CONFRONTING COURAGE (an original story by @tegoshei)

Life is tough. I have been trying to get on with it even at such a young age. Call me Anne. That's what m late father and mother named me. I've been an orphan at the age of seven, but luckily, I have my grandma who took care of me all these years.

For the past ten year, I've been living with grandma. To be honest, the situation isn't very good at the moment. Grandma is too old to work and she's not as healthy as before.

When I graduated from elementary school at the age of 12, I wanted to stop going to school in order to help grandma. She sew rags, floor mats and the like then sell it in the market. However that time, she hurt her back badly so she couldn't work as much as before. It was really difficult because that was our only source of income. It's the only thing we have to survive.

Despite that, she didn't want me to stop going to school. She wanted me to continue my studies because it's the only thing she can leave me with.

My grandma really inspired me in life. She taught me that life itself might be our biggest enemy, but we should hold on to it. Life is wonderful despite the trials, she said.

Having that in mind, I strived really hard at school. There were times when I don't even have enough money for fare and food, but I have my feet. I could walk to and from school. Also, I'm lucky to have great friends who shares their food with me. And in return, I help them review our lesson.

I can vividly remember the day I passed the middle school entrance exam...

"Grandma! I got the highest mark for the entrance exam at E. Middle school and since I graduated as the valedictorian in elementary, they granted me with an academic scholarship!"

"Is that so?" Grandma was teary-eyed, "Congratulations! I'm sure your parents are also very proud of you."

"Thanks a lot, grandma! I'll study hard to keep the scholarship and in the afternoon after school, I'll help you with sewing. Also on weekends, I'll help you sell them in the market."

"Just focus on your studies, Anne. Let me handle this."

"Don't worry grandma. My studies is still my first priority but I don't want to burden you any more than this, so please let me help!"

Finally, grandma allowed me to help her, but only on weekends. She still worked on weekdays and even though she worked less than before, it still became a burden to her weak body. Grandma's back pain got worse and there was a time when it was difficult for her to even get up from bed.

One weekend when I was selling the rags, floor mats and other stuff in the market, one of my teachers saw me. She asked why I was alone and so I told her that grandma was sick and had a difficulty getting up. I even told her that if worse comes to worst, I might give up going to school and just work.

My teacher didn't want that. She said it would be a waste to stop going to school, so she offered me a job. All I have to do was to tutor her daughter who is 5 years younger than me. I was paid more than what we earn from sewing and selling. Another perk was that, after I tutor her daughter, I was allowed to use their books and computer at home so I could also make my homework and study.

My job as a tutor really helped me and my grandma out. Now, I'm on my second year of high school. I also got a scholarship for high school and I was able to keep my job as a tutor at my teacher's place.

I plan to continue studying in University. The tutoring job inspired me to become a teacher, so I'll be taking the "Education" course. I know that it will never be easy, but I'll continue doing my best. Life might have been tough, but I'm able to face it head on.

I plan to apply as a part-timer in a cram school while continuing my job as a tutor for my teacher's daughter. Also, I'd be applying for a government-sponsored scholarship for my University. I'm determined to succeed not only for my sake, but also for grandma. My experiences in life has strengthened me. I'll continue moving forward.

My heart never fears no matter how strong the enemy is... so life, bring it on!

@tegoshei