As a kid, he worked as ‘tapasero’ in a sugarcane plantation with his family, but Melvin Osabel Buracho would later find success in life after becoming a teacher despite his father’s objections. Growing up in a family who believes that education is just a waste of time, Melvin would spend many years defying his father as he juggled school with working in the sugarcane plantation. His father told everyone to quit school, but Melvin dreamed of living a better life by completing his college education.
By the time he was 11 years old, Melvin felt too much pressure from his father that he would actually quit school and become a full-time ‘tapasero’.
Photo credit: Melvin Osabel Buracho / Facebook
“As an 11-year-old child, I worked full time as tapasero. The heavy bundle of sugar cane and the excruciating heat of the sun made my young mind understood the cruelties of life. But what I was thankful of that experience was, it consumed inside me the fear of my father. I could still remember that certain place where I asked myself this question, ‘Until when will I be like this? A question that was not supposedly be asked by kids. I went out of our home and ventured for luck in life. Before leaving, I promised myself to prove my father wrong--- that Education is the answer,” he shared.
A restaurant offered him a chance to be a working student; this helped him complete his elementary education. He continued with high school but was constantly discouraged by his father who even refused to attend his recognition day. This led to a bitter disagreement the night before his dad’s untimely passing.
Photo credit: Melvin Osabel Buracho / Facebook
Discouraged, Melvin did not immediately enroll in college. He found a job to support his siblings, but eventually realized he still wanted to reach for his dreams.
“I applied for LGU Scholarship and I was blessed. I took up the program Bachelor of Elementary Education, major in General Education. My mother supported me all along the way. She showed me the support that I never experienced before. In my ups and shortcomings, she was there with me in every possible way,” the young man wrote.
Photo credit: Melvin Osabel Buracho / Facebook
He graduated with flying colors and was able to pass the board exams some months later, making him a licensed professional teacher. What an inspiring story…
