Adversity is the mother of greatness

I found this inspiring line from a post on Facebook by a Thai business tycoon named Chatri Sityodtong about his challenges in studying MBA, at Harvard. After reading his post, it made me take a walk down memory lane to my early years of studying in college. His experiences are also relatable to my own set of challenges, particularly, on the financial aspect. As an academic scholar since Grade 1, I had the privilege to study in private Catholic schools without worrying about the tuition and enrolment fees. However, in college, the situation had become tougher, since my other siblings were also studying and my father’s meager income could not meet all our basic needs. The other necessary school expenses like books and projects required by my professors, for example, intensified my challenges as a student. I remember, I could barely afford even photocopies of our reading materials and sometimes I would borrow others’ copies or worse, borrow some funds from my classmates just to get by the requirements of the subject.

Despite the challenges, there are 3 remarkable aspects in the University that I considered my fortress.

• First, the University Library (which was then the biggest library in the city) which seemed to be like a girlfriend with whom I spent most of my free time with. Also, I considered it the safest place to avoid peer pressure. It became my hiding place to get rid of extra expenses which is beyond my daily allowance. I remember, during an activity period, one of my classmates who’s borrowing a book noticed me in the Filipiñana section and exclaimed: “What in the world are you doing in this quiet and boring place?” I just politely answered: “I am just preparing for my next class (which is actually still in the next 3 hours).”
• Second, my friends are also instrumental in finishing my studies. As a freshman, I was afraid of being alienated because of the perception that most of the students in the University are coming from prominent families and are difficult to befriend. At first, I was ashamed to admit of my poverty, but as time progressed, my friends really accepted me for who I am and understood my situation. I can vividly recall that there were some of them who offered to use their personal resources like computers and printers at home to ease the burden of spending money in internet cafes for group work.
• Third, spending time in prayer and quiet times in the University chapel had given me the spiritual nourishment to pursue the day-to-day challenges and formed a mindset that, “This too shall pass.” Life in college is not a walk in the park. There are times that I felt alone and did not know what to do especially when dealing with personal problems, extremely difficult subjects, and failures. (Bonus: this was also where I met my wife)

I prayed earnestly every day with a deep request to God to simply help me finish my studies on time, get a decent job, and help my family. He gave it and more; He has given me a personal and professional life beyond what I could imagine. It was already more than 20 years ago that I earnestly prayed for a decent job. Instead, He opened a floodgate of opportunities to impart and propagate my knowledge, uphold social charity, and inspire young minds. I yearned for ways on how to deal with the world, and He inspired me to take my lifetime vocation.

As I dwelled on my milestones and accomplishments, I realized how generous and faithful Christ is. Despite my lowliness and sinfulness, He continues to surprise me in many ways. I may have profound knowledge about Him, but I still cannot fully understand Him. It is like the other criminal in the gospel who merely wished to be remembered in Christ’s kingdom but received beyond what was asked – “today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Francis Manayan)