Story of Hope

In 2018-2019, I was a Junior High School student. Every quarter, our school would announce the list of honor students. I watched as they received certificates, walked up the stage, captured everyone’s attention, took pictures with school staff, and were featured on the school’s Facebook page. I was there too—but only in the audience, applauding for them, wishing it was me.

However, achieving such recognition felt impossible. No matter how hard I tried to listen in class, I couldn’t keep up. It was frustrating. Eventually, I gave up on my dream and accepted my place as a non-achiever for the rest of the school year.

Years passed, and the pandemic disrupted everything. When face-to-face classes resumed in 2022-2023, it was my last year as a Junior High School student. I was placed in the first section—a classroom filled with intelligent students. Surrounded by them, I felt out of place, convinced that I didn’t belong.

As time went on, I made friends who encouraged me to strive for academic recognition. I tried my best, but once again, my grades fell short of the required general average. I was so close, yet not enough. Hope faded, and I stopped trying.

Graduation day arrived, and I was proud to receive a medal for my participation in a school club. But when a family member at home assumed it was for academic honors and laughed upon realizing it wasn’t, it stung. Still, I brushed it off.

A new school year began, and we transferred to a bigger school. Adjusting was challenging, but this time, I made a decision—I would give my abandoned dream one last chance. I didn’t make any promises to myself because I feared disappointment.

Weeks passed, and the list of honor students was finally announced. My heart pounded as I listened, and then—my name was called. For the very first time, I was one of them.

All the struggles, stress, and effort had finally paid off. My parents were overjoyed, especially my dad, who had been worried about our transfer to a larger school. But here I am now, grateful beyond words and thanking God for everything. (Diane Dato – ACD Immersionist)