Melvin Osabel Buracho’s story is a quintessential tale of a boy who grew up in the province to a poor family and dreamt of a better life.
Only in his inspiring story, it was no less than his own father who discouraged him from pursuing his dreams.
Melvin shared in a viral Facebook post he came from a family of ‘tapaseros’. His father and his siblings all became workers at a sugarcane plantation which is the main source of their livelihood.
His father, having only reached Grade 6, believes there is no point in sending his children to higher education since they can earn money just as anyone else as ‘tapaseros’.
Melvin’s siblings eventually gave in out of fear for their father and quit school one after the other. However, Melvin was not one to be discouraged and decided he could continue his studies and work at the plantation at the same time.
When he was in Grade 4, Melvin was eventually forced to quit and become a full time tapasero, just as his father demanded.
He then went through the hard life of being a tapasero; working under the heat of the sun everyday and carrying heavy sacks of sugarcane at a young age. Melvin began questioning his fate and aim for a better life than what his father could offer.
Apparently, his dream hasn’t died down and when an opportunity knocked, he quickly grabbed it. He became a working student.
But his father continue to voiced out his disagreement with his son’s decision to disobey him. In fact, Melvin’s dad refused to march with him during the awarding ceremonies even if his son got honors and awards.
Sadly, his father passed away before Melvin’s recognition day. Dejected and without money, Melvin decided to stop after graduating from high school.
But when he saw his batchmates graduate from college, Melvin felt envious. Believing it was not too late, he went back to school but not before asking forgiveness and permission from his father.
“I went to the cemetery, and there I cried my heart out asking for forgiveness to my father. I promised him the things I used to promise but this time not because of hatred but of love. I told him, I will do this for mom and my siblings,” he said.
Melvin would later graduate from college with the course of Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in General Education. He passed the licensure exam for teacher in 2019, almost making it to the Top 10.
It was roller caster ride for Melvin but we’re sure his father will be happy now for what his son has finally achieved.
Presently, Melvin is taking post-grad studies and hopes to finish this year.
In a recent Facebook post, he shared about being an inspiration to others. “You don’t know that the simple words of encouragement you say, create an endless impact of inspiration to others. Always be kind.”
“Thank you. I claim no credit, I am only an instrument,” he added, referring to another exam taker.