Gifts from God

There has been only one thing to keep me motivated: My faith in God.

I managed to graduate from elementary and high school, but when I was told by my father that he and my mother could not send me to college, I almost lost hope. I cried a lot as I tried to understand our situation. My parents did not have stable jobs. But I promised myself that I would finish a teaching course. Being poor should never be a hindrance to success.

Being a teacher is really what I wanted. I tried to find ways to pursue the course. I applied as student assistant at La Consolacion University Philippines (formerly University of Regina Carmeli), and I was accepted. But I was told by the chief librarian that I should take a library science course. I was a bit disappointed because I did not want to be a librarian; I wanted to be a teacher.

After much thought, I accepted the idea of taking up library science. I thought it was much better than stopping studying.

When it came time to start working at the library, I thought: It’s kind of a boring job. But in time I enjoyed meeting other students, and I enjoyed serving library users. I enjoyed being in the library, I enjoyed reading a lot of inspirational books. My librarian-mentors also gave me motivation: They told me that librarians are in demand and that I can easily find a job.

At that time, I was working 29 hours a week as a student library assistant. I was at work every morning and taking classes every afternoon until evening. Sometimes I could not go to school because I didn’t have a centavo in my pocket. I collapsed once because I had not been eating lunch.

So many challenges happened, but I believe that God truly had plans for me. After five years of my colorful journey through college, I finally graduated in March 2008. I started sending out my resumé even before graduation, and I had my first professional job in June.

I took the licensure exam for librarians in November. I was so nervous; it was only my faith in God that held me together. When the exam results were released, I saw my name on the list. I cried and said, “Thank you, Lord!” It was truly a gift from God. It may not be what I dreamed of when I was young, but it’s God-given and I should be thankful.

I managed to complete my master’s degree while working as college librarian. Last March, after seven years, I took the chance at another licensure exam, this time for teachers. Yes, for teachers: It was what I really wanted and kept praying to God for when I was young. Again I was so nervous, and was propped up only by my faith in God. And I am truly blessed, for when the exam results were released, I again found my name on the list.

I said, “Thank you, Lord, for another blessing!”

At first I thought my prayers would not be answered. But the truth is that I have been given more than what I asked for.

Rizza D. Bicaldo, 28, is employed as a librarian in the city government of Meycauayan in Bulacan.