Paterno Street in Quaipo, Manila was her home for all of her nineteen years of life. With no roof over her head, Paterno Street was the only shelter she ever knew. But today, homeless Rodallie Mosende is a proud degree holder, and her dream of having a real home is almost within reach.
This determined young lady graduated from the Lyceum University of the Philippines in Manila on April 23 with a degree in International Hospitality Management focusing on cruise line operation and hotel services.
Mosende’s life took a drastic turn in 2011 when photographer Rick Rocamora took photographs of her while documenting the homeless in Quiapo. Rocamora’s work, such as the photos used in this story, painted a touching story of a young girl begging on the streets, and scrambling for food.
Read: College grad’s touching message to dad who peddled burgers and siomai for 16 years
But hunger was not the only hurdle Rodallie had to overcome. She also had to sleep on makeshift beds and study in the dark. In the mornings, Rodallie had to wake up early to collect water for her bath.
These things did not stop her from making the most of her situation. At the time of her encounter with Rocamora, Rodallie was also serving as a kagawad in her barangay’s Sangunniang Kabataan (SK).
Through the photographs, the story of a young girl unfolded—a girl who, despite the realities of poverty and hunger, held fast to a dream of someday finishing school. The photos would later rouse an anonymous donor to give Mosende a monthly allowance to fund her college education.
Others were likewise inspired to help Mosende reach her dream.
According to a report by Aya Tantiangcoa GMA News, Mosende worked as a street sweeper until her sophomore year in college to pay for food and transportation.
“Kahapon po kinakabahan ako. Kagabi po hindi ako makatulog,” nineteen year old Mosende said in a video shared by Rocamora.
("I was nervous yesterday. I couldn't sleep last night.")
“Baka panaginip lang po ‘to kasi!” GMA News quoted her as saying.
("It might be all just a dream.")
Mosende is all set to start a new life, with a job in the cruise industry already waiting for her.
A mother’s joy
With tears in her eyes, Rosalie, Rodallie’s mother, expressed her joy over her eldest daughter’s graduation.
“Natutuwa ako na makakagraduate po ang anak ko…hindi ko po naano na umabot siya ng ganito. Matiyaga lang po ako, sinusundan ko sila…ang iyak ko, iyak ng tuwa,” Rosalie said when her daughter graduated from high school.
("I am happy that my child will graduate. I never imagined she would reach this far. I was just patient, following them around. My tears are those of joy.")
Her daughter’s college degree, therefore, must be the cherry on top for this simple street vendor, who always made sure that her daughter stayed away from bad friends and encouraged her to explore more opportunities, such as the SK.
Inspiring others
“Dito po sa amin sa Quiapo, halos lahat ng kabataan dito, mga naliligaw ng landas. Ayaw ko po matulad sa kanila, gusto ko po maiba. Naappreciate ko po na napakahirap ng dinaranas namin, kaya gusto ko po makatapos ng pag-aaral,” she said in a previous interview by Amanda Lago on GMA News.
("Here in Quiapo, almost all the youth have lost their way. I did not want to be like them. I wanted to be different. I appreciate the hardships that we experienced so I want to finish my studies.")
“Gusto ko po magkasariling bahay kami ni Mama, tsaka makapagtrabaho ng maayos…tapos gusto ko po matulungan yung mga katulad ko, yung mga gustong mag-aral, yung mga nakatira sa kalye. Gusto ko po mabigyan sila ng bahay at libreng edukasyon,” she also shared.
("I want my mom and I to have our own house, and to be able to have decent work. I also want to help others like me who live on the streets and want to study. I want to give them housing and education.")
“’Wag silang susuko kasi hindi hadlang ‘yung kahirapan para makatapos ng pag-aaral.”
("They shouldn't give up because poverty is not a barrier to finishing school.")
This young girl’s story, who has now become a young lady, serves as a shining example for others like her, the underprivileged, to swim against the tide of poverty and rise above the waters.
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