While most parents would take a leave from work to attend special moments in their kids’ lives, especially their Graduation Day, such did not happen to Jeric R. Rivas whose parents had been absent in all the special moments in his student life.

Even back in elementary when he graduated Top 6 of the batch at his hometown in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, his parents didn’t attend the momentous event. When his name was called on stage, he looked around but his parents were still not around; thus, he decided not to accept his medal.

Photo credit: Jeric R. Rivas / Facebook

In high school, the same thing happened. His parents were no-shows at his Recognition Day when he received the Best in TLE award. They didn’t also attend his graduation the following day.

Deciding to find a better life, he went away from his home province and thought of finding help from his relatives, yet no one accepted him into their homes. Jeric ended up living in his professors’ homes and receiving help from kind teachers for food, fare, and school needs. He also worked odd jobs, becoming a ‘kasambahay’, service crew at a fastfood outlet, janitor, and student assistant at his school.

Photo credit: Jeric R. Rivas / Facebook

But even though his parents had continually rejected him since elementary, Jeric thought they would finally attend his Graduation Day from college – yet they never came. On April 14, he waited in vain for his parents to arrive at the Philippine International Convention Center to attend his college graduation.

Photo credit: Jeric R. Rivas / Facebook

Jeric completed Bachelor of Science in Criminology; he received the Criminology Service Awardee at La Concepcion College San Jose Del Monte Bulacan. But while other graduates were rejoicing, Jeric could not help but take pity on himself. He cried as he watched the other graduates being happily joined by their proud parents.

Photo credit: Jeric R. Rivas / Facebook

He cried harder as his name was called and he had to walk up the stage alone, because once again his parents failed him. His teachers came to his rescue, marching with him up the stage. These professors had taken him in, welcomed him to their homes, and became his second parents – and they were happy with his victory now. Yet Jeric would have wanted his parents to be there and finally show him they were proud of him…