Below is a letter I call the must read story of the year. The author, Franklin, is a young man in the PathLight Sponsorship+ Program. I’ve had the honor of knowing Franklin for several years now, and his letter is one of the most powerful you will read this year. I’m going to start pointing to this letter when people ask me why I do what I do.
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My name is Franklin. I was born in July 24th, 1993. A few months after I started life in this world, my biological father walked away on my mother and me. A few years later my mother was engaged in a common-law relationship, which was hard for me. My stepfather had four children of his own and of course, treated me differently. I would sometimes cry and wonder why my father had abandoned me like an unwanted puppy.
In 2006, I was in 7th grade. My dream was to become someone important in life and I knew that it would only be possible if I could continue my education.
After graduating primary school, I did not expect what happened next; my mom and stepdad abandoned me.
A month went by and they did not show up. I was really sick and I did not have any food to eat. I know what it’s like to wake up in the morning and have nothing to eat or go to bed with an empty stomach. I know the pain, the suffering it causes. It’s not only physical, but mental as well. My brain and my body grew so weak all I could think of was, how my biological parents did not care about me.
My troubles did not end there. The rent of the house was due and I had no money. I remember that night like it was just yesterday; everything was just weighing me down and my last resort was suicide, but I didn’t have the heart to go through with it, even though I couldn’t bear the pain anymore. That night I promised myself to make a stand and to do something with my life. I packed some clothes and I left; I went everywhere searching for a job. I was 12 years old at that time and every employer that I sought work with told me I was too young to be employed. I had no choice but to join the work force at a farm. I was given a room that didn’t have anything. I slept on the floor, but I kept strong. My hope for an education had vanished along with my parent’s desertion. I worked, but I also created trouble with so-called friends, who only led me astray. My heart was full of bitterness and I hated the whole world and myself.
However, I was given a second chance. A compassionate woman, Mrs. Lily, saw my suffering and also saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself because I was so lost in darkness. I call her my angel, because regardless of her having nothing, she offered me the security of a roof over my head and three meals every day. The opportunity to have a home once again gave me perspective in life. With the help of Mrs. Lily, I was able to see clearly once again, and not only did I see clearly, but I saw pure hope. I only needed someone to show me love, to believe in me, to push me in the right direction. The opportunity to have a new home gave me motivation and determination to keep on making a difference.
On May of 2008, I was 14; I applied to the PathLight Sponsorship+ Program. By the 17th of the following month, I received a letter of acceptance along with a contract that I needed to sign. That day I could not contain my joy; I was smiling and jumping with happiness. I gave God thanks, and I also thanked Mrs. Lily, my God-sent angel. Even though I was rough along the edges, I managed to make good progress, while I showed strong leadership qualities throughout high school. PathLight made me feel important. There were other students in the program that had different stories and dreams; I could see the reflection of happiness and hope in their eyes. The staff of PathLight didn’t choose me and the other students only for a scholarship; they gave us their friendship, love and encouragement.
In 2012 I graduated from the Belmopan Baptist High School and even though I went to Parent’s Night alone, I was so proud of myself. While still in the program, I went to study at the University of Belize (UB) for an Associate’s Degree in Math. By that time I was once again living alone; Mrs. Lily had her own children who were going to high school and she had too many expenses. I was going to UB, working during the nights and I studied during the day. It took a toll on me and I started to shut down. This was too much for me, I was stressed all the time with work and with schoolwork; I had bills to pay and my salary was not enough. I avoided confrontation from my PathLight mentors and would totally push away when someone would try to talk to me. Nevertheless, in time, I was encouraged to go on to study at the Cayo Center for Employment Training (CET). I decided that I would take a Tour Guiding Course that CET offered.
Soon my anger and bitterness seemed to have faded away as PathLight staff encouraged me and pushed me in the right direction. At this point in time I am working as an armed security officer from Sunday to Friday; on Saturdays I attend CET. My attitude is more of a gentle lamb as opposed to a roaring lion. I learned it’s not about how hard one falls, but how one manages to stand up. I also learned that if you are not loved by the people that you expect to love you, love those who are willing to share their love and support with you regardless if they are not your flesh and bones.
This scholarship has changed my entire life from being no one to being a better person than I was. Now I smile, knowing that I am accomplishing my dreams and heading towards a better future. There are other children with hopes and dreams like I have and only you with great hearts and you who are willing, can give them the key to that door.
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If you want to provide hope for another child like Franklin, support the Unleash Hope campaign in December and every dollar up to $50,000 will be matched. A full student sponsorship is $175 a month.
