From Manobo Roots to Mathematical Heights: My Journey, My Pride.

I am Talio Gomez, I have been able to bring strength and perseverance to many a level, so I can tell you the story of my journey to becoming an immigrant. I am Manobo, while we did a great job encouraging others to come out as themselves, the sting of discrimination is still a reality for many. Here I will tell you how I came out of that situation, with a degree in hand, getting my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. My education wasn’t always gold. I mean, it was often a long arduous trek. Being Manobo also meant being exposed to many prejudices and preconceived notions. At times I could feel the weight of my own expectations, that subtle biases that seemed to threaten to hold me back a bit. But rather than let this define me, I turned it into fuel for myself and turned it into momentum. I was determined to see not only my potential, but the potential of my community. My personal most challenging moment was when I lost my father two years into college and became not only self-sufficient with my studies but also financially independent. That's when I had to choose between learning and supporting myself. By graduation I ended up taking classes that could barely cover tuition and working part-time at a small factory. I lost both sleep and leisure to pursue it though. By the end of the year, my body was so tired that I could barely stand up. My finances were so crippling that there seemed no way I was going to make ends meet. But I remembered again, it was in my roots, in the unchanging spirit of my Manobo ancestors. They were overcome by hardship with courage and tenacity. And I realized that I could do the same now. I did not think enough about education. Not only for me, but for all the young Manobo people who would come after me. What was driving me to go into Applied Mathematics? I have always wanted to learn more about patterns and problems and I like to think that with mathematics as a base it opens so many doors. It didn't always go my way. Some of the concepts weren't very simple and the equations sometimes required hours of studying, but with the right attitude and persistence you will not give up, you might just find your calling. And as of now, I am here, standing proudly as a Manobo graduand and taking a degree in Applied Mathematics. I don’t just win here. I win for the entire Manobo community. It’s true of hard work and believing in yourself. My story is proof that no one’s background entitles you to a destination or does not determine your destiny. Everyone’s background, all of it, provides strength and a foundation from which we can build a better tomorrow.