Golden Junk

Note: A traditional Filipino breakfast of coffee, rice with chicken, and sandwiches is shown in the photo.

“On good days, my siblings and I would share a breakfast of plain rice mixed with spoonfuls of soy sauce and cooking oil with dried fish and eggs.”, Marielle shares with her classmate Joy on ordinary afternoons.

Marielle would spend her free time praying to God or collecting and selling old newspapers, plastic bottles, and other scrap materials at the local junk shop. She would walk around the neighborhood with her worn and tattered slippers, the only footwear she owned, carrying a heavy bag filled with recyclable items. Marielle never once complained for she knew that every coin and paper bill she earned would go towards her school expenses and buying a simple and nutritious meal for her and her younger siblings. Marielle is a good student who is always eager to learn. She listens attentively in class and spends hours studying in the evenings by the dim light of a kerosene lamp. She took notes on her old yellow pad paper and other school materials and asked questions whenever she didn’t understand something. Marielle and her siblings see other children savor the luxuries of riding a tricycle or even a car to school and never once complained. For Marielle and her family, education was more than just a means of acquiring knowledge; it was a ticket to a better life. She and her siblings walk kilometers, rain or shine, to arrive at school.

Marielle’s parents had always reminded her of the importance of education, even though they were not educated. They knew that education was the key to a better life, and they wanted their children to have the opportunities that they never had. She and her siblings were always appreciative and grateful for their families. Marielle’s father had been partially disabled because of his poor eyesight, but he persisted in working at the rice fields to provide meager sustenance for his family. Marielle’s mother was a sales assistant at a small store, and she had kept the same uniform for a decade already.

Marielle’s ultimate dream was not just to achieve success for herself, but to be a role model for her younger siblings and other young people who came from humble beginnings. Marielle dreams of working in a fast food restaurant, and she is not just about making money, but about providing a valuable service to people. She believes that by working in a fast-food restaurant, she can make a difference in people’s lives by providing them with good food and excellent customer service. She also dreams of owning her restaurant someday.

Marielle always remembers the valuable lessons that her parents had taught her. She knew that their guidance and good example were instrumental in her success, and she was determined to follow in their footsteps by being humble and treating everyone with kindness and respect. She also remained close to her parents, who always loved her and sacrificed so much for her throughout her journey.

One day, Marielle’s younger sister, Ella, walked into the house with a dejected look on her face. She tossed her backpack aside and slumped into a chair at the kitchen table.

Marielle noticed her sister’s unhappiness and asked, “What’s wrong, Ella? Why aren’t you eating your lunch?”

Ella hesitated for a moment before finally opening up to her older sister. “My classmates were making fun of me today at school. They laughed at my old clothes and old school bag. They made me feel so embarrassed.”

Marielle immediately empathized with her sister’s plight. “I’m sorry to hear that, Ella. But you know what? You shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are or where you come from. You should be proud of yourself and your family.”

Ella looked up at Marielle, confused. “But how can I be proud when they’re making fun of me?”

Marielle leaned in closer and spoke in a gentle voice. “You can be proud because you know that our family may not have a lot of money or material possessions, but we have something much more valuable — the strength to work hard and the courage to pursue our dreams. That’s something that your classmates may not have. And if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Ella slowly started to smile. “You’re right, Ate Marielle. I shouldn’t let them bring me down. I’ll show them that I’m confident and strong.”

Marielle grinned. “That’s the spirit, Ella. Remember, the key to success is not just hard work, but also having the confidence to believe in yourself and your abilities. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Ella finished her lunch with a newfound sense of determination, and Marielle knew that she had once again helped guide her younger sister toward achieving her dreams.

Years went by, and Marielle graduated from the university with flying colors, and she was elated when she finally received her diploma. She applied to various fast-food chains and was eventually hired as an entry-level employee in the industry. Over the years, Marielle had proven herself to be a valuable asset to the fast food chain and was recommended for higher-paying work. As a branch manager, she continued to guide her younger siblings, offering them support and encouragement in their paths in life. Over the years, Marielle finally achieved her dream of becoming a restaurant owner. She took everything she learned from working in the fast food industry and applied it to her own business. With the support of her family, friends, and community, Marielle’s restaurant gradually became a success.

The lessons from Marielle’s story are clear. If you pray, work hard, become patient, stay focused, and remain dedicated to your goals, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Success is not something that comes on a silver platter or something that comes easily or quickly, but it is attainable if you are willing to put in the effort and make sacrifices along the way, no matter how long it may take.

In addition, Marielle’s story reminds us of the importance of family, community, and humility. No one can achieve success alone. We all need the support and guidance of others along the way. And no matter how successful we become, we must always remain humble and grateful for the opportunities we have been given.

Note: Golden Junk is a short story written by Khadijah (Jaja) M. Masorong.