Heroes behind Terite’s success

It was refreshing to read Alyannah Terite’s success story (“CCT beneficiary to study civil engineering in UP,” Front Page,  4/10/15). She did not let her circumstances clip her wings. Her parents are barbecue vendors with a daily income of P300-P500. Despite the financial constraints, she graduated from the Pasay City Science High School as the class valedictorian, and now she finds herself poised to pursue her dream of being a civil engineering student at the University of the Philippines.
It is inspiring to see the spirit, drive and perseverance that bolstered Terite to overcome the challenges brought about by her family’s limited financial resources. However, the success that Terite reaped is the product not only of her own hard work but also of the support and sacrifice of her loving parents. So congratulations are in order for her parents as well, the unsung heroes of this moving narrative. Terite’s story demonstrates that what makes families strong, effective and successful is not the abundance of material resources but rather, the bounty of spirit, character and virtue.—STEPHANIE C. OLIVARES, [email protected]