To stop going to school is laziness for some. But for Alleah, everything that bounds to
happen has its reason.

After graduating senior high school, Alleah S. Orbino decided to not enter college
yet. As ridiculous as it may seem, she is determined to set aside the school
first.

At 18, which is still a young age, she has the mindset of an adult already. Because of
the hardships in life that she encountered, she wanted to work and earn money
as early as she can.

As opposed by her family, she has already decided. She left her family in the
province of Aklan and dared to face life in the city of Manila.

Dream Bigger, Aim Higher

From Buenavista, Ibajay, Alleah is the middle child in the family. She pursues her
study until she finished Senior High School. She said that she already decided
to not enter the next step of school before she even finished the school year.

Alleah's family doesn't belong to a rich family, as well in poor one. They are just in
between. They can afford to eat three times a day, and sustain their everyday
needs. Their life is simple.

According to her, while she was still going to school, she thought of quitting.

"Sa sobrang layo ng paaralan sa bahay namin, ilang beses ko na ring naisipang
tumigil nalang. Sa araw-araw na paglalakad, sa konting baon na pera, at hindi
rin naman ako kagalingan pagdating sa eskwelahan. Naiisip ko na sayang lang ang
araw-araw na pagpasok ko."

("Since the school is so far from our house, I have thought of quitting several times.
Walking every day, with little pocket money, and my performance in school isn't
that good. I think that every day I go in is a waste," Alleah said.)

Similar to everyone, Alleah encountered many difficulties in life. At such a young age,
she faced the reality already.

“Pero para sa mga magulang ko, sa pamilya ko, kahit ito lang muna tatapusin ko."

("But for my parents, my family, I will finish even this first," she said.)

With the motivation and inspiration, she had, she finished her Senior High School
years.

Many would think that entering college will be next. However, Alleah wants something
else. She said she plans to seek a job that she can do first, before that.

She is now working as a housekeeper in an apartment somewhere in Manila.

Alleah couldn't deny the fact that she sometimes feels envious of her batchmates
entering different universities and having fun with their new circle of
friends.

But Alleah stayed selfless. She forced herself not to be bothered by such a thing.
All she could think of is her family.

After just how many months passed, and every month of sending money, Alleah and her
family has their own house, concrete, and well-built family house.

Planning of Future

After slowly achieving her goals for her family, Alleah has now a plan to spend time
for herself.

"Ngayong nakaipon na ako kahit paano, siguro tama lang na tapusin ko na talaga ang
pag-aaral ko para sa mas mabuting kinabukasan.”

("Now that I've saved up somehow, maybe it's right that I finish my studies for a
better future.")

Alleah had the plan to enter a public university and will take Business Administration
as her long-time dream.

She is now ready to enter another journey of her life that will give her other
challenges and experiences, she said.

Alleah wants to be more educated.

Lesson to Remember

"Ang paaralan, nandiyan lang yan palagi. Hindi yan tatakbo, hindi yan mawawala. Ang
mahalaga lamang may plano ka talaga."

("Theschool, it's always there. It won't run, it won't disappear. The only important
thing is that you have a plan.")

This is the message that Alleah wants everyone to know.

She hopes that everyone would not be pressured by their peers, by opinions of other
people, and especially by the time.

"Schools are for everyone and you can enter that place anytime you're ready. When you
have the courage, determination, and inspiration, you can achieve everything
you want," she said.

Alleah said that she wants herself to be the proof that is never too late for
everything. You can pursue other things while waiting for the right time to
continue others.

"Everyone has their purpose, and to dream big is never too late,” Alleah highlighted.