First Starbucks Experience of an Indigenous Student Inspires Many Netizens
A content creator shared the story of an indigenous student experiencing Starbucks for the first time.
Recently, Faye Ramirez, a Facebook user, shared the experience of an indigenous student visiting Starbucks for the very first time. The post garnered various reactions from the online community.
Ramirez, who met the student’s family during a 2022 hiking trip in Bukidnon, decided to reconnect and share a memorable moment with the young woman, Charm.
During that initial encounter, Faye met Charm’s mother, who welcomed her into their home on a rainy afternoon with a warm cup of coffee. It was then she learned about the family’s struggles and the mother’s dream of seeing Charm finish college.
Despite the challenges of life in the mountains, the family remained strong even when their harvests barely covered their basic needs.
Fast forward to the present, Charm is now pursuing a Nursing degree in Cagayan de Oro. Faye reached out to meet her and treated her to Starbucks. For Charm, it was a new experience, one she enjoyed with excitement and humility.
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Charm revealed the financial hardships her family faced, sharing how guilt often weighed on her when her mother sent money for tuition, even at the expense of their meals.
Faye shared Charm’s story in a group chat of former scholars who had overcome similar struggles.
Here is the full post:
“FIRST TIME KO SA STARBUCKS”
Back in 2022, I met Charm’s mother. They are part of the indigenous people (IP) community in Bukidnon.
One rainy afternoon, as we descended from a hiking activity, her mom invited us into their home and offered us free coffee to warm ourselves. I sat beside her as we talked about life, God, and of course, her eldest daughter’s dream of finishing college.
Life in the mountains is hard. They rely on their harvest, which is often not even enough for food.
“Sobrang hirap ng buhay Ma’am pero hindi naman kami napabayaan,” her mom said.
And I understood her.
I understood what it means to struggle yet to also never feel abandoned because when has God ever truly left us? When has He ever completely withheld hope?
This past weekend, I was in Cagayan de Oro, where Charm is studying. I told her I wanted to meet her for the first time since I heard her story. She agreed.
“Orderin mo yung gusto mo, yung favorite mo dito.” I told her as we entered Starbucks.
“First time ko dito Ate.” she smiled.
I hadn’t thought of that. Back in college, I never went to Starbucks either kasi wala namang budget.
We sat there for an hour. I told her how much her mom loves her and how she’s doing everything she can to have Charm finish her studies.
“Ate, sometimes life gets so hard that I just want to quit school and work. I feel so guilty because Mama would send me money for tuition, even if it meant taking away from their meals,” she said, teary eyed.
Finances were really tight. In fact, Charm has missed several exams because her tuition payments were always delayed.
That day, I messaged our group chat of former scholars who are now professionals. I shared Charm’s story. Without hesitation, they sent help for her.
And I knew why.
All of us had been beneficiaries of the kindness of strangers. All of us had once been students who couldn’t afford Starbucks nor any other coffeeshop, but had finished college because of the generosity of others.
Sabi nga nila—what goes around, comes around.
Less than three months to go before she graduates with a degree in Nursing. God is good!!
Here’s to all the scholars who persevere.
Here’s to the parents, siblings, and relatives who never give up on them.
Here’s to classmates who generously share what they have with those of us who barely had enough for transportation to school.
Thank you, Lord, for always showing us that You are a God of abundance.
Charm, keep going. And when the time comes, pay it forward.
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We all have the power to make a difference, no matter how small. Let Charm’s story be a reminder to us that a single act of kindness can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
If you’ve ever been helped or inspired, pay it forward. Support a student in need, lend a hand to a struggling friend, or even just share your story to inspire others.
Hold on to this: life may be hard, but God never abandons us. Be someone’s reminder that hope exists. Be their sign of abundance.
God bless us all!”
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
