year in college, I worked as a student assistant in the library of Sorsogon State College to help my mother in financing my studies. At that point of time, I am gradually questioning myselfif I could really pursue my dreams. Though I saw how my mother tried her best to support my studies, it's not yet enough. There were times that I can't pay my tuition fees on time but I am lucky enough because at the end of the day, someone out of the blue was send by God to help me.

The summer of 2008, I received one of the best gifts of God in my life- the scholarship from AFCI, which was under CAUSA then.

From second year to fourth year until the LET(Licensure Examination for Teachers), the AFCI has supported me in my journey to reach for my dreams. AFCI has supported me not only financially but also emotionally. Thanks to Sir Haw.

After the graduation in 2011, I took the LET on September. Two months had excruciatingly passed before the result was released. All the effort was worth it. I passed the LET and landed third place.

Everything is really a miracle. I don't know how I got through the challenges but one thing is all I know. Whatever, whoever and wherever I am today, I owe it to AFCI, to the Oberman Foundation, to Sir Jim and Ma'am Jane, to Sir Haw and Ma'am Irene and last but not the least to Sir Estrada.

Thank you so much for everything.

And as I am speaking to you today, I can't help but reminisce my first year as a scholar of AFCI. We were only 5 then. The next year 20 more were added. Then another 15 for the succeeding year until we become this big.

AFCI and the Oberman Foundation is now harvesting the fruits of its charity and kindness. It has now produced its third batch of graduates. Let us clap for AFCI and the Oberman Foundation, the person behind it, and of course to those scholars who have successfully graduated from in their chosen field.

On behalf of the scholars, I thank AFCI and the Oberman Founadtion for the rare opportunity to pursue our dreams. We are hoping that the advocacy of the organization continues so that it could help more underprivileged but determined students to make their dreams come true, just like mine.

As for me, I am now a licensed teacher. I am currently teaching at Casay Elementary School as a Grade I teacher. I will be a year in service this coming July. Many said that I am lucky to have the post at an early age and with just one try, but if you will ask me, I will tell you that am not lucky but blessed.

I am blessed because though I encounter challenges I still able to surpass them all. I am blessed because I can feel God's guidance and love for me through people and events in my life. Everything has made me what I am today.

Now, I no longer feel incapable and a burden. I can now help my family financially, especially that my two siblings are both in college. Though somehow, I have only a meager income, at least with my salary I am able to help my siblings and that is my primary goal at this moment.

Regarding my first teaching experience as a public school teacher, I believe I have done my chosen vocation well. I have 41 pupils and most of them can now read and understand the text they are reading.

Teaching is really difficult and energy draining, especially with me that I am dealing with Grade I. Sometimes they are naughty and you can not control their behavior. But though it is difficult, I know it is worth it. I can make a difference, a miracle in my pupils' lives just the way AFCI and Oberman Foundation did into my life.

To our benefactor, Sir Jim and Ma'am Jane Oberman, to Sir Tony and Ma'am Irene Haw, to Sir Estrada, to our guests, to the faculty of Casiguran Technical Vocational School, fellow scholars- a pleasant morning to everyone.