My life-long dream? To finish my studies

Dear Nanay,

It’s a new year and a new year brings new hopes.  But, somehow I still have the same problems.

A few years ago, we moved our four children from public school to private school. The education is better, and I know that our children will learn more.  The problem is that tuition fees go up every year and it is getting very expensive. We can hardly pay for their tuition fees, and we are really doing our very best to save money just for their schooling. I am not saying it is not worth it. My husband and I agree that the best gift and investment we can give our children is the gift of education.

But it is becoming a big problem for us financially. As the costs continue to go rise, it  also continues to eat into our savings. I just want to make sure we are doing the right thing by sacrificing so much including family vacations, which makes our children very sad. — MARICRIS                                          

Dear Maricris,

There is no doubt in my mind that you are doing the right thing!

For me, an education is one of the most important things you can have.  People can take away everything you own but they will never be able to take away your knowledge. Masuwerte ka pa nga (you are very fortunate) that you have a choice. I never had the chance to finish my education. I was never given a choice. And it has always been my life long dream to be able to finish my studies.

As far as your children feeling bad about missing vacations, you might be surprised at how much they will thank you later. Of course it is understandable that children will always want instant gratification. But maybe you can sit down and talk to them. I don’t know how old they are but if you give them a choice of going on a trip versus going back to their old school, I can bet that their reply will be to stay where they are.

Sincerely,

Nanay

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Love life can wait

Dear Nanay,

I read your column last week where you answered a letter from “AP,” who was trying to decide if she should come home from America to be with her mom or to meet a Filipino man.

I was actually in her shoes a few years ago, except that I was stationed in London and wanted to spend more time with my dad. Just like what you advised, I came home to be with my dad. Let me tell you that I did not regret it.

Your love life can wait. There will always be plenty of fish in the ocean. But the precious time you spend with your parents or family is irreplaceable. So make sure your priorities are set straight. Your parents are the ones who gave you everything and there is no substitute for time with family. You will regret it if you do not decide to spend time with your mom. And unfortunately, the only time you figure out that will be when it is too late to do anything.

Come home. Love can wait. — MYLENE

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