The first two weeks of my second semester is going smoothly. Last week I got an advance Christmas gift from Smart and now, I have an ATM again. I’m a poor kid living in a third world country. Since I was child, I knew that I should be thrifty and with that I learned to prioritize. Needs before wants, that’s how my parents raised me. Though I’m the only child in the family, I was not raised in comfort. I don’t spend that much on clothes nor go to parties and such.

I had my ATM card back in my freshman days. It’s very useful especially when I can’t go back to our province to get my allowance. My mother transfers money from her savings account to mine. That went through until one day, out of stupidity, I spent the maintaining balance of my ATM card and my account closed. Since then, I haven’t opened it and when my parents ask me where it is, I simply reply, “I don’t know.” I had a hard time getting it back because I can’t save money because I was always short of money due to school projects and other things. I had to go home to the province weekly to get my allowance. Though I miss my hometown, I hate that every time I’m there, I can’t do any of my assigned tasks at school. But just this Tuesday, after dismissal, there was a free registration for a BPI Direct Savings Account for students in our lobby. I only need present my school ID and fill up a form. My friends and I immediately took this opportunity. As I turn freelancing, making WordPress themes and building websites for small organizations, I need to have a savings account to store my money. I wouldn’t risk it being stolen out in the open so this is perfect timing as they say. It’s maintaining balance is PhP 500 only and I don’t need to deposit just yet.

Though still can’t use my card until December 11, the activation date, I think by that time, I already have my salary from working out some web design projects. I’m really happy how things are working out this semester and I thank God for everything that has come my way.