From Grief to Graduation: Cy’s Journey to Becoming a Teacher

Cy grew up with a father who always believed she would become a teacher one day. At the time, she couldn’t picture it for herself. Her family eventually relocated from Manila to Balayan, where her mother enrolled her at BECS to continue her studies.

In Year 4 (Grade 4), Cy was placed in the fifth section—but she worked hard and rose to become the second top student in her class. The following year, she advanced to Section 2 and emerged as the class’s top student. She felt inspired, focused, and determined to follow her dreams.

Then, on 26 December, the day after Christmas, her world shattered. Cy’s father was killed—by his own best friend. The clear path she had once seen for her future suddenly vanished, replaced by grief, pain, and uncertainty. She described it as a road full of broken glass, bricks, and nails.

As the eldest child, Cy had no choice but to stay strong. Her books and notebooks became her only companions as she poured her heartbreak into writing. She graduated from primary school on time, her mother proudly receiving the diploma that should have been in her father’s hands.

Secondary school brought its own battles. Cy lost her passion, creativity, and hope. Her mother had to work far away to provide for the family, leaving Cy to care for her siblings. She became both sister and parent—cooking, cleaning, and making sure her younger siblings were fed before returning to her own studies.

By the time she reached Year 10 (Third Year), Cy was exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She was on the verge of dropping out. But one teacher refused to let her go. Her classmates came to her house to encourage her to stay. Eventually, she returned—but only in body. Her heart wasn’t in it.

Then something unexpected happened.

One of her teachers introduced her to a school feeding programme. It meant she could stay in school during lunch, rather than rushing home to cook. One day during the programme, a man Cy had never seen before came and spoke to her. He asked if he could visit her home and understand her life beyond her smile.

That man was Ian—and that day marked a turning point in her life.

She welcomed him into her home, and unknowingly, into her future. She had planned not to attend college, believing she needed to start working to support her family. But at her graduation, a tarpaulin banner changed everything: “Cy has been granted a scholarship by Ten Foundations, Ireland.”

Tears filled her eyes. She never imagined that the quiet man she welcomed into her home would open the door to her college education.

Four years later, Cy graduated with a degree in Secondary Education. She is now a qualified teacher—a dream once believed impossible.

Cy credits her strength to her family, her teachers, and above all, Ten Foundations and Ian.

“You didn’t just change my life—you changed my family’s life. I have no words. Just endless gratitude.”