Since she started in Hungry Minds, Beth (not her real name) has always been at the top of her class. In fifth grade, she started taking lessons for sixth grade Math. She consistently ranked number 1 every quarter since Grade 4 until now that she is in Grade 6. However, Teacher Lia (not her real name) noticed that lately Beth's projects were being turned in late. Her scores in Science were also unusually low.
When Teacher Lia asked about this, Beth said that she was tired. Life was just too difficult. Her family has had no electricity for six months. Her father is unemployed and her mother works in her aunt's store from 5:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening. Beth studies using a gas lamp every night, but lately she just felt tired and hopeless. She was also ashamed that in the area where she lives and in Grade 6, her family was the only one with no electricity at home.
Teacher Lia assured Beth that she is not alone. Teacher grew up in the province and in their barangay their family was the only one without electricity, too. Until she was in high school, she used a gas lamp to study every night. She was the eldest sister, so she had to take care of her younger siblings. She worked in the fields to help her family earn money. Yet, Teacher Lia graduated Class Valedictorian in Elementary. She also managed to finish College under a scholarship. She now lives comfortably with her husband and children who attend private schools.
Indeed, Beth is not alone. There are many families with children who suffer from shame and sadness because of poverty. Yet, Teacher Lia showed Beth that despite her family's hardship, there is still reason to hope. Maybe this is why I saw both of them smiling this morning.
When Teacher Lia asked about this, Beth said that she was tired. Life was just too difficult. Her family has had no electricity for six months. Her father is unemployed and her mother works in her aunt's store from 5:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening. Beth studies using a gas lamp every night, but lately she just felt tired and hopeless. She was also ashamed that in the area where she lives and in Grade 6, her family was the only one with no electricity at home.
Teacher Lia assured Beth that she is not alone. Teacher grew up in the province and in their barangay their family was the only one without electricity, too. Until she was in high school, she used a gas lamp to study every night. She was the eldest sister, so she had to take care of her younger siblings. She worked in the fields to help her family earn money. Yet, Teacher Lia graduated Class Valedictorian in Elementary. She also managed to finish College under a scholarship. She now lives comfortably with her husband and children who attend private schools.
Indeed, Beth is not alone. There are many families with children who suffer from shame and sadness because of poverty. Yet, Teacher Lia showed Beth that despite her family's hardship, there is still reason to hope. Maybe this is why I saw both of them smiling this morning.
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