Learning English is a Life Saver

Growing up in the Philippines, English has always been part of my daily life. It's our second language, and it's the mode of instruction used in schools. But while English was everywhere around me, it wasn’t natural for me. My mother tongue is Filipino, and I only knew the basics of English. I could write a few simple sentences, but I didn’t understand grammar, I lacked fluency, and my comprehension was low. On top of that, I struggled with poor focus and retention.

In my early school years, I didn’t really care much. English was just something I had to deal with. But everything changed when my family faced a crisis that forced me to stop studying. I had to leave college for one semester and one summer. That break from school made me realize something important—I didn’t want to stop here. I needed to finish my studies.

So I made a bold move. I left my hometown and moved to my mother’s province in the south of the Philippines. I had no friends, no money, and no comfort. But I had a goal. I spent my breaks in the library because I couldn’t afford to buy books. I studied hard, and I slowly began to understand how to use English effectively. I focused on grammar, vocabulary, and improving my comprehension. I did everything I could to improve.

Eventually, my hard work paid off. I became one of the top students every semester—consistently ranked in the top 3 and top 4. Because of my grades, I received scholarships. I also became a student tutor, which helped me earn a little money. That small opportunity became a stepping stone for something bigger.

With enough courage and savings, I transferred to an international school to pursue a degree in Education, majoring in English. Being in an international school improved my language skills even more and opened doors for me to teach English online to students from different countries. For three years, I juggled studying and teaching at the same time. Eventually, I earned my degree and passed the licensure exam for teachers.

Now, I’m a licensed teacher—and on a mission to help children learn to love English the way I did.

To those who are struggling to learn English, here’s my message for you:

Don’t give up. You don’t need to be fluent right away. Progress takes time. Even if you’re not confident today, keep going. Start small, read more, listen more, speak more, and surround yourself with opportunities to practice. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. If I can do it, so can you.