IT COSTS 8915 TO ACHIEVE MY DREAM

It costs Php 8,915.00 for a dream to come true.

"Panabnar ka ka klas ka an mapya so pakatalingkoma ruka," my parents always used to say that.

(Do good in your studies so your future will be brighter)

Ever since I was a kid, I always believed that a great future awaits me. I am smart, an achiever, and a good son to my parents. I graduated on top of my class from preschool to high school. I exceled, not just in academics, but in sports too. I was everything that some people wish for. I thought I'm one step ahead of achieving my dreams in life, but it was just a thought.

Few years passed by, here I am, a store attendant earning roughly Php 10,000 in one of the malls here in Davao. What happened to my life? I entered college with one goal - to graduate with a Latin honor. I took up Computer Engineering at the University of Mindanao and I still manage to excel in my subjects the fact that I graduated from Marawi City.

I finished my freshman year as one of the Dean's Listers in our department. I am all geared up to continue Sophomore year...but everything started to fall when my father got sick. He has aneurysm, and he had to resign from his job as a government employee due to his condition. Since then, life has become so hard for us. All of my father's savings were used to finance his medication.

From being poor, we became one of the poorest families in town.

Broken hearted, I still made ways to pursue my studies. I enrolled Sophomore year from the money I got for selling some of my stuff, but still I ended not able to finish the entire semestral. I had to surrender my love for studying for work to survive and have something to feed my family.

At age 17, I started working at Jollibee as service crew. I was able to feed mouths, buy medications, and survive. But my salary is too little to cater all our needs.

For the past few years, I've been into different jobs and was able to finish two of my sisters from college. My current salary almost go through paying utility bills, medicines for my parents, daily expenses, boarding house rent, etc. And with what happened to Marawi City lately, my family's expenses triped up.

This year, I am determined to pursue my passion -- which is to study. At 23, it is still not too late to have a college degree. I have applied for a scholarship from one of the universities here in Davao City, and I got accepted.

Thing is, I had to comply my requirements till the end of this month as slots are limited. Unfortunately, I had to settle my balance from my former university to be able to get my credentials (e.g. ToR, Certificates, etc.) It costs Php 8,915.00 to achieve my dream. I've tried to set aside money from my salary, but it won't work. If it did, I won't be able to comply since I only have til 28th of this month to submit my papers.

I tried other options from borrowing to my friends, but nothing. I even got into depression stage because of this but I know deeply that someone out there will help me. I do believe in the power of humanity.

I know this seems impossible but I am desperate. This is my dream and I will do everything to achieve it. I don't know if this will be read, but if you do...kindly help me. Any amount of donations would be very much appreciated. I will repay you one day.

You may send your donations below:

BPI Account: 1419240105

SAIFUDDIN M. LUCMAN

Again, my name is Saifuddin Lucman, 23 from Davao City, Philippines. This is my story, and this is my dream. Help me achieve it. May God bless you always!