A WILLING HEART

I am Genevieve Justine L. Rubio, a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English at De La Salle University (2012), former Preschool teacher at Southeastern College, a child sponsor of World Vision since 2010 and a missionary by heart. I am currently helping in the family business located in Quezon Province.

Ever since I was a child, I dreamt of being an instrument of change in our country. It was just a dream until I turned 19 in 2010. That moment, I thought to myself that I am not a helpless child anymore nor am I justified excusing myself of being in a transition stage at the age of 18 for me to be of help to my fellow Filipinos. And so, I had this urge of contributing to the society not only through words or in thought but through actions. I saw a World Vision booth as I was walking around a mall in Pasay. They are encouraging people to become sponsors of children in the Philippines who cannot afford to study even in the public schools.

 Being a professional teacher in the making, I immediately approached the lady in the booth and asked about the process of sponsoring a child. I chose a girl in second year high school for a start. With just P600 a month – that is, P20 less from my allowance a day, I was able to make a difference in the life of “Casey” and her family. After 2 years, she graduated and I was informed of her successful years as a World Vision scholar. I was filled with joy and right then and there, I decided to sponsor another child. This time, a girl in elementary.

I believe that proper (not necessarily formal) education can make a big difference in the life of the youth and the future of our country. I wouldn’t say that P20 is just a small amount but I know for a fact that it is a bearable amount. Aside from saving for my donation, I also needed to save for my YFC activities which formed me as a good follower of Christ. The community drew me closer to God and to His people. I became more aware of their needs, thus, tried to find other ways to volunteer and help. I found the annual “ANCOP Global Walk”, a fundraising event for the scholars, “For The Kids – DLSU”, an annual event for special kids, and “GK Tutorial”, review sessions for GK scholars who aspire to study in universities where I volunteered as a tutor/mentor. The fulfillment that I am getting from the various experiences of volunteering and serving our fellowmen is absolutely priceless.

Through the heartwarming projects that I was involved in, I came to realize that a willing heart makes everything easy, fun and meaningful. Explore ways on how you can help and serve in your community. Choose the organization/program/event where you think you will be fully committed. Find your passion – as your talents can contribute to a great cause. Our country needs willing hearts to create a greater change.