It was a fine day when I and my family visited the farm my parents just bought. I like the place so much. It has fresh air, lots of fruits, a very wide space, and a two-story house where I can view the whole place. My main reason why I went with them to the farm is because I really want to get buko with them and relax after the half day of doing the laundry. I never knew that going there would make me realize that I am so lucky to be where I am today.

As I arrived in the place, I saw my nephew, Bryan, playing with two kids.I asked the little girl. “Unsa imong pangalan?” (What is your name). She replied shyly, “Siete.” Bryan even joked, ” Why not Otso?” lol! I looked at Siete keenly. She is such a pretty girl. She has shoulder-length hair and a morena complexion. The little boy with her is her little brother. Her little brother is already 5 years old but never say a word since birth. The two kids don’t wear any slippers. Their clothes were so rugged. Looking at them, I can tell that they’re not combing their hair nor they have taken a bath. They don’t talk much. All they do is ride on my nephew’s toy motorcycle, and they look very happy with it. I asked her if she would like to join my charity class since she never entered school since. She can’t even count from 1 to 5 nor know ABC. I can see the eagerness in her smile. My heart melted upon seeing this little kid…so innocent and eager to learn yet doesn’t have the priviledge to.

As I accompany my brother to their literally very simple house to ask her mom…I was even shock to know that her mom is so young, maybe 20-22 in my guess, but already has 4 kids. I asked her if she could allow Siete to join my charity program. My sis-in-law and brother even helped me in persuading her but the mom just answered with a very shy smile…and all we hear from her was one sentence, “I’ll ask him (the father).” In my own opinion, I can see that she was not interested with my offer. She is so shy, and a little afraid of us as if we would do harm on her. I looked at Siete’s mom again and said to myself…”If only she does not marry early, she could have given her children and herself better life. She could not have suffer low self-esteem. She could have given her children better education and future. But who am I to judge and question. I don’t know her life. I’m just a stranger. So I just looked at her and smile.

When we went back to the farm area, Siete joined us. I asked her if she really like to join my class. She said, “Yes.” I smiled at her and said to myself. She deserves better. I hope the world offers her better. I asked her again, “Unsa imong pangalan ga?” (What is your name?). She answered, “Siete.” I asked her her full name. She answered, “Siete.” But I and my family knew that her name was “Sherlyn.” Her age is seven (SIETE). My kids in my preschool class were 4-6 and can tell their name without hesitation. Siete is seven turning eight and she doesn’t even know her full name.