An education

Growing up, my parents have often reminded me that having an education is a great privilege and as a child, I was often told to study hard and never take my schooling for granted.

When I was told never to take my education for granted, I did not understand what my parents meant. This was because I did not know or comprehend the costly tuition that my parents had to pay for their three daughters to go to school in the Philippines. It was only when my family and I moved to Canada that I finally understood. When I found out that there were no tuition fees for my sisters and me during our elementary and high school years in Canada, I was amazed and my parents were relieved.

Knowing the fact that there are those living in the Philippines who want to go to school but are not able to do so because they cannot afford it, gives me more reason to appreciate my education and be thankful for how lucky I am. Throughout the years, I have taken my parents’ advice to heart and studied hard and embraced the learning experience.

Not surprisingly, with all the hard work that I have put into my studies, to graduate means a great sense of accomplishment. My first recollection of graduation was my preschool graduation back in the Philippines. All I can remember from that time was that the girls wore beautiful white dresses. I realize now that the transition from preschool to grade school was my first step into an educated life.

Then fast forward to my high school graduation. Thatwas a big deal! It meant that I survived four years of high school and I was on my way to living the next chapter of my life. Another four years have gone by and I am about to end another chapter and begin a new one. In June 2010 I will be amongst the hundreds of students graduating from the University of Winnipeg. Although I do not currently plan on pursuing any graduate studies, graduating from university does not mean that my education has ended. I have come to realize that institutions are complementary to a greater education of life. That is, life is an ongoing education and as my parents have told me, never take it for granted.

ANAK would like to congratulate Monica and the Class of 2010 for a job well done!

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