CITY ENCOUNTER SERIES 1 WHEN THE RAIN FALLS

"Every dream has an inspiration, and you need to determine how you can reach them by striving towards those inspirations. Don't just promise but fail to take even a single step toward your dreams. Dreams are like stars in the sky; they may seem too high to reach, but there are many stars, just like there are many plans you can start. Embrace failure as a part of the journey toward success, and never stop dreaming. Learn from your failures and let them fuel your determination to continue until you reach your dream.Remember your failures so that you remain determined to continue. Let failures be lessons that guide you on your journey toward your dreams. Reach for your stars. This is Aleeza Zinn Deogracia, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and this is the beginning of me reaching my star."

After my graduation speech  everyone clapped their hands. I looked at my parents, and they were almost in tears. I smiled at them and mouthed, "I already graduated!"

We returned home after graduation. We lived in the province, where the air was fresh and life was vibrant. As I awaited my examination, I decided to assist my parents on the farm. I always had a strong desire to help them, and I took great pride in the fact that my parents were farmers. Their occupation revolved around feeding people, and it was because of their hard work that I was able to pursue my education.

"Momma, I've already cooked our lunch. Let's eat!" I exclaimed with excitement.

"Sarah, you're so lucky to have a beautiful daughter like Aleeza. I bet she'll marry a billionaire someday," my momma's friend remarked, and my mother chuckled.

"My daughter has no plans for that. She will help her siblings, Anna and Arra, finish their schooling," my mom quickly defended me. I felt a deep sense of responsibility towards my younger siblings. Anna and Arra were currently studying in a public school in town as grade 10 students. They had excelled in their junior high and were determined to continue their education.

"Aleeza, we're home! Papa is waiting for us," Anna announced as we entered the house.

I had prepared *adobong manok* for lunch, and we happily enjoyed our meal together. Once we finished, our parents returned to the farm, while Anna and Arra helped with the dishes, and I cleaned the dining area.

"Which school are you two planning to enroll in next year?" I asked my siblings.

"I think we'll enroll in the same school. They offer a STEM strand, and the tuition fees are affordable," Anna replied.

"Yes, Ate Aleeza, Anna is right. Plus, we can save money," Arra added.

"I promise both of you will reach for the stars soon," I assured them with a smile.

After tidying up the house, we brought some food to our hardworking parents and decided to help them on the farm. We planted rice and various vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. As I worked alongside my family, I couldn't help but contemplate my situation. The wait for the exam was tiring, and I needed to earn money for the examination fees. I knew I had to find a job, but I wasn't sure how to discuss it with my parents.