"I wish I should not have asked." This was what I said after I talked with two students.
Wondering why?
My heart bled after I asked them.
Most of my students cannot pay contributions on time. One of them handed his payment for the school publication fee (long time overdue already) the other day. Afer I received the payment, I commented "it is still erly in the morning but you look exhausted already." He did not give any reply so I asked "From where are you? What is your means of transportation in coming to school?" It took a while before he responded. He said "My brother and I come to school by means of walking. We would start walking from 3 a.m. just to reach school at 7:30a.m. ma'am."
Another student always makes absences so when I saw him in the classroom, I called his attention. Outside of their room I asked him "why are you having absences? You are already fourth year, you should not be making absences otherwise you'll not pass your subjects." He stared at the ground before giving an answer. Then, he answered "Ma'am I really want to come to school everyday but I don't have fare in coming to school. Our house is quite far from here. My grandmother has cancer and I attend to her needs too."
You see? I said my heart bled after I asked them because these students are victims of circumstances. How could they be suffering at an early stage still? Then,what can I do to help them? I already have one student being sponsored. My budget won't be enough to help all needy students...
