"Success is not final, Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
-Winston Churchill
Looking back, I realized how much things have changed from four years ago. I was a lonely girl with a hazy future. Three years ago, I entered La Salle with a beaming heart and an innocent fear. Now, I will leave the same institution with a grateful heart and a Bachelor's Degree. This wouldn't be possible without God, who has continuously granted me what is just for me. He has given me strength to surpass all the challenges and has given me hope that things will fall into place. And it did! Thank you, God. Thank you!! Thank you!!
I would like to thank my parents for being there to support me and reprimand me in times it was deemed necessary. I still didn't turn out that bad, did I? Thank you to my family and relatives who were there to help me through and has believed in me all the way. Even if I have given you so much reasons to doubt that I can finish this, you still had faith in me. Ate Lovely, Kuya Larky, Kuya Mark, Ate Lady, Angkong, Tita Tnaj, Ninong George and all my aunts and uncles and cousins. To my Ama, Tita Baby, Lolo Dingding and Lola Naring I hope you're all proud there in heaven.
To my bestfriend, Jayzelle Lim, who despite the distance, never ever let me feel that I am alone, thank you! You were always there to make sure that I felt secured. Forever kakampi!
To my friends from way back in HS, thank you so much for keeping in touch and for being there for emergency meet-ups and accidental overnights just because. Especially the three of the "solid four" - Jenine Tan, Eda Chua and Alvin Sy. My mother-dear, Inay Anne Kristina Yiu, thank you. To my guy best friend, Noel Chua, thank you for all the truth you made me see. To my ninang Jelly Ong, my tol - Myka Ang and Kristel Almaden, Victoria Tomas, Joseph Ang, Kristine Borero and Jhoanna Ong. thank you all for the random advices, conversations and love. Thank you for reminding me that real friends are there to stay. My other friends, Antoinette Ysrael, Ahia Oliver Lim, Christian Sualog and other friends I have met.
To my college partner-in-crime, Hniah Javelosa, who has made my college life completely insane and hilarious, thank you. My first-friend-ever-in-Lasalle, Kaye Garcia, my college English blockmate-friends- Meg Tiffany Go, Aron Sotelo, Jan Ralph Nunez, Eugenie Tiu, Tenny Mendoza, Precious Cruz and of course, Mel Samarita! My korean friends - Eva Yang, Sunny Min, Paris Lee, Bianca Kim, Jisoo Kwon, Sophie Kwon and the rest of the boys and girls. I wouldn't forget the ever loving thesis partner, Kristine Joseph. And to all my DLSU friends from all over the campus. You guys are all awesome!
Of course to my thesis mentor and good friend, Sir Ariane Macalinga Borlongan, who became a PhD even before he turned 24 (if I'm not mistaken), thank you for the inspiration to go for the things we really want and seek greater knowledge. Thank you of course for the trips to churches. I am indeed blessed.
My other professors who have made an impact in my life - Ms. Gina Ugalingan, Dr. Shirley Dita, Dr. Tina Parina, Dr. Joahna Mante, Mr. Victor Gojocco, Ms. Ivy Alejandro, Dr. Leah Gustilo, Ms. Pauline Castillo, Dr. Gerald Abergos, Mr. Kevin Navea, Dr. Marianne Gaerlan, Ms. Neslie Tan and Dr. Sterling Plata. You all made my college life meaningful. Also, to my HS teachers, who have helped me see the greatness in me - Mr. Rodel Fajardo, Ms. Babylyn Bautista, Ms. Precy Abriam, Mr. Marvin Sumalbag, Ms. Rhaych Manzon and Ms. Janice Vistan.
To the Goddess of Literary Criticisms and all of Literature (for me), Ms. Antonette Talaue-Arogo, thank you for inspiring me and challenging me. You are my idol in terms of Literature! :)
Thank you to my one and only Robinson, who gave me so much inspiration. Thank you for the constant understanding and support that you've unconditionally given. For the wonderful moments and babies. Thank you for making me see that life is worth it. It will all be well, bhie, in God's perfect time.
Thank you to all those who are genuinely happy that I have achieved this. I cannot thank you enough for the faith, support and prayers.
The title is a reminder that things are not permanently damned, there's always a way, and if there's none, then make one. I hope I have become an inspiration to all especially to teenage mothers out there. There is light after a dark night. Make your dreams happen. Cheers!
