Last Thursday, we were invited by TRANSCO, as they continuously support humanitarian cause, to join a charity event at the Rotana Beach Hotel with the theme "Make A Difference." This affair supported two charity foundations: (1) Make a Wish Foundation which grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, and (2) The Little Wings Foundation which provides medical assistance to children with bone and muscle deformities.
It was a fun-filled outdoor activity which included games, fishing, face painting, jumping castle, dumping pool, etc. Also, there were ladies who were in super hero costumes to entertain the kids. Since it was like a kids' party, all we did in the event was to take photos, eat snacks, and enjoy the cool breeze of the coming winter season along the beach of Rotana Hotel.
The event was not the type that adults would enjoy. Honestly, I found it boring. Nevertheless, I still felt thankful and privileged to have been a part of a charity event like this. In fact, my husband and I were discussing several months ago about several charity options that we could consider in the future (once Rafael and his siblings have finished college) as our way of giving back for all the blessings that our family have received. We knew of several people who have chosen to support the college education of less fortunate but well deserving students and I wish that someday, we could afford to have scholars too.
I remember, not so long ago, when I was just starting my career as a clinical instructor, I had this smart student who was worried of having to stop school because they can't afford it anymore. I was saddened because no matter how much I wanted to help financially, my savings was just not enough to support a college education. I talked to my papa hoping that he could shoulder half of the tuition fee; that way, I could afford the other half. Unfortunately, he refused. Not because he was being selfish, but because I still have two younger brothers who were studying back then. In addition, he told me that I won't be able to afford it as well since I just came out from college and I was not even financially established that time. Then I realized, he was right. I should not commit to a responsibility which I can't support in the long run. In short, I wasn't able to help. It was heart breaking. I was thinking, I hope I had the means to help my student but I didn't.
Things like that make me feel sad. That is why I am really hoping that in the future, we will still be blessed enough to send less fortunate students to college. I wanted to give deserving people the opportunity to improve their lives through education because I strongly believe that it is the greatest equalizer. Just like what the old Chinese proverb says:
If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people.
However, it will still take a long time for us to implement that plan (of course, we have to prioritize our children's future). For now, what I can do to make a difference is to be a good mother and hopefully, raise a son with character.
We can all make a difference in our own little ways! Change begins within ourselves. Let's make a difference now and let's help make this world a better place for our kids and for the future generation.
