With All I Am (By Hillsong)

TOPS award essay

This is my Essay entry for an award. Corrections and comments for improvement are beneficial.

Poverty is nothing.

“I can do all things, through God who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13

In this contemporary world, where financial resources cause almost everything to be in motion, poverty is a serious problem to deal with. And it is hard to accept the fact that the innocent children are the one who are affected too much. If you are poor, your education seems to be endangered. When you are poor, your future is not secured.

As a typical student, I have experienced a lot of difficulties in life. Being a farmer, my father plants vegetables in a vacant lot [which we don’t owned but were allowed to use] and my mother sells them. Our weekly income of more or less P700.00 is not enough to feed seven persons and to finance four of them which are studying. There are instances that we cannot pay the miscellaneous fees for our money is only enough for personal necessities, but sometimes, it is not even enough. We cannot also avail the required projects and educational tours. But, should I stop studying and pursuing for my dreams?

My parents installed these words in my heart since I was a child; “we’re unfortunate to finish our studies and as a result this is our life right now. Finish yours. Do better than what we did.” These words have set my goal- whatever happens, I must finish my studies. I applied to various scholarship programs. To save money, I walk kilometers to get to school every day. And in order to earn additional income, I offer tutorial service after school and summer class during vacation season. I also sell E-loads to my teachers and friends. Sometimes I felt shyness and pity for myself, but I never stop dreaming. I have my goals.

Being a working student, my common problem is time. I always run out of time in working and studying. Every day, before the sun shines I have to get out of my bed and start with my school assignment since I can’t accomplish my obligations as a “student” and as a “teacher” (to my tutorials class). At the start was a big adjustment in my part to cope up the situation since my grades are affected. However, this problem was minimized through time management and disciplined I didn’t waste time. Because of my situation, I learned to consume and manage time and its importance in order to accomplish all the works supposed to do each day.

I have my goals. Goals that motivate me to keep going through. Moreover, I have a supportive parents and a loving family. We may not be financially stable but we are equipped by love, understanding and support.

Nothing is impossible in this vast world. Even if there are problems that would come in our way, with God and with my family, I can still be them and be successful. Like the many people who were once poor, and now the elite people, I will prove that nothing is impossible even to the poor people. Let us always be reminded that poverty will never become a hindrance to success, if we want it to. If we want progress, strive for more. Don’t settle for good; go for the better and if possible, for the best. After all, our future is still in our hands. Take risks. Beat the odds! Be spiritually complete. Balance everything.

Everything has a purpose. Everything is according to His plans. I am now a graduating student and I have no regrets. I am blessed for the gift of character which is the best armor rather than the world riches. I will always succeed with God. Through His wonderful plans, I became stronger. Through His guidance, I made a lot of difference. Through His strength, I made all things possible and I will always will.