When one life is changed, many lives are changed

"It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” - Mahatma Gandhi

I volunteer for Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK)- an impact organization that feeds and gets kids from poor rural communities to school. I met the co-founder during one of the production of Makilala TV , a Filipino-American television talk show in New York.

Part of what I do for ARK is to mentor the scholars and one of them is Engel Lord. She grew up in the poor rural communities in the Philippines. She graduated from High School last year and because of her passion and community service, she was awarded a college scholarship.

In one of our conversations, I asked her, "Why is college important to you?"

And here's her reply,

"Graduating from college is very important to me because I want to fulfill my dreams.

I dream of becoming a professional educator. With a college education, I can realize my dream. I can get a job, become independent and help other people.

The first semester at school, was very difficult. I miss my family very much. It is hard to adapt to a new environment, and a different style of living and learning. The education I am receiving is challenging because the topics and lessons were not taught in my previous school. I went to school in Capiz (a rural town in the Philippines). It is a big adjustment, but I am not giving up - even though it means staying up all night.

Graduating from college is important to me. I want to show everyone that nothing is impossible. Growing up in poverty should not stop anyone from being successful.

I am grateful for the opportunity given to me. I will continue to work hard and remain humble, but honest. I will persevere with my studies and do things that I love. I have faith in God, and will always remember where I came from. With a college degree, and a job, I will be able to give back to others."

This March, there are 27 ARK scholars graduating from High School. 11 Scholars expressed interest in applying for the college scholarship.

If your organization or family is interested in sponsoring a scholar, please visit ARK's website at www.ruralkids.org .

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