The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the dusty basketball court, where I often found solace in the rhythmic thump of the ball against the cracked pavement. My friends would gather around, their laughter mingling with the distant sounds of jeepneys rumbling down

The sun had barely risen, casting a warm glow over the sleepy streets of our little town. I sat by the window, watching the world come to life, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and possibilities. The college president's offer echoed in my