It seems to be a generally accepted notion and eventuality that one can hardly access formal education when one comes from a financially challenged family. The deteriorating economic condition determines that the family prioritize the necessities rather than schooling, so education is an elusive privilege for poor families.
Being poor or in poverty, however, serves as a motivating force for others to work hard by finding ways out from the pit of nothingness. The famous edge "poverty is not a hindrance to life's success" is a mantra for those who want to escape from or those who have untangled the bondage of poverty.
We have heard rags-to-riches stories. In fact their success stories are always told because we are motivated by them. They are proof that determination and perseverance make nothing impossible in life. Poverty itself is not an impediment but a catalyst for development. There are people who have been playing the roulette and have won not by chance but by confidence. In addition, there are individuals who have turned the wheel in their advantageous position, despite the drawbacks of being in the lower class of society.
Very true to all human undertakings, our Filipino athletes have a high degree of motivation in athletics, for example, participating in the world arena. And for them, deprivation is such a strong motivating force. Such a factor is more than anything else so powerful that it sustains our athletes and makes their dreams real. It becomes a way for them to get out of their challenging condition, providing their families with at least the basic needs and hopefully providing them with a fulfilling and bright future that will become secondary and highlighted along the way as the country's pride reaps the glory.
Win-or-go-hungry mentality is the secret to realizing our athletes' aspirations. They are working so hard that their lives will be severely compromised if they can't succeed. This is the financial benefit this follows success. But winning every time they play is a huge part of it.
They sacrificed much in pursuing their dreams, particularly when they are still building up their dreams, not ignoring the many challenges they have faced. For example, players in poor communities aren't picky about table surfaces, dilapidated walls, insufficient supplies and equipment. The bumpy surfaces may have produced better cue masters. Examples include Senator Manny Pacquiao and Efren Reyes. They conquered the mountain of barriers.
When asked what motivates them to work harder and finally complete their studies, my senior high school students said they wanted to build a different picture of life, a sharp contrast to their parents — breaking the cycle of deprivation, beyond giving back and making their loved ones proud.
Education is often viewed as a powerful driver of social mobility. It serves as an equalizer. One aspires to a better career, to a better future, and so education acts as a catalyst connecting ambition to realizing such a vision.
Both formal and non-formal education sources play a significant role in bringing about social mobility. Formal schooling has to do directly and causally with social mobility. This relationship is commonly understood as one that is the source or cause of vertical social mobility in formal education itself.
Education is directly linked to the workers' productivity and the resulting economic status transition. In culture, people with higher education and better jobs are valued more. The purpose of education is to create a motivation within an individual, which will make him work hard to improve his social status. Higher education contributes to higher salaries and therefore schooling is an important means of social mobility upwards.
For some it is a curse that they are destined to fail no matter what they do. But to others, accepting change, a paradigm move, is a guiding force. No matter how we look at poverty. After all, we don't have to find the pieces to a puzzle anymore but rather a positive mindset and the will to change for the better.