Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
Ziella Barreno didn’t hesitate when her former college adviser turned her attention to UP freshman Nicole Maga, a former scavenger trying to pursue an education while supporting her family. She knew that she just had to help the young student out.
Although she is now completing her Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations, Ziella’s undergrad degree is Behavioral Sciences, the same course Nicole is now taking up at the Manila campus. As such, she felt a deep affinity for the younger girl, despite not knowing her personally.
“…we come from the same course po (Behavioral Sciences). We’re like a family in our department so I felt the need for me to help a younger sister. I also know how it is to struggle in college, so I do understand what she is going through. I may not have much money so I am making use of the resources I have to help her.” Ziella explained. “…Ms. Andrea Martinez used to be my course adviser when I was still a BehSci student. She reached out to me and other BehSci alumni to help Nicole, so I thought of starting an online campaign for her.”
Nicole is the eldest of five children of a couple from Samar, who like many others, left their native province to try to find greener pastures in Metro Manila. Luck, however, was not on their side. Nicole’s father now suffers from an ailment that prevents him from working regularly. Her mom, on the other hand, works only as a part-time helper and laundry woman.
Nicole grew up on the streets of Malabon, scavenging whatever she could find to sell to junk shops to help put food on the table. Despite all the hardship, her determination and perseverance paid off as she graduated valedictorian from high school. Even so, she never expected to be accepted into the country’s premiere university. But pass the UPCAT, she did.
However, she still needs to help out with the family income. Though she currently works as a part-time writer and tutor, the family still doesn’t make enough money to make ends meet. Nicole oftentimes skips meals, even fainting one afternoon after going the entire day without food. There are also times when she can’t come to class because she doesn’t have the money to commute to school. Despite the odds stacked against her, Nicole is doggedly pursuing her degree.
Professor Andrea Martinez writes of her: “Nicole retains her happy and positive disposition in life. She is what every mom or every teacher would dream of as a daughter and as a student. She’s respectful, diligent, responsible, talented, witty, sweet and thoughtful.”
On the campaign page set up for Nicole, Professor Martinez further encourages others to help.
“I am thus appealing to your kind-heartedness and compassion to help Nicole reach her dreams. Any form of help would be much appreciated. Her mom can work as laundry woman or as house cleaner, if you know anyone who needs such service. You may want to sponsor her transportation allowance (Php 70.00/day), her meal allowance (Php 90.00/day), her books, or her field trips and community immersion activities. The Department of Behavioral Sciences (DBS) is also looking for sponsors for the dormitory of our poor but deserving students, including Nicole, so she will have a conducive environment to focus on her studies. She is currently in STFAP Bracket D so she still has to pay around Php 9,000.00 of her tuition fees every semester.”
If you are inspired by Nicole’s story and would like to extend a helping hand, you may check out this page, the online fund-raising campaign set up for her.
