Most of the life changing stories that we awe in amazement are those that were very popular.

From Nikola Tesla and Albert Einstein of the science world. Even Satoshi Nakamoto who's identity is still a mystery, a cryptic name in the crypto world. My all time favorite life changing story of the pound for pound boxing champ turned Senator Manny Pacquaio. It will take more than an hour to write down those popular life changing stories. Then again, the essence of this blog is to capture the life changing events and moments including ordinary people.

This next story I'm about to tell you is focused on one of the regular people who's story inspires me and the people around him. His name is Ralph. He was one of my board mates way back in college. Remember the story about Jovi where I told you about the boarding house we stayed. There were again three rooms in the house, each with 2 double beds. I seldom see Ralph in my first two semester in college. He works part time in the city and stayed there but he used to stay in the house for quite a while. We met on the second year of college where he went back to the boarding house.

So why do I talk about him? It's because his story is one of those stories of perseverance, handwork and patience. I heard his stories from the married couple who owns the house. Our very own landlady and landlord who is very proud in telling us about Ralph. Then later in those years I've witness myself why this man was popular not just in our boarding even around the whole college campus. In the boarding house during lazy days and when the folks have extra budge to spend, we use to have a drinking session. And when we do, there are two main topics, either it's about the recent political events and or we talk about our personal lives. During those one of our drinking sessions, I had the chance to hear Ralph's stories.I hope I am making justice to his story and I am trying my best to recall every detail Ralph had mentioned.

Ralph was born with silver spoon in his mouth. His grandfather used to own a shipping company and logging business in the countryside. He used to have a comfortable life. They have cars and food are well provided. Until his grandfather became a widower. Granny started getting into gambling and had a relationship with a younger beautiful woman. Slowly their riches depleted as time pass by. Until came a day when they have to let go of luxuries and live a simple life.

But it wasn't all that simple. Time became a little too challenging for the oldest sibling. Little Ralph became a young man. With the same stories as many others like me and him and even Jovi. Ralph have financial challenges but it wasn't a hurdle in his journey towards education. Ralph is also intelligent special on mathematics. In his first years of college, the third floor of the college campus was still under construction. Ralph after class worked in the school as helper. As a helper he takes out orders from the foreman. To do this and do that, to carry this, carry that. He'd be coming back to boarding house all in sweat and smell of cement.

In the living room area of the boarding house is displayed Ralph's sash and trophy for winning miss Gay contest. Ralph is a straight guy, but what can you say, if there's an opportunity for additional income, he'd take it. As long as it's legal. And certainly joining a Gay pageant is legal. Ralph also have worked as grocery bagger to sustain his education. Ralph was also the grand-master of the fraternity I joined in.

I haven't heard from Ralph for a long time. Last I heard he already have a good position working for a big international shipping company. Although he does not own a shipping company like his grandfather was, he is now successful in his own terms despite the hardships on the way.

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@PajeeBear at Cent.co is one and the same @PajeeBear at Publish0x