the Wrong Shoes

Back in 2010, I was facing around PHP15,000.00 in student debt. I was then in my second year of college as a working student at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) in Silang, Cavite.

Due to my debt, the only way I could enroll and continue studying was through a miracle. Either I paid what I owed or begged the Director of Student Finance (DSF) to allow me to enroll that semester. The second option sounded more feasible so I took it.

The path leading to the office of the DSF must be a sacred place because here, the sincerest hearts on campus whisper their most ardent prayers just before they speak with the staff.

Fortunately, after hours of queuing, pleading, and bargaining, I was allowed to enroll three units. That was only one subject for the entire semester!

Nonetheless, I was satisfied because I was one step closer to my goal of becoming a teacher. I got accepted as a student guard and was tasked to be on duty for almost the entire week.

Striking conversation

It was a typical Sabbath day. Students, faculty, and staff were streaming out of the church. The service just concluded, and so was my duty as a student guard that day.

A tall man suddenly walked beside me.

“How was your day, young man? Are you on duty?” he asked.

The ham radio and logbook in my hands gave me away.

“I have just finished my work, sir, and I’m heading home to rest after an 18-hour shift,” I explained.

“After the sun sets, go to my house,” he said as we parted ways.

When I took a good look at him, I was stunned. It was no other than the university president, Dr. Gladden Flores.

By Emelyn Joy A. Maglana