Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and changed everything. Classes suddenly shifted online, and I had to adapt to a learning style that felt unfamiliar. I have always learned best inside a classroom with teachers and classmates, so the adjustment was challenging. Despite the difficulties, I pushed through and even formed new friendships with people I met virtually, proving that connections can flourish even when we are apart.

Not every moment during that period was joyful. On September 9, 2021, my beloved grandmother passed away unexpectedly because of bleeding. Her sudden departure left a heavy sadness in our family. After the pandemic eased and I graduated from senior high school, another painful event followed: my grandfather passed away. I had been helping to care for him during his illness, and on the day he died I was away processing my college requirements. Coming home to find him gone was heartbreaking, yet I felt grateful that he had lived long enough to witness many of his grandchildren, including me, graduate from different levels of school.

College life began with its own set of challenges. Adjusting as a first-year student after the pandemic’s disruptions was not easy, but I eventually found my rhythm and successfully completed my first year. That same year became memorable for a happier reason: I reconnected with Juliana Paraton, a classmate from Grade 9. We started chatting again, spent time together, and our friendship blossomed into a relationship. Meeting Juliana again and becoming a couple is something I will always cherish.

Now, as a third-year college student, I remain focused on my dream of graduating and building a stable, successful career. My ultimate goal is to give myself and my family a better life. Every challenge I have faced—from childhood loss to pandemic struggles—has strengthened my determination. I hold on to the hope that all these efforts will one day turn into the bright future I envision for the people I love most.

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