It was the time when emotions arise because of the anticipation of getting your last semester's grades, when you see renewed faces you missed for three weeks, when you wait in line to get your new schedule printed out, when the line at the cashier takes forever to dissolve, when you blame yourself for not doing well in your Philosophy class, Enrollment time.

I managed to get up early in the morning so that I can be at school where everybody is still in bed. Ha, I managed to be the first one in our class to accomplish my forms. I got my grades with one subject missing. I was praying hard last night, hoping that maybe, just maybe, a miracle will conspire and my last term teachers will play godparents and skyrocket their assessments good enough to include me on the mighty list posted on the bulletin in front of the girls room.

But it did not. So much for a miracle.

Back to my forms. Well, you're lucky if you can pay the whole semester's payment in one money-down. Getting into a university means cash. Good university that is. And because I'm into one, I can't blame my father if he can't send the money right away. Explaining himself, I understood.

I did not come from a really well-off family. But my parents manage to provide me with what I need if I really need them right away, with no questions asked. Earlier this morning, Tatay texted me that my tuition fee was sent already. He found a way as promised.Amazing! I don't know how they did it, but I am grateful.

My Tatay and Mama work really hard for their four children. I know and I have seen them doing the best they can just to send us to the best schools. I admire that on them. Kudos to them.

And so this is a thank you. Thanks to my parents and to all parents in this world who never fail their children.

I believe that parents don't own their children. Like a mother bird who feeds her young ones, providing food and shelter, and later, as they grow up, setting them free in the sky of possibilities. I think it is just the way it is. Life indeed is a series of letting in and letting go--and also letting be.

A year and five months from now, I'll be on the stage receiving my diploma. I know that when I look up, I will see faces smiling up on me--but two are beaming in their hearts.

Sooner after that, I won't be back in line waiting for my print-outs but instead I'll be waiting for that paycheck. And I know just the right thing to do with it.