MANILA, Philippines?A women?s brand encourages young women to make a difference. Modess cites Leizza Quijano and Zandra Malubay as exemplars of women?s involvement.

Leizza A. Quijano, 23

We were not well off. When I was younger, my father was the only breadwinner. His income as fish vendor paid only for our daily needs. If he couldn?t work even for a day, we?d not be able to eat.

At 13, I worked as a dishwasher in a carinderia to pay my tuition. I realized how difficult it was to be poor, so I promised myself I?d try to rise from my poverty. I topped our class and graduated as outstanding student.

One of my most difficult challenges was when my parents told me they couldn?t send me to college. I applied for and got a scholarship grant. My father, believing I was better off working than studying, scolded me for what I did, but I firmly explained to him that I wanted to be a professional and that getting a college degree would be very helpful in the long run. Eventually, he let me pursue college, provided I?d not rely financially on him or my mother.

To make both ends meet, I ran as SK chairman in our barangay. Luckily I won. The salary I earned as a public servant saw me through college. I also did direct-selling. I graduated cum laude. I am now working at the Bank of the Philippine Islands as a service associate.

I am supporting my family and helping put my sister through college. This is just the beginning for me. I wish to do more. Hopefully, I can give my family the quality of life they deserve.

Zandra Malubay, 22

I grew up having never felt the love and care of parents. I was 6 months old when my mom left me in the care of her older sister who had a family of her own. Fortunately, I was still able to feel the sense of security and belonging, just like being in a real family.

We went through trying times? like when a fire gutted the public market. Since our small business was in there, we lost our livelihood. We were all devastated, but at that point, I made the decision to rise above it.

When I was still in college, I was sent to Singapore on a six-month on-the-job training. I was very thrilled, but also sad, because it was my first time to go abroad. There, I worked hard and did my best to prove to my superiors and colleagues of various nationalities how good Filipinos are. I wanted them to realize that Filipinos are dedicated, good-hearted, and God-fearing. I was flattered when they dubbed me ?clever girl.?

I graduated as academic scholar with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. I now manage my family?s small business so I can earn enough for review studies for the licensure examination for CPA (certified public accountant).

I intend to work in an audit firm and be a part-time instructor. However, my ambitions don?t end there. I also want to be a lawyer?a CPA-lawyer. These goals are not just for myself, but for my family, friends and country as well.

If you embody the ?Aim High, Pinay!? attitude, please share your achievements and how you made these happen against all odds, so you may inspire other young Filipinos.

E-mail us your story at aimhighpinay.2bu@gmail.com?along with your name, age, address, contact number, occupation and reference.

Modess and 2bU! will choose the best contributions, which will be published in 2bU!. Winners will receive a Modess gift pack.