September 7, 2026
The enduring will of an eldest daughter
By Thania Florendo
Why does being born first mean carrying dreams that were never yours alone? To become the family’s hope and perhaps, their greatest pride–to rise from a place no one believed you could ever leave.
Then 12, Nicole Fetalcorin could never forget hearing relatives tell her that she might not finish her studies because her parents had not achieved much academically. But who said it couldn’t be done?
The eldest among four, Fetalcorin grew up in a modest home in Legazpi City, Albay, raised by parents who did everything they could to provide for their family. Her mother, a housewife, found ways to earn extra income by selling their own produce, such as jackfruit, and cooking viands to sell to neighbors. Her father worked long hours as a salesman.
Money was often tight but her parents found ways for them to stay in school. Their budget would only sometimes cover transportation for school, and packed lunches became a necessity. At an early age, Fetalcorin learned to grow up with the reality that she had to lead her sisters to do what they could.
During school vacations, the four siblings would travel from Legazpi to Camalig, Albay, to help at their aunt’s mini convenience store and water-refilling station. They would receive money in exchange for work, which they carefully saved for school allowance and other expenses.
“It started when I was in high school. It was my initiative to earn from that sideline to pay for my school projects,” Fetalcorin said.
Her father endured working in a company despite the unfair pay. When the pandemic came, he eventually moved to another company, taking the same position.
“My father is very hardworking. He would give his best effort to meet the quota of the products he was selling, for which he was given an incentive,” she said.
Fetalcorin loved her family deeply but love becomes heavier when it is mixed with responsibility and duty. As their firstborn, she became the emotional glue of the family–the second mother, the dependable sibling, the quiet fixer of problems, and the one who learns to put others before herself.
When she entered college at Bicol University, Fetalcorin didn’t initially think of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She had originally dreamed of becoming a nurse, which would be financially supported by a relative abroad. Yet, she stepped aside and gave this chance to the sibling next to her, currently in Grade 12, who dreams of studying for a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at a private university.
In her second year, she heard about the Tzu Chi scholarship program for communication students. She recalled the process, “There were six of us in the initial screening, then we had examinations and interviews. I was one of the three selected.”
Being eligible for the scholarship meant the family could loosen their belt for a bit and have a chance to finally breathe. Fetalcorin shared how happy her parents were, “My mother was overjoyed, we knew that it could be a big help since we were really lacking financially.”
Growing up, Fetalcorin witnessed the struggles of her parents. She recalled moments when her father’s stress and anger would spill over at home. As someone who spent much of her time with her family, she began to absorb some of that anger herself.
“When I entered Tzu Chi, I was culture-shocked by how calm people are. I no longer have to be aggressive or agitated. I realize that there is still calmness inside of me,” Fetalcorin reflected.
Even generosity was something she had to learn. For someone who had grown up with so little, giving could feel foreign.
“Being generous became a challenge for me. As someone who came from nothing, I sometimes feel torn whether to give or keep it to myself because I myself have nothing more to give. But during our Humanities class, I realized that I don’t have to give everything, even a little will mean so much to others,” she said.
Before finishing her studies, she took her internship at Tzu Chi Communications Department at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, in Sta. Mesa, Manila, where she covered various events, wrote stories, and experienced firsthand the work of amplifying inspiring stories of others.
“Thank you, Tzu Chi, for accepting every part of me. I’ll make sure that every penny spent by Tzu Chi for [my studies] will be worth it. Thank you for everything. I am one of those who were able to graduate because of you,” she said.
She graduated cum laude on June 15, and one month after graduation, Fetalcorin began a new chapter as a communications staff member at the Tzu Chi Communications Department. She has finally achieved some of the things she once only dreamed of: graduating from college, finding a job, and beginning to provide for her family little by little.
Fetalcorin believed that no sacrifice was too great if it meant giving her siblings a better chance in the future and an easier life for her parents. She now dreams of providing some of the needs of her siblings. It may seem like a small dream to some, but when she talks about her family, these dreams do not sound small at all. They come out like little pieces of herself, healing one by one.
Her story is a gentle reminder that all the reliable children should not be simply regarded as the family’s foundation. They deserve compassion, kindness, and comfort too. Through Tzu Chi’s scholarship, Fetalcorin learned that she cannot pour from an empty cup, and Tzu Chi filled her cup by supporting and nurturing her, helping her carry the weight of her family’s dream.
Nicole Fetalcorin graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Bicol University on June 15.
Back when she was 8 years old, Nicole Fetalcorin already admired her parents for doing everything they could to provide for the four of them, despite life’s hardships.
A complete family photo as they celebrate the first graduate of the family.
After pursuing a degree in communication, she found her strength in the course she had chosen, excelling in her studies as a President’s Lister throughout college.
Nicole Fetalcorin (first row, third from left) took on the role of lead writer during a short film production in her freshman year.
Together with Tzu Chi Bicol scholars, Nicole Fetalcorin actively attends outreach activities in the Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Tabaco City.
Tzu Chi scholar Nicole Fetalcorin entertains a child at Tzu Chi Great Love Village by reading her a book.
Tzu Chi scholar Nicole Fetalcorin helps hand out snacks for the children in an outreach program.
During her internship at the Tzu Chi Communications Department, Nicole Fetalcorin took on tasks like videography, photography, editing, and writing.
During her internship at the Tzu Chi Communications Department, Nicole Fetalcorin took on tasks like videography, photography, editing, and writing.
During her graduation as a scholar at the Scholars’ Camp 2026, she left a heartfelt message for the foundation. “Thank you, Tzu Chi, for accepting every part of me. To be accepted here is a big blessing. I didn’t feel alone in reaching my dreams.”
Now a Tzu Chi staff member, Nicole Fetalcorin carries the gratitude with her as she starts a new journey.