By Carlo Alfonso Sales
“Just the expressions of gratitude on people’s faces for making their lives a little easier make it all worth it.”
“I had to juggle different jobs to send myself to school. With some financial assistance, I got a motorcycle, and decided to become a rider last year. There are hardly any door-to-door services in our province especially out of the city, so I get to do favors for all kinds of people—officemates craving for Jollibee, students who forgot their IDs, balikbayans who want to get picked up at the airport at 5:00 AM. Maybe the biggest, but also best challenge was when I had to deliver an actual e-bike with three wheels, which I had expected to only be a regular bike. I couldn’t refuse when I got there, so I had to be resourceful: I towed it to my motorcycle with some rope, and I got the job done. It’s hard sometimes, and ironic when I ride on an empty stomach and smell the chicken joy I have to deliver. I also had to take a leave from work and school a few months ago, because I was hospitalized and had to undergo a CT scan. But I’m grateful. It warms my heart when people let me know they trust and appreciate my services. The distances I cross allow people or things to be where they need to be, and sometimes this makes all the difference in a person’s day. In the same way, every “Kuya, pa-deliver” or “pasuyo” means I get through another day, closer to graduation. You see, I’m in my third year now studying Information Systems, and I’m proud to be a consistent academic awardee or Dean’s Lister. At 23, I’m excited for the future, but also feel blessed for all the opportunities God has given me. Just the expressions of gratitude on people’s faces for making their lives a little easier make it all worth it.”
THE BARRISTER 