Hi. I’m Cyclops Lander Olaya Asio, and this is my story. I was born on August 15, 2004. Like many kids, I entered the world with hope and excitement. But unlike most, my life began with a heartbreaking loss that shaped who I would become. My father passed away when I was just one month old. At such a young age, I didn’t understand what was happening, but as I grew, the absence of a father figure became one of my deepest challenges. My mother raised me on her own, but she had help. My grandparents stepped in, giving her support and providing the love and care I needed. When I turned one, my mother made a choice that changed both of our lives. She went abroad to work, not because she wanted to leave me, but because she wanted to offer me a better life. For her, it was a sacrifice for me, it was a reality I had to accept. Growing up without my mother by my side was hard. I didn’t fully understand why she wasn’t there to tuck me in or hold my hand on my first day of school. My grandmother once told me how I cried a lot, searching for my mom in every corner of our house. I will never forget one moment, even though I was too young to grasp it. I asked my grandmother to open the refrigerator because I thought my mother might be hiding inside. That story has been shared with me many times, and each time I hear it, I feel both sadness and love. I feel sadness because it shows how much I longed for her. I feel love because it reminds me that despite her absence, she was always in my heart. As months and years passed, I learned to adjust to life without her nearby. Even though she was far away, she never forgot me. My mom would call, send letters, and find ways to reach out. She explained, as best as she could, why she had to work in another country. She reminded me that everything she did was for me, to ensure I had food, clothes, an education, and eventually, the chance to chase my dreams. Her words became my motivation. Growing up with my grandparents taught me discipline, resilience, and humility. They were not just my second parents they were also my role models. My grandmother showered me with affection, and my grandfather offered wisdom. They made sure that even though my mom was far away, I never felt unloved. Still, I envied my classmates who had both parents cheering for them during school events. But instead of focusing on what I lacked, I learned to appreciate what I had: the unconditional love of my mom and grandparents. When I entered senior high school in 2022, my journey as a student grew even more challenging. Senior high was not just about schoolwork it was about discovering who I was and what I wanted to do in life. It was about how much I was willing to push myself. There were sleepless nights filled with assignments and moments of doubt when I wondered if I could make it. I felt overwhelmed by responsibilities at times. But those years also taught me perseverance. I learned that nothing worthwhile comes easy and that hard work, discipline, and sacrifice are crucial for success. In 2023, I graduated from senior high school. That day was one of my proudest moments. Walking across the stage, receiving my diploma, and knowing that my mom and grandparents were proud of me made all the challenges I faced worth it. That graduation was not just a personal victory it was a gift for them. I dedicated that moment to my mom, who sacrificed her time away for my education, and to my grandparents, who supported me through every trial.
