“Second chance makes you tougher and more intelligent.”
This mantra fuels my quest as I embrace life to the fullest. Hello, Hivers! In formal settings, you can call me Cherry Ann, but if we share a close bond, I’d love for you to call me Chet. Thanks to @Antonette for introducing Hive to me. I can now share my ideas here.
I am 34 years old, a proud mother of my 2 sons, and a delightful wife of my husband, Fernando.
Life has given me many opportunities to grow, and through every challenge, I’ve learned to rise stronger, wiser, and more determined. These are the values I gained and honed through the struggles and successes of life from childhood to the present. I am third of the seven siblings.
Growing up, we experienced poverty. Our parents may not have been perfect, but they always did their best to support and help us in every way they could. Studying and getting through each day was a constant battle, as we had only a limited budget for food and education. Fortunately, our grandparents, aunties, and other relatives were incredibly generous and selfless, aiding us in every way possible just so we could survive.
But here we are now, by the grace of God and the kindness of His human angels through family and friends, all college graduates and professionals.
Reflecting on my academic journey, I can confidently say that balancing finances as a young mother and a student was a defining challenge—one that strengthened my resolve to persevere. It became clear to me that prioritizing education was essential if I wanted to provide my children with a sustainable and fulfilling future. Whenever an opportunity for a scholarship arose, I never hesitated to submit my application. If memory serves me right, I applied for at least ten scholarship programs, both from the government and private sectors.
There were moments of disappointment when rejection letters came one after another, and at times, I felt my hope slipping away. However, giving up was never an option, because I knew that securing financial support for my education would be a game-changer. I firmly believe that God rewards those who remain faithful and act with pure intentions. One day, my perseverance paid off—I received the incredible news that I had been granted a Full-Merit Scholarship from the Commission on Higher Education, along with a ₱15,000 allowance per semester.
It was a great help in covering my educational expenses, but I knew that every peso came with a responsibility: maintaining high academic performance. This scholarship was not just financial aid; it was a testament to my dedication and resilience, reminding me that hard work and unwavering faith truly open doors to greater opportunities.
As the years of studying went by, my husband remained a steadfast source of support, always present to help in any way he could to sustain my academic needs. He was not just my partner in life but also my confidant and unwavering ally in overcoming every challenge we faced together.
Then came the long-awaited graduation period—a moment of pride and fulfillment. I was honored to graduate with high grades, a reward that no amount of money could ever equal. I knew this was more than just an achievement; it was the beginning of a new chapter—one that would propel me toward the career I had worked so hard to pursue.
After graduation, I wasted no time in searching for a job—I was eager to start my career. I submitted as many applications as possible and attended every exam and interview that came my way. Eventually, one private company in leasing and real estate development recognized my potential and gave me my first opportunity.
I started as an Admin Team Leader, managing both building operations and tenant business affairs. Over time, my dedication and hard work led to a promotion at the head office, where I continued as an Admin Team Leader but with a broader scope—overseeing the operations of multiple business outlets, including Human Resource Management.
During my three years with the company, I came to a realization: while I was gaining valuable experience, the salary and benefits were no longer sufficient to meet our growing family's needs. As time passed, our responsibilities increased, and I knew I had to seek better opportunities that could provide greater financial stability.
Seeking a government position with better compensation, I aimed for a role where I could also utilize my Civil Service Eligibility at the Professional Level. My efforts paid off when I was hired as an Administrative Staff at the Department of Health Bicol under the Infectious Disease Cluster, where I managed various administrative and clerical tasks.
In 2023, I earned a promotion to Project Assistant for the Regional Sanitary Engineer. In this role, I provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders on matters related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene—an opportunity that has allowed me to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful public health initiatives.
While my role at the Department of Health has been fulfilling, I continue to seek a permanent position that offers greater stability—one with comprehensive benefits, higher compensation, and a pension that will secure my children's future as I grow older. This drive pushes me to pursue both personal and professional growth, ensuring that my career aligns with my skills and passions.
As a journalism graduate, I have always aspired to build a career where my passion is the same thing that feeds us—helping me avoid burnout and maintain a sense of purpose. To stay relevant in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, I actively participate in free training and webinars, continuously upskilling and upgrading my knowledge.
Alongside my full-time job, I also explore opportunities as an affiliate marketer for a Virtual Assistant Training Academy and work as a part-time writer for various online platforms. These ventures not only expand my expertise but also open doors to new possibilities, bringing me closer to a career that truly fulfills both my professional and personal aspirations.
As I conclude my article, one thing remains certain—I am a mother who never stops striving for a better future for my family. While I may not know exactly what lies ahead, I am committed to seizing every opportunity for growth, not just for myself but for my loved ones as well. My journey is far from over, and I will continue to pursue my dreams with resilience, faith, and an open heart.
I am excited to share more of my experiences, hoping to inspire and uplift others along the way. Keep dreaming, keep pushing forward. Remember, God is always watching over us, ready to guide those with pure intentions. The only thing standing between you and your dreams is you—so take that leap and make them happen.
This is just the beginning—there’s so much more to share. I invite you to join me on this journey and please read my blogs. Let's grow together!