SARAH M. PALENQUEZ,
Graduated on Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing in
Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Batch 2015.

Looking back, I can firmly say that it was a great opportunity to be chosen as one of the beneficiary of the Kapatid Kita Mahal Kita foundation. I was just one of those underprivileged who yearns to finish studies, and be able to help their own families. And that aspirations was made possible through the help of those people that contribute to this foundation.

Since grade school to college, they help me sustains my needs, from daily allowances to any basic need in going to school, such as my uniforms, school supplies and shoes. Even for the best part of the year, we receive a generous supply of grocery basket every Christmas.

All the circumstances becomes bearable from us, knowing the fact that we almost got nothing in life before. I was raised by a single mom and I five siblings too, and this simple help made huge difference in improving the stability of our life. In 2015, I was able to finish my studies, and since then I started working as an accounting assistant. Right now I was able to provide the things we lack. I can now treat my family for a dinner in a fancy restaurant and even travel outside the town.

Who would have know that those simple acts of kindness from a students and their families can change our life and bring us out from poverty? We don’t have much now but a least we can now afford to have a decent home and food on our table. All the help I have received from them were all reciprocated from helping my family as well and owe it from them.

I hope there were more people that should join hands in supporting foundations like Kapatid Kita Mahal Kita. Their impact goes beyond financial assistance; they are catalysts for dreams, breaking the cycle of poverty for countless individuals. These acts of kindness exemplify the strength of human connection and the positive change it can bring.

As I reflect on my journey, I am not only grateful for the opportunities provided but also inspired to pay it forward. The sense of responsibility instilled in me motivates me to contribute to the community and help others facing similar challenges. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage more individuals to extend a helping hand, no matter how small, to those in need.

The transformation from a struggling student to a professional with the ability to support my family underscores the transformative potential of education and support systems. It emphasizes the importance of creating a society where everyone has access to the resources needed to thrive. Every person empowered through such foundations becomes a beacon of hope, proving that change is possible, one life at a time.