The POWER of SMILES beyond CHALLENGES: A life story of a farmer's daughter. - MY Introductory post.

Whatever situation you are right now, remember to keep on smiling. - this is my life quotes ever since I was studying. Because I believe that if you smile you can make the environment mood lighter and happier not just for yourself but for others. My name is Marilou and I am 29 years old, a mom of 4 adorable kids. I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology last 2018. If you want to know more about me please continue reading until end.😍

As of now, I’m busy taking care of my kids, since two of them are studying. I also do some side hustles like running a small online business, cooking snacks and sell it on our neighborhood. I also do affiliate Marketing. Being a mom is hard but fulfilling, especially if you’re a hands-on mom. If you’re not a mom, you might not fully understand yet, but once you become one, that’s when you’ll say, ‘Oh, I see, now I know’ 🤣”

I grew up in a simple yet happy family of farmers. From a young age, I was already exposed to work hard in the fields overtime, helping my parents in planting and other farm related works in order for us to have food. We are 9 siblings and Life was never luxurious, but my parents did their best by working hard in the farm to provide for our needs. Despite the hardships, I dreamed of finishing my studies so that I could create a better future not only for myself but also for my family. I was the first one who graduated in college among my siblings. That's why it was challenging. My parents aren't so sure if I can finished my studies because of what they experience from my brother and sisters so they are not that supported to me when I was studying.

But life was so unfair, At the age of 17, my life changed drastically. I became a single mother at a young age, this time was a very challenging phase of my life because people doubted me and questioned my ability to pursue my education while raising a child. Not just that they judge me without knowing the reason or the story behind. I also mocked myself and suffer from depression but I refused to let my situation define me. I held on to my dream and pushed forward.

Thankfully, my parents stood by me during this time. They accepted and loved me even I was the one in mistake, I never heard any hurtful words from them regarding my mistakes. They were the ones who took care of my child while I continued to pursue my education. Without their support, I would not have been able to go back to school and chase my dreams. Also, With the help of a government scholarship, I was able to enroll in college. While studying, I face another challenges, I don't have enough allowances, so I decided to be a working student. I worked as a maid to one of my instructors while studying for 2 years.

College was not just about academics for me. I wanted to maximize every opportunity given to me. I became actively involved in extracurricular activities and student leadership. I was elected as the President of the Supreme Student Council, the highest governing body in our school, but before that I was elected as governor of my college department where I learned how to lead, serve, and inspire others. I also joined a religious youth organization and was given the privilege to become the President of the Youth Group particularly in our province. These experiences taught me the importance of responsibility, Faith, and compassion while I was young. Because of my dedication, I was honored with the President’s Award for Leadership during graduation last 2018.

After finishing my degree, I worked as a call center representative. Life, however, had another surprise for me. I met someone unexpectedly, it was my husband. Our love story is not as exciting and romantic as others have. We just met and started it as a joke but turned into reality—we got married in a shotgun wedding. Eventually, we were blessed with three children, and I balanced the roles of being a mother, wife, and employee. Even while pregnant, I continued working in the BPO industry to provide for my family. Luckily, my company granted us to work at home. Now we are in 6 years anniversary.

After three years working as a call center representative, I decided to resign from my job and return home to work in the farm to support my husband. Together, we embraced the life of being farmers. Today, I am a proud mother of four children, including my firstborn whom I had as a teenager. Our life may be simple, but it is filled with love, joy, and contentment. There maybe some misunderstanding but it was solved immediately, and we know that every family there is always some misunderstanding but make sure to solved it as soon as possible to maintain the spark as husband and wife and for a happy family.

Since I’m a full-time mom staying at home to take care of my children, I have some extra time and I want it to be productive so While searching for new opportunities online, I came across Miss @Antonette’s post on Facebook atbout this platform—whether by chance or destiny—and she guided me on how it works, how to navigate it, and even explained the rules we need to follow specially in making post, we need to use original photos and we need to adhere quality post.

This opportunity means so much to me because it allows me to share my thoughts, experiences, and daily life as a mom, things that I can’t always express to the people around me because we are currently living at my husband's place and I cannot just share to his family and relatives. I want to share this thought and experiences not to boast, but to inspire other moms and future moms, while also creating something meaningful for my family. I’m truly happy to introduce myself, show who I am, and connect with all of you. Nice to meet you all! Happy reading 😍