A Strong and Independent Woman

My name is Jara Patricia B. Isidro. I was born on the 6th day of December, 1996. And now, I am 21 years old. I am in my
second semester of my senior year in Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. I would like to tell you a little bit about my background, interests, achievements and my goals.

I am the eldest of two children in a broken family. My mom and dad got separated when I was seven years old. Remembering those memories of being in a complete family made me feel nostalgic. I was used to be away with my dad since I was a child because he worked abroad but we're kept in touch through telephone call. Although they are separated, I am still in touch with my parents through video calls and still our relationship maintains despite the situation. I cannot blame them because I know all things work together for good.

I was born in a municipality called Buug. Buug is located in the central Zamboanga Peninsula, on the island of Mindanao. It is the third class municipality in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and is known as the "Christmas Capital of Zamboanga Sibugay". I spent my first sixteen years of life in this municipality before moving to Iligan to pursue my tertiary education.

College life is not easy. Being away from your comfort zone and family was my biggest struggle upon entering college. Making own decisions, budgeting money, eating instant food from cafeteria or fast food chains and studying overnight just pass the major exams are some of the struggles I have been through throughout my college years. However, I am not the kind of person who allow things or circumstance to defeat me. I saved one-third of my allowance and looked for a sideline like tutoring high school students to earn extra money. Working while studying is hard because it is about time management and that's my weakness. But thank the Lord, I survived. It is not just a job for me because I enjoy doing it. I have already built a relationship with my "tutee". Though there may be a lot of struggles we encounter, do not give up. Rise up and slay them!

I am in the peak of my college life. Looking back, there a lot of struggles but there are more of unforgettable and worth-keeping enjoyment and experiences I have encountered. I enjoyed playing badminton, learning Chinese, reading medical books, meeting new friends and studying the Bible together with those who call upon His name. Though I am away from home and family, I also have my extended family here. Though we are not related by blood, but we are family by heart.

To sum up my college life, what I have learned is the independence. I was dependent back then but being in a place where you do not know anybody else at first forces you to stand in order to survive. But I was not alone because I have God who strengthens me that I can do all these things. Through my experiences, I became a strong and independent woman.