From Dream to Reality

Mai Zamora - Posted on September 24, 2010

Florie May had to postpone her plans of continuing her studies through college, in order to help her family with more basic needs. Thankfully that postponement was a short one, because her World Vision sponsor surprised her with a gift that allowed her to go to college.

Florie May, 17, hails from a poor community in Maghirupay. Her father farms and her mother is a vegetable vendor. Her family’s total monthly income of 2,500 pesos ($54) is hardly enough for their daily needs.

Although Florie May had expressed her desire to finish school, she was well aware her parents could not afford her tuition. “It is painful seeing my kids out of school, but I cannot do anything. We cannot afford tuition,” Florie May’s mother, Marivic, 46, says.

Florie May decided to find work as a maid in a neighboring province, to help put food on her family’s table, and to save for her own tuition. Florie May babysits a 1-year-old child and does housekeeping for her employers. “Working as a maid is very difficult. Whenever I am about to sleep, I always cry, imagining I’m in school,” she shares. In her prayers she would always pray that she would be able to return to school.

After just a week, God answered her prayer. “My mother called and informed me of the good news. My sponsor gifted me with [the] funds [to] pursue my education. I was so happy to hear I can able to make my dream come true,” says Florie May.

Florie May is now in her first year of college taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management. “I am so grateful to my sponsor, daddy Larry Goemaat, whom I consider my angel. He allowed me to pursue my dream for myself and for my family,” shares Florie May.

In gratitude, Florie May is determined to finish school and help her family climb out from poverty. She imagines someday being able to express just how thankful she is to him. “I want to let him know how grateful I am. My sponsor helped me look forward for a brighter tomorrow,” she adds.

Back to Top