Life can sometimes feel like an endless struggle, with each day throwing its own set of challenges my way. From the constant battle with hunger to the weight of debts and responsibilities, it feels like the world is always asking for more than I can give. But no matter how tough things get, I’ve learned to keep going. I am the older sister, and that role carries a heavy burden. Not only do I need to make sure my younger brother finishes his college education, but I also have to support my mom in her small business, help my father pay bills, and provide food, medicine, and vitamins for our family. It’s hard, but it’s my reality—and I take it one step at a time.
There are days when hunger feels like an uninvited guest in our home. The stomach growls, and you try to distract yourself, pushing away the feeling because you know there’s not much to eat. I remember days when I’d sacrifice a meal just so my younger brother could have enough to get through his school day. We get creative with what little we have, turning simple ingredients into meals that’ll feed us for a while. Sometimes, it’s just a bowl of rice and soy sauce, but we make it work. And while it’s painful, I remind myself that this is temporary. The sacrifices I make now will allow my brother to finish his studies and break free from this cycle. I hold onto that hope because it fuels me every single day.
Debt is a constant shadow hanging over our heads, creeping up every month. Every bill feels like a weight, and every unpaid balance feels like it might crush us. But I’ve learned not to panic. I’ve learned that the best way to deal with debt is to take it one step at a time. I don’t look at the total amount and get overwhelmed. Instead, I focus on paying off one bill at a time, prioritizing the most urgent ones first, and cutting back where I can. Some days, it feels like we’re never going to be free, but little by little, I see the numbers dropping. It’s slow, but progress is progress, and that keeps me moving forward.
Being the older sister means that I carry the responsibility of guiding my younger brother through life. He’s the one I want to succeed more than anything, and his future weighs heavily on my heart. There are nights when I stay up late, helping him with assignments, explaining concepts he doesn’t understand, or just being there to listen when the pressure becomes too much. I know that his education is his ticket out of this life, and I am determined to make sure he gets there. Sometimes, it means I don’t get to rest, but seeing him progress, seeing his determination to finish college, makes it all worth it. His success is my success, and I’ll keep fighting for his future because I know he can change our family’s story.
My mom’s small business is the lifeblood of our family. It’s what keeps us afloat when there doesn’t seem to be enough. I do everything I can to help her—whether it’s assisting with inventory, organizing the sales, or helping her balance the books. The work is hard, and the hours are long, but every small sale is a step toward stability. There are days when we barely make enough to cover the basic expenses, but I remind myself that every sale counts. My mom has worked tirelessly to keep the business going, and it’s my job to help her in any way I can. Her strength and determination inspire me, and I’m committed to supporting her so we can all get through this together.
Then there’s my father, whose health has been a growing concern. Supporting him with the bills, buying food, ensuring he has enough medicine, and getting him the vitamins he needs can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task. It’s heartbreaking to see him struggle, knowing he worked so hard to provide for us when we were younger. Now, the roles are reversed, and I do my best to provide for him. I handle the household expenses, make sure the utility bills are paid, and ensure he has what he needs to stay healthy. It’s not easy, especially when I feel like I’m constantly stretching every peso, but I do it because he deserves it. Every sacrifice, every late night, and every extra hour I work is for him—to make sure he’s comfortable, and to show him that his sacrifices were never in vain.
Through all of this, it’s easy to feel defeated. But I’ve learned that survival isn’t just about enduring—it’s about holding on to hope. Every morning when I wake up, I remind myself that I have a purpose. My family is depending on me, and that’s what drives me forward. It’s not just about surviving the hunger or paying off the debts—it’s about looking ahead and knowing that each day brings us closer to a better future. I may not have everything I want right now, but I know that my sacrifices will lead to something greater. I’m working for a future where my brother can live without the weight of debt and hunger, where my parents can retire comfortably, and where we no longer have to worry about where the next meal will come from.
Surviving hunger, debts, and responsibilities as the older sister is no easy feat, but it’s a role I carry with pride. It’s not about having everything handed to you—it’s about working hard, staying resilient, and never losing sight of the bigger picture. Each day is a struggle, but it’s also a reminder that the love I have for my family is worth every sacrifice. Through the hard times, I remind myself that this is just a chapter in our story, and better days are ahead. I will keep fighting, not just for myself, but for the future of the people I love most.
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