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BeyondBeyondthe Framethe FrameofofExpectationsExpectations
Bawat kuwadro ay may kuwentong itinatago — mga pangarap na binubuo, sakripisyo, at pag asang ipinasa ng pamilya. Ang medalya ay naging sagisag ng tagumpay, habang ang bakanteng kuwadro ay sumisimbolo sa pangarap na naghihintay pang matupad. Hindi dapat maging hangganan ng ating mga pangarap ang inaasahan ng iba. Sapagkat sa kabila ng bawat kuwadro at litratong may inaasahan, may karapatan tayong likhain ang sariling kuwento at kuwadro ng tagumpay.BeyondBeyondthe Framethe FrameofofExpectationsExpectations
Should a family's financial struggles determine a child's dream?
Here in the Philippines, where many families struggle to survive each day, that having the opportunity to pursue college often comes with the heavy burden of expectations and hope for the better future of the family that their intentions of love and concern became a pressure to make us decide if we’ll set aside our dreams, needs, and wants, or to continue and achieve theirs. Even if financial stability is important, so is resolving family’s financial struggles, it should not force children to abandon our passion and dreams. But make this a motivation to work, strive, and define our own success.
Pursuing our wants, passion, and dreams gives us deep purpose on striving and finding success in education and career— amid difficulties. That it serves us a reminder of we’re doing what we actually want, love, and dream, not because of we’re not just doing it for other people’s dreams and needs. Passion may not promise the short path like what practicality can, but it will us keep move and grow in the path of love and decision we’ve made until we can reach our success, and fulfill their needs too.
The concept of supply and demand explains why some jobs have more opportunities than others. The cost of education and everyday living expenses that continues to place a pressure on budgets, affects how children make a decision on their future. As a result, children may feel the pressure of choosing in demand professions, instead of the professions they love. However, a course that is currently in demand does not always assure employment, just like the courses for passion guided are not automatically will lead to failure. For example, a children who dreams of studying on the fine arts industry may be pressured to take a course within the business industry as its family believe that it offers a more stable income, and a guaranteed employment. A 2021 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed a survey from graduates that many had a different career path than what they studied in college. That only 49% of the graduates are employed in jobs matching their degrees. Choosing passion does not mean ignoring financial needs, but it means finding practical ways to pursue a meaningful career without sacrificing one’s future. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority’s January 2025 Labor Force Survey, the country’s unemployment rate was 4.3%, meaning, there are 2.16 million unemployed Filipinos. The survey also showed underemployment of 13.3%, showing that having a job does not always mean having a suitable work. These figures highlight why children and their families worry about unemployment and financial security in this economic state. And even how choosing a practical course does not guarantee a stable future.
Although, some argue that practicality should matter more than passion, because a college degree only helps a child find a job, earn money, and help their family. In this country, where many struggles with daily expenses, that choosing a course based on personal interest and wants may seem risky. Their concerns are understandable because families often sacrifice their savings and resources to send their children to college. Values such as prudence, temperance, stewardship, and generosity can guide children to these challenges. Like how prudence makes them assess the career opportunities and financial risks, temperance teaches them to live in the middle ground between passion and practicality, stewardship will remind them to use their resources wisely, and generosity helps them to consider their family’s needs. Practicality, like applying for scholarships and creating a financial plan should guide children in how to pursue their dreams, not only to choose which dream they are allowed to pursue.
And beyond the expectations, choosing a college course requires balancing passion with practicality, because while financial stability matters, our dreams deserve a chance, too. Through Him, we are reminded to trust the talents God has given us and use them with wisdom, perseverance, and love. Not only for our growth but also for the good of our families. Pursuing what we love while making responsible decisions is a way to honor our family’s sacrifices without losing our own ambition. With faith, hard work, and wise planning, we can turn our passions into meaningful careers that support both our ambitions and the people we love.
We are more than the dreams others have for us, we have dreams of our own to fulfill— beyond every limit, beyond every expectation. We are more than the dreams others have for us, we have dreams of our own to fulfill— beyond every limit, beyond every expectation.written by:written by: Aliyah Salazar Timothy Surio Luis Bruce