Empty and sad.
This is how Milo Santos felt after the death of his father, who had been bedridden for years because of a stroke.
Aside from the heartbreak of losing a family member, the college sophomore knew that family finances were tight; funds were barely enough for their daily needs. He wondered if he would even be able to graduate with his mother earning a modest wage as a seamstress.
Worries amid uncertainty
The observant, quiet yet funny teen suddenly felt overwhelmed by the weight of uncertainty. “What does the future hold?”, Milo wondered.
Unknown to him, things would take a turn—for the best.
Milo’s uncle introduced him to Myrna and Fr. Boyet Concepcion of San Martin de Porres, who helped him apply to ANCOP’s Educational Sponsorship Program (ESP).
Later on, he would describe this God-appointed intervention as “life-changing”.
Milo powered through years of “hard work and sleepless nights” to be able to finally graduate in June 2017 with a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree, majoring in Physical Science.
“[It] was one of the happiest moments of my life…I finally achieved my dream of becoming a teacher,” he shared.
As he stood onstage, Milo felt a deep longing to have his father there with the rest of the family, but he understood that everything had unfolded according to Divine Providence.
At the time, Milo didn’t know it, but he himself would have his own family in a few years.
The joy of teaching
Fast forward to November 2017.
One of Milo’s greatest accomplishments was when he passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers, being among only 22,936 secondary teachers out of 76,673 examinees (29.91%) who passed.
At the time, he had already taken on his first job, teaching at the primary level at the Instituto de San Martin orphanage.
In May 2018, he got a permanent position as a teacher in a public school.
According to him, the job gave him the stability and opportunity to fulfill his passion for teaching.
Today, Milo is still teaching—and how!
Listening to him, one can sense the absolute pride and joy he takes in what he does.
“The best thing about my job is that I can inspire my students to learn, enjoy, and appreciate science.
It is fulfilling to see them realize the importance of education and how it can change their lives for the better,” the Dr. Pablito V. Mendoza, Sr. High School teacher based in Bustos, Bulacan explained in an interview.
‘Forever grateful’
Today, the young family man, who considers hanging out with friends and family as his only hobby, can smile and talk animatedly about teaching science to 12 and 13-year olds and being an assistant club adviser for the school’s environmental club.
The worry over finances is gone, even now that he has a family of his own.
Milo’s eyes light up, remembering the good hearts that have made his education possible.
“I am forever grateful [to my donors in Australia], for your kindness and support. You have not only helped me complete my education, but you have also changed my life and the lives of my family members… Thank you for believing in me,” he said.
