The idea for Women’s Education Initiative began by accident, literally.
After completing my scuba instructor training in the Philippines, I wrecked an all-terrain vehicle in the jungle: I was lucky to walk away with only a shattered wrist.
I arrived alone at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Batangas City on Easter weekend 2003.
“Where’s your companion?”
The nurses, my doctors, everyone who entered my room asked the same question. Filipinos always stay with family members or friends in the hospital. They would never leave a loved one in the hospital alone. They could not fathom my situation.
Alan, the Australian owner of Asia Divers where I’d trained, understood the culture and offered to send one of the waitresses from his resort to keep me company, to be my companion. I was scared—and a long way from my own family—so I accepted his generous offer.
Leah was waiting for me when I returned from surgery and kept me company in the hospital for three days. I learned that Leah had abandoned school and her dreams of becoming a teacher when her father died. She needed to earn money to support her widowed mother and her extended family, including two younger brothers, Benjy and Joven. She’d been a good student and loved school.
She left her tiny village in Sinacaban on the island of Mindanao and traveled to Mindoro to find work as a waitress. She sent her wages home and with her tips alone, she paid for the construction of the single room cinder-block home where her family now lives.
Leah was with me when I went to settle my hospital bill. “How will you ever pay it, Cheryl,” she asked.
I learned from the doctor who treated my wounds that an equivalent sum would pay for a college education. I asked my Filipino dive instructor if he thought it would be culturally appropriate for me to offer to pay Leah’s college tuition.
Leah returned to school at the age of 31. She studied hard: teachers must carry a “B” average in all courses to graduate.
In October 2007, I returned to attend Leah’s Tribute Day at La Salle University in Ozamiz City. It was one of the proudest and happiest moments of my life, watching Leah realize her dream of becoming a teacher, like my mother.
This past year has been one of brutal breaks. Of brokenness.
On Feb. 17, 2020, my friend and veteran Rob Taylor, died by suicide. On Aug. 25, 2020, my father and a veteran, died at home, with his family, after enduring an aggressive and painful disease. On Jan. 8, 2021, my sister died, at her home, ravaged and taken by the same disease that took our father barely four months earlier.
In this pandemic year in which I feel I’m being swallowed, sucked under by sorrow, this nonprofit gives me hope. It has taught me, over the past 13 years, that is it possible to heal what’s been broken.
Thank you, to all the people who have made our work and the scholarships we offer possible. Thank you to the women, our scholars, who inspire and motivate us. Happy 13th Anniversary, Women’s Education Initiative.
