Interview of My Aunt

Unemployment is a society cancer that causes lot of misfortune in one’s life. It is hard to live a life without a job. We can not go to school; we can not buy our basic needs and the most of all we can hardly eat three times a day.

Let me share to you a very sad and revealing story of a woman who seeks ways to find a job to be able to earn money. Let me share to you the story of a mother who struggles to live and to face all life’s challenges. Let me share to you the story of my aunt who do everything to feed her child. For her, life is so harsh that without a living you can not go on and live the life you dreamt of.

Interviewer: Bernadette D. Bete
Interviewee: "Henrietta" (she asks not to give her real name)
Occupation: N/A! "dile man pod matawag ug housewife kay la man koy asawa!"
Age: 56


Bern:What was your dream when you were still a child?
Hen: I've always wanted to be a police woman (she laughs). But there's no more way to pursue that dream..I grew up in a poor family (I can see the sadness in her eyes). I thought I can no longer experience carrying a bag on my back, holding a pencil, writing, and reading books. Thanks to God, he has sent me an angel, my auntie who's already 93 years old. She sent me to school before. In return to her goodness, I stand as her caregiver these days.

God has been great. He has given me a lot of opportunities before but I have wasted all of it. I was enrolled in grade 1when I was already 9 yrs old. Eventhough my stomach was empty, I still manage to attend my regular classes.I was even proud of my self because I received awards from my teachers. I was also awarded as the second brightest in our class.

Bern:Awhile ago, you said you have wasted the opportunities given to you? Why?
Hen: Because of life's problems and challenges, my studies got affected. I was very stressed then, that I can no longer concentrate on my studies. So I started skipping classes until I got tired and decided to stop attending classes (there were regrets in her eyes).

Bern:What did you intend to do after deciding not to go to school anymore?
Hen: I was 17 years old when I stopped going to school. At the age of 19, I've decided to look for a job. I have always dreamt to have a good job for me until I found myself serving other people. I worked as a waitress in a fast food. I have no place in any big and good companies because I didn't have a diploma. I didn't finished highschool.

After one month, I have decided to look for another job because of a very low salary.

Bern:Were you able to find a better job?
Hen: No! I as rejected again because of the same reason. It's really hard to look for a job. Even applying as a saleslady. Highschool diploma is needed. My life was a mess even until now. I got pregnant when I was 21. The man didn't even stand for his obligation to me.

Bern:When you delivered your child, did you have a job that time?
Hen: No... I was forced to apply as a housemaid just to feed my child. I dreamt of sending him to school, so he served as my inspiration everyday. Years came, I have witnessed my child growing and i realized that my salary is not enough for the both of us. I can hardly buy our basic needs so I left him to my aunt's care (my aunt who sent me to school before). Hoping she could also send him to school which she did. Because of shame that I can't give the needs of my child, I got married to a man who haven't finished even elementary. But our relationship didn't last, I found out he's been meeting/dating other woman.

Bern:Do you have any past time-job before?
Hen: It's not actually a job! I used to chat or have a penpal with other people from different foreign countries. Just incase I could find "MR. RIGHT" hahaha. Though I've wanted to have my own little business, I don't have any money for capital.

Bern:What does it feel if you don't have a job?
Hen: Well it’s an endless suffering! It gives me headaches. Sometimes I feel ashamed of my self for being irresponsible of my own life.

Bern:Thank you very much for sharing a part of your life. It serves as a lesson to everyone.
Hen: Oh! I see... you're always welcome.

It was a touching interview from a lady who chose not to give her real name. One cause of unemployment in the Philippines may be lack of education. With the increasing demands of the fast developing world, it is really hard to find jobs when you are not a graduate of a particular skill or course. We are facing a competitive world and it is a must to reach the norms of development. Thus, a high educational attainment, which most Filipinos lack, is one way to uplift the unemployment rate of the country. Indeed, I consider myself lucky to be given a chance to be in Xavier University. I know I will be facing a bright future ahead. It is my vision…my life…my future…