Award-Winning Essay: My Mom Sister, Marilen Ang

By: Christian L ChaCha M Xavier D

 

As far as I can remember, my older sister Marilen has been sacrificing everything for our family. After our father had passed away, she became my legal guardian due to the fact that my parents were alread·y-divo·rced years before. I’ve lived with my sister and her family for over eight years now, and I cannot stress how thankful I am to have a place in their home. She has constantly supported my educational needs and has guided me through every obstacle that stands before me. Besides myself, she has to take care of her three sons — all of which may seem like a handful at first. We have a very large family, but she always makes sure to give all of us the same amount of attention so that no one gets left out. She often works long hours, and usually doesn’t get home until around 8 PM because she pushes herself to earn enough income to support our big family. Ever since we’ve moved to Des Plaines, Marilen has always cleaned the house from top to bottom during the weekends without the help of others. To me, she is the best example of a strong, female role model because she knows how to stand up and work for what she wants.

Recently, she has pushed me to attend a very good university rather than a community college. Although I was hesitant because of the cost, my sister surged forward and sacrificed her own savings to help further my education and put me on the right path towards a good future. Marilen has taught me how to be independent and unselfish — to be open minded and sympathetic no matter what the situation is, because it’s important to take in consideration the feelings of others.

In the past, I would have cared less about my grades, but I grew to learn that my future depended on how well I do academically, along with the fact that I will only be able to pay back my sister if I was able to succeed in school. I’m not the smartest, or the most athletic and outgoing student, but she taught me to try my best and persevere in order to achieve my goals. Although I grew up without my mother, I truly feel as though my sister has taken over the role perfectly. Even though we have our disagreements, I know that my sister always wants me to go far in life. I genuinely believe that my sister’s kindness and strength is unparalleled, and although I don’t say it often, I sincerely appreciate all that she’s done for me for as long as I’ve been alive.

Camille Ang

May 2018

Above is a winning essay of Camille Ang. The essay was chosen out of the 500 graduating students of Maine West High School. There are 3 schools in the township of Maine. Maine West, Maine East, and Maine South. Each graduating senior from each school nominated a parent of the year. Camille graduated with honors at Maine West from various advanced placement subjects. She was a member of the national honor society, the schools concert choir, various clubs and activities. She was recently awarded a full ride scholarship from Loyola University of Chicago, Majoring in Health Information Management Systems. She will be a freshman at Loyola starting this coming August.

Camille Ang with her family

Happy birthday to Bata columnist, Xavier Divinagracia! Shown with Lola Veronica and Mom Kayvee Divinagracia.

Isabella Rivas enjoys the giant KISSES chocolate box from the wedding of Tita V & Tito Joe.

Summer Fun time at the Pavilion outdoor pool, cousins Maya Leighton, Kaira and Olivia Gutierrez.

Lola Rhodora enjoying granddaughters Rhizzy and Kaira.

Popular Cha Cha with parents Richard and Annie Miranda

Lola Rhodora and pretty Audrey Gutierrez.