And I write back...

Ayi's mother was in school today, so I was able to send her my response.

July 2, 2009

Dear Ayi,

It was such a treat to receive your letter. :) Thank you very much!!! I admire your courage in facing these challenges in life. I can only imagine how difficult it is to start out in a new school. Yet, you have done such a great job so far! I hope you keep up the enthusiasm and zest for learning. Remember that even if there are many obstacles, we are behind you and cheering you on. I know you will go a long way with the kind of attitude that you have. You make me so proud to be part of your life.

All the best,

Teacher Candy

A Letter from Ayi

One of the best things that could spell utter joy to a teacher is when a student comes back and tells how much difference you have made in her life. Today I am blessed with such joy because of a letter from one of the scholars of Food for Hungry Minds in its High School Program. Ayi graduated Elementary in Food for Hungry Minds School - Makati last March. She is in now in first year high school in Philippine Normal University Laboratory High School. Here's her letter.

Dear Teacher Candice,

How are you? I hope you're doing good. I am happy now with my new school. During my first day, I felt miserable. It was horrible and was such a disaster because it was so different from my old school. All the things I saw were new - new classmates, new teachers, new environment, and new faces, but I was determined to make friends and at the same time excel in my studies. On my second day, I could already breathe well because I already made new friends. My first quiz in Math was great because I was the only one who got a perfect score. In our first quiz in Science, I got 14 out of 15. I also joined the Math Club.

I realized that I have a big advantage in my subjects because our lessons here were tackled in Food for Hungry Minds School. I also realized that we had everything in Hungry Minds - crayons, markers, and dictionaries. I promise you that I will not waste this opportunity that you have given me. This is my stepping stone for success. I would also like to thank Teacher Amie and Teacher Olive who have been my inspiration in my studies. They taught me that I may not have money, but I have knowledge.

Thank you and God bless you!

Ayi

FHMS Class of 2009

1st Year, PNU Lab High School

Photo Credits:

Smiley Buttons - http://designflute.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/radioactive-happiness-face.gif

Happiness Quote - http://themadgrad.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/happiness-jpg.jpeg