I can never be more grateful, having been brought up in such a generous and attentive family. I may not be the most expressive and cheerful daughter at times but I do try to make myself presentable even within the household. I want to be up to par, I want people to greet me just to say that I have the best of my parents’ traits in me. Because of that, through the years I’ve grown to put my father as a standard for almost every aspect in my life; knowledge, character, meticulosity, faith, generosity, and humbleness. Thus, I hope someday I will be able to surpass him and repay my debts to both of my parents. 

Though none of my family members has ever been demanding to me about school, they’ve always been very demanding about values. Ethics, character, discipline. The 3 things that will get you through life, they said. And it’s true. Because I undergo the same flood of guilt for not practicing table manners in front of my grandparents, for forgetting to pay respect to people older than me, and for each ethical or disciplinary mistake I made, on purpose or not. The drilling started from when I was a toddler, and it still goes on every day. Though as a growing kid I sometimes got annoyed at all the limitations, I can’t deny that it’s just like going to a permanent bootcamp. With electronic communication devices. And delicious, healthy, home-cooked meals three times a day. Not to mention constant attention. 

So for every single thing I dream of achieving, every single thing I gain through the love of my family, I pray for them to be blessed with happiness, health, and a peace of mind. It’s been 17 years. And I can’t wait to repay life for their presence.