Belleza, Ed Mark Angel C

TURNING POINTS IN LIFE

Born on the 17th of January, 1999; was a cheerful and healthy child. His parents, Bro.
Edgardo Y. Belleza and Sis. Ofelia C. Belleza were genuinely happy- God blessed them.

I am Ed Mark Angel C. Belleza and this is my story.

Call me an achiever. Call me the bread winner. This was practically my life when I was
in my younger years. Although thinking about it now, it disgusts me.

I came to knowing only when my father was destined in the locale of Tacloban,
Ecclesiastical District of Leyte East. By then, my parents tried there best to enrol me at a private
school. Luckily, I was able to snag a scholarship that helped my parents with the tuition costs.
Leyte Progressive High School, one of the longest running Chinese schools in Leyte- my Alma
Mater. This was also what I treated now as my training ground and the birthplace of many of
my characteristics. Thanks to that institution, I am quite versed with English. I became
proficient in Mathematics too. Basically, my academic progress along the years was all due to
the school that first shaped me. It made a huge impact on my life even though I was able to
study there up until Grade 4.

Back when I was a kid, I always thought that we would stay at Leyte for as long as I
will live. We have been there for almost 8 years. Never did I imagine that the life of a Minister’s
son would be one that would require a lot of transferring.

Bogo, Cebu North was the next district I have come to know. My parents pursued that
I still study at a private institution without a scholar. It was hard for our family. Both my brother
and I were enrolled at the same time and same school. Surely, this took a toll on our family. It
was hard getting past each day but still I struggled and tried my best to wipe off any issues my
parents were facing just for the sake of their sons to be studying at a prestigious school. All of
the efforts eventually paid off; Grade 6- I graduated as class Valedictorian. I could see the
proud faces of my parents even afar from the stage where I was standing but what I did not see
was the dark and clouded future that my achievement was bringing me into. Nevertheless, it
was a grand celebration; my brother’s birthday together with my graduation. I could remember
many ministers swarmed our house to offer their congratulations and feast on the generous
servings of food that my mother prepared.

Junior High School then approached. I was torn between choosing a 75% discount that
the school I graduated from offered or join in a Science Class at a nearby public high school.
Finally, I decided to go what’s best for my studies- the Science Class. This is when I started
getting cocky at my achievements but before December could even come; we were transferred
at Valencia City, Bukidnon as my father’s new destined district.

Luckily, I was still enrolled at a Science Class at a nearby school. At first, I had a great
run. My academic performance was still top notch. Although, I can feel it inside that a part of
me is gradually becoming sick of being a performing students. Sometimes, I would slack off
but still that did not hinder me from achieving until we transferred again.

Now at Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte- this is where my downfall began. The
educational system there was so rotten that it also caused me to be poisoned. Lack of
maintenance, cheating was permitted in exams and even favouritism was widespread. That
deeply affected my performance where I completed my Grade 10 only as the 7th Honourable
Mention.

I was starting to contemplate whether it was the school that was only rotten or because
I, myself, am becoming rotten academically. Of course I did not let that slip through my duties
in the Church, I remained steadfast and firm. I was a member of the Choir, the presiding officer
for the Children Worship Service and I actively participated in events of the Church. But
unfortunately, that kind of energy and effort- I did not bring in my studies.

Senior High School. I chose the strand for Accountancy with the mind set that I would
be rich in the near future and give back my parents ten times fold the effort they poured unto
me, that was the plan. But as more days come and more months passed; laziness was a part of
me now. I did not to my projects nor requirements in time. I would always wait for the last
hour to make them, which in fact is not the greatest habit. It was to the point that I almost did
not graduate because I was lacking a major grade- in Research for failing to submit a
requirement. Fortunately, my adviser gave me a chance to redeem myself and gave me a week
to accomplish everything. It was the first time I felt that much stress and pain. Hellish week.
Unforgettable moment. And by then on, I decided that I will try to change my ways and be a
better man like the one I used to and prove myself again.
 Now, here in New Era University I have a new shot at redemption. This will be my new
turning point in life. I will become better. I shall be better.