20/05/2026
More Than Doughnuts ๐ฉ
A Feature
By: Lou Reiz Mae Bangis
Under the scorching heat of the sun, I walked through the familiar hallways of Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc., searching for a cooler spot where I could briefly escape the warmth of the afternoon.
Not feeling okay from the flu, I needed to relax before the graduation practice starts.
Students passed by carrying books, folders, and bags, each one busy with their own thoughts and struggles.
Then one student caught my attention.
He was carrying a rectangular plastic container carefully pressed against his chest. Inside were neatly arranged doughnuts in different flavors, mocha, Bavarian, strawberry, and ube. Curious, I asked him what he was selling and how much they were. With a simple smile, he answered politely, explaining the flavors while standing there under the heat, patiently waiting for someone to buy.
Without hesitation, I bought from him. But more than the doughnut, what I truly received that moment was inspiration.
In a world where many students silently battle financial struggles, seeing someone like Ronald Gella, a first year BSBA student, working hard while pursuing his education is both humbling and admirable. He reminded me that behind every studentโs smile is a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and determination. Some students are supported comfortably, while others hustle quietly between classes just to survive another school day, pay for projects, buy meals, or continue studying.
And in many ways, I can relate to Ronald.
Like him, I also understand what it means to carry responsibilities while chasing a dream. Being a student while balancing lifeโs realities is never easy. There are days filled with exhaustion, doubts, financial worries, and sacrifices unseen by many people. Yet despite all these, students like Ronald continue showing up every day, refusing to give up on education.
That is the kind of hard work that deserves recognition, not only academic excellence inside the classroom, but also the courage to keep going despite hardships.
Ronaldโs story is a reminder to all students that success is not measured by how easy the journey is, but by how determined you are to continue walking even when life becomes difficult. There is dignity in honest work. There is honor in sacrifice. And there is inspiration in every student who chooses perseverance over surrender.
To all hardworking students silently striving for their dreams: may you never be ashamed of your struggles. One day, the sacrifices you are making today will become the success stories that inspire others tomorrow.
So if you happen to see Ronald around the campus hallways, carrying his container of doughnuts while balancing his studies and struggles, spare a little support. Buy a โฑ10.00 doughnut from him. It may seem small to us, but for a hardworking student like Ronald, every purchase is a step closer to his dreams. And sometimes, the sweetest thing we can offer someone is not just money, but encouragement, recognition, and the reminder that their hard work is seen.
