Negros Beat

store. But one day, her high school teachers called her up and asked her to apply for the town’s scholarship. What a fate, Leah was admitted!

In college, she still continued to struggle financially. But being madiskarte, she survived the numerous odds.

Now, she’s proud to say that with her monthly salary, she was able to build a house for her family, bought a rice farm and a carabao for her two siblings.

Asked of one thing that symbolizes her personal success, Leah’s simple reply: cake!

Why?

Since she was a little girl, she never saw and tasted cake during her birthdays or other special occasions. But now that she’s earning, “I can even buy a whole cake.”

Yes, my heart “melted”. Relatable, especially for those who have similar status in life!

Moreover, what made me admire Leah was when she said, “Indi ako maluho!” She prudently spends her monthly income to what are just necessary. And three years from now, Leah is planning to retire. She wants to put up a mini- grocery mart in their town.

‘BREAK FREE’

L e a h’ s c a s e i s t r u l y inspirational. Growing up in a poor family is more than a challenge. But being a person with disability (PWD) due to dwarfism is quite nastiest. But she never allowed to be “dwarfed” by reality. Instead, it motivated her to “break free” from a judgmental society.

In fact, she never minded the stigma related to her physical condition. She just armed herself with constant prayer s.

“God answered them one by one,” she said.

She said relatives doubted if she could land a job. “But I just ignored them.”

“What I’ve basically learned from NOLITC is to have patience all the times,” said Leah. “I can’t feel being discriminated in where I am now. The company really treats me an equal with others.”

‘TRICKY JOURNEY’

Leah’s story is extraordinary. “Lessons” from it are truly valuable.

Leah never succumbed to any pressure. Rather, she fought everything with all her “might”, proving to all that she’s no ordinary being.

She may not be gifted with height, but she’s blessed with wisdom to use as her “bow and arrow” in fighting life’s horrid challenges./