdose myself with caffeine in order for me not to sleep during exams and luckily, I graduated.

You should be thankful if you have all the resources you have right now. You have a good phone, internet, laptop, be thankful, during my time, I only had my old phone with me, with no data. I had to go to the library to research my assignments, but still, I am very thankful for my old phone. I won't survived without it. My family is poor, but it didn't became a hindrance for me to reach my goals in life.

• You always have to trust your ability in order to succeed.

• You find your motivation in your studies, mine, my family and my goals in life.

• Always choose to fight even if you failed a million times.

• If you feel tired, pray to Almighty God. I usually go to The Feast whenever I failed my examination.

To all the students reading this, I survived 7 years in college because I believe in myself. You should, also.

I am literally crying while typing this. Got very emotional. I feel very proud of myself, tbh.

If I can, you can!

Thanks for reading my article!