I’m originally from the Philippines but working as a secretary here in Qatar. Almost all the overseas Filipino workers would say life away from home is never easy. It is never easy indeed, especially for someone like me who is the only one working for my family back home. My mom and dad are separated; my mom has another family. My mom left us when I was still 8 years old, and didn’t come back for 11 long years.

As the eldest I grew up very pressured, hurt, and disappointed. As young as 8 years old I’ve been hearing people say bad things about my mom, telling me I’m the only hope for my brother and sister to give them a better life when I finish my studies. Despite being so pressured, I studied hard. I’m always at the top of the honor roll, from nursery to high school. I did those things because I wanna reach my goals in life, I wanna give the people I love a better life, I wanna educate my brother and sister, I want the best life any person could have. I am an ambitious girl. I always used to dream of having a big bedroom with a big bed where I could jump and bounce (simple, but in our case this was so far from our reach), have a business, be super rich, have everything I want, have a happy family of my own, have the best of everything.

I went through college studying Electrical Engineering. I was influenced by my uncle in London, but writing, debating, and singing has always been my passion since I was a kid. Unfortunately, during the recession my uncle and dad who helped pay for my college fees lost their jobs. I broke into pieces knowing that it would be hard for me to reach my dreams because I didn’t finish my studies.

I’ve been so negative about almost everything. I always end up wishing I have what others have. Despite being cynical, I always picture myself working abroad.

I saw the “The Secret movie” way back in 2007. I was so overwhelmed after it, but I eventually forgot about it and stayed negative. Still I pictured myself working abroad. I even told my relatives, “I will work abroad and be rich.”

Right after I stopped going to school, an offer came from a family friend who’s working abroad, and I grabbed the opportunity. I’ve always been negative about me finding a job because I didn’t finish anything, but I have the job now. I’m sending money to my family, but the complaints started to show up since I’m not earning enough. I can’t buy anything I want just because my family needs almost 90% of my salary. I am always paranoid when the end of the month is coming, calculating how much I would send, how much would I leave for myself. It’s breaking my head. I’m always worried about money. I’m always needing money, and complaining to my boyfriend about sacrificing what I want for myself because of my family. He’s my best friend too. He listens whenever I have problems until the point that I told him that I don’t wanna be here. He told me, “You should read The Secret.” The next day he handed me the book.

After I read it, I have totally changed. I changed the way I look at things. I’m not complaining anymore, I’m always smiling. I’m not worried about money because I know money will come to me without effort and easily. I feel like I’m born again. It feels so great being like this.

This story may not be the same like others who are receiving material things, but I received myself back. I learned to love myself, be thankful for everything I have, and now I’m hoping for the best. And I know I can get it because I believe I could, and I know I deserve it.

Hope to share my success stories here. I keep on believing. Thanks to Ms. Rhonda and the team. Lots of love.