Education, Wealth

I had just received an invitation from a friend who is a google group owner. The group was formed to bring together the 1977-1981 old boys and gals of a school I have attended before. I joined the group for the old time sake. As I was doing it, it brought back the memories of those years.

It was a boarding school we attended, just completed its construction and the surrounding was pretty much covered with clay and mud. Back in those days, there was still ragging going around.

I worked hard to enter the school which was much dreamt by my parents and me. I thought and I told my mom when I was a kid, if I were to choose between being educated and being rich, I would choose to be educated. We were walking home together that day from a relative's house. We could see the school building as we walk and as we spoke.

It came true. I am not rich, but I do a lot of social work, helping kids from all races in their education. I earn a little out of it. I never regret.

My school-mates were mostly from rich families. Their parents would come and visit them by car. My dad was the only person riding a bicycle. I was not embarassed instead it became fuel. It helped propelled me to study, work and play harder. I achieved to an extent.

My friends, they took things a lot easier. They knew after school, they still had their parents wealth to back them up. As for me, I have to earn and build everything on my own. Not a single sen from my parents. Afterall, they were so poor.

I wouldn't cry. This is as far as I can go, yet I continue striving on for my kids and their success in education.

If only my dad kept his land away from my uncles, I would have something to start that business I have in mind right now. But, too bad. He gave it all away. He vowed, saying that education is all I got for you guys. That's the only wealth I got for you all. Well, thanks dad. You've been right. I never got over it.

Well, my friends wanted to get together. I would join them for sure. But there is a marked difference between them and me. Some of them can drive BMWs without having to work. I am okay with that but to some extent, being the one in my position, makes me feel somewhat inferior.

All my dad left me was 'education' that I have to look for, and fight for, up to this day in my life. I would spare some money for my kids though.