A mother and a dreamer

I am a mother of five—four boys and one girl. They say you only truly understand the love and sacrifices of your parents once you become one yourself. Now, as I walk this path of motherhood, I finally realize the depth of my own parents’ sacrifices and the strength it took to raise me into the person I am today.

Balancing the roles of a mother and a professional is not easy—it’s a life of constant movement and boundless responsibilities. I wake up at 4:00 AM each day to begin my first job: being a mother. I cook meals for my family, prepare my children for school, and by 7:30 AM, I report to work to serve my other children—my students.

After a full day at the college, I return home to continue my duties as a mother. I sleep late, often running on just a few hours of rest. But I embrace this routine. I love what I do—because I am not only a mother. I am a dreamer.

I dream of providing a better life for my children. I dream of molding students into future leaders guided by the core values of Sulu State College: Solidarity, Professionalism, Integrity, Commitment, and Excellence (SPICE).

Yet, I am human. I get tired. I have moments when I want to give up.

At times, I hear painful words—people saying I’m useless, that I should stop pursuing further education. But I hold onto my belief: this is who I am. I am an educator, and I will never stop seeking knowledge.

I continue learning through every opportunity—online, through social media, and by engaging with communities beyond my own. I believe that education today is no longer confined by borders. It is global.

Alhamdulillah, I did not give up.

Because of perseverance, I have seen small victories. My children are growing with strong values. My students are learning, and slowly, my efforts are being recognized by institutions that see the impact I make in my community.

To every mother, every dreamer, and every educator who feels unseen—know that your struggles have meaning. Keep moving forward. You are shaping lives, one day at a time.