From Sacrifice to Dreams: An Introductory Journey of Family, Faith, and Fulfillment

Hello, I'm Faith Joy — a name that reflects the values I strive to express every day: faith in purpose, and joy in the journey. With a name like mine, people often expect me to always be hopeful, always smiling, always okay. And while I try to live up to the meaning behind Faith and Joy, the truth is: I face challenges too.

Growing Up from a Distance: My High School Life Away from Home

Leaving home at a young age was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. While most of my classmates went home to their parents every day after school, I was miles away from mine, living in a different town, leaving in a boarding house to finish high school. It wasn’t easy, but I wasn’t alone. I had my sisters and brother throughout my Highschool life. We only came home once a month or occasionally when the budget was tight. Short but sweet. Just a few days to be with our parents, to rest, to feel “home” again. And every time we left, it felt like leaving a piece of our hearts behind. Back to reality as we speak. We cooked simple meals, budgeted our allowance like adults, and pushed each other to keep going even when school felt overwhelming. It was never easy, but somehow, we made it through. Thanks to our friends and teachers who were there with us throughout the journey.

From Far to Farther: Going Far to Go Further

I once thought high school was the hardest part, living far from home with just my sisters and brother, missing our parents every day. I believed that was the farthest I’d ever be.

But I was wrong.

After high school, life took me even farther — from Dipolog City all the way to Manila to pursue college. A new city. A bigger world. The distance wasn’t just about kilometers, it was about the shift from familiar to unfamiliar, from quiet comfort to fast-paced chaos. I had to start over again. New people, new places, and this time, even more independence.
There were days when I felt small in such a big city. Days when I missed home-cooked meals, the sound of laughter at the dinner table, and the quiet of my small hometown. But deep inside, I knew why I was here; for growth, for opportunity, for the dream I carry not just for myself, but for my family. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t. But I’ve come to learn that sometimes, chasing your future means walking away from everything safe and trusting that what you’re walking toward will be worth it.

For all the sacrifices, hard work, and moments of quiet struggle, God is good. In 2019, I proudly earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance at PUP Sta. Mesa. It was a dream I carried through years of distance, homesickness, and determination. That diploma wasn’t just mine, it belonged to every prayer, every tear, and every moment I chose not to give up.

But what came after was even more meaningful.

My greatest achievement after college wasn’t just landing a job, it was becoming the one who could give back. With God’s grace and the strength, I gained from my own journey, I was able to fund my younger sister’s college education.

It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. And in 2024, five years after my own graduation, I watched my sister walk across the stage; another cap, another gown, another answered prayer. She finished what she started. And I was there to see it happen. My Family was there and I am truly blessed.

After all the success, my dream has grown even deeper.
Now, it’s no longer just about finishing school or getting a good job.
My dream now is simple but priceless, to travel and visit beautiful places we never had the chance to see growing up. This time, with my family.

We’ve been through so much. The sacrifices, the distance, the hard work. Now, I want to create memories together. To laugh in new places, take pictures where we never imagined we’d stand, and experience the joy of life side by side, not just through video calls or stories shared at night.

Because dreams don’t stop when one is fulfilled, they grow.
And this time, I want my dream to include the people who stood by me from the very beginning.

I came across @antonette post about this opportunity to freely express without a doubt. I asked for her help and guidance on how to fully navigate this platform. I can attest that all of these and my future posts are stemmed from my inner thoughts. However, my photos were personally captured but were enhanced through the help of Canva. This blog is a space where I share not just the bright moments, but also the real ones; the lessons, the struggles, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going.

There are days when FAITH feels distant and JOY feels hard to find. But over time, I’ve learned that these moments don’t define me, they shape me. They deepen my faith. They make joy more meaningful when it returns.

Hard times don’t last so keep going. Today’s sacrifices can lead to tomorrow’s blessings, I can assure you that. I hope my story reminds you to believe in your dreams and in the strength of family. Thank you and have a wonderful day!