I am an elementary school teacher. As their educator, it is my responsibility to teach my students not just knowledge written in books or provided by the internet, but also values that they will remember and carry until they grow up. This duty feels especially urgent now during the last week of school as my Grade 6 students prepare for their moving-up ceremony, marking their last milestone before they transition to junior high school. Since our time together as a class is coming to an end, I wanted to give them space to reflect on their futures. I gave them two hours for them to write about their dreams and who they want to become when they grow up.

To my surprise, three students began to pass their papers toward me so quickly. I read it as swiftly as they passed, since I was curious about what they wrote. I decided to go through the paper of the first student who passed his paper, Juan. “Paglaki ‘ko gusto ko pong maging piloto para malibot at madala ko sina mama sa ibang bansa dahil hindi niya natupad ang pangarap niyang maging flight attendant dahil ako ay kanyang ipinagbubuntis. Kaya po kahit ako man lang ay maisakatuparan ang kanyang pangarap na makapag-abroad.” As I read through his letter, I felt tears gathering in my eyes.

Despite this, I went ahead and picked the next paper, belonging to Lanz. He is one of the students who always lends a hand to his classmates. “When I grow up, I want to be a Grab Driver like my papa. I see how hard he works every day just to provide for us, even when he is tired. I want to be like him. I want to be someone who is strong, responsible, and always doing his best for the family. Someday, I hope I can also help him and give him the rest he deserves.” Knowing how helpful Lanz is, I felt emotional realizing how he always thinks of others, especially his father—the only family he has and deeply values. I am proud of how his father raised him.

The next paper belongs to Andrei. He may be one of the naughty students, but he is brave, respectful, and determined to help when it comes to group projects. He is also ready to get into trouble if someone makes fun of his little bear keychain and necklace that he treasures the most. “When I grow up, I don’t want to be a liar like my dad. I don’t want to make promises I cannot keep, and I also don’t want to lie about my situations in the future. I remember the nights I waited for him, holding on to his words, hoping he would come home like he said he would, but he never did. Back then, I thought he chose not to come back. I thought he broke his promises. But now I understand the truth he never got to explain. He didn’t leave because he wanted to. He couldn’t come back anymore. I know it is impossible for him to come back but I’m still hoping he is here by my side.” The tears I held back fell from my eyes almost immediately. I wiped them, stifling my hiccups to not disturb the children. Andrei’s words hurt me so much, because I know the reason why his father didn’t return home. It is because his dad is a victim of violence while working overseas, which tragically caused his death. Andrei’s mother explained the situation to him, but he still waited for his father, unaware of the heartbreaking truth right in front of him. He did not know that the necklace he cherishes so deeply holds the ashes of his father, and the bear keychain has a voice recording of his father saying, “‘Nak, proud ako lagi sa’yo. Mama and Papa are always here for you anak, we love you!”

I don’t know if I can continue reading the papers from my students since I’m already getting too emotional, but my curiosity still got the best of me, so I read the other paper that belongs to Rose, who is our class president and valedictorian. “When I grow up, I want to write stories that refuse to be forgotten. I want my pen to be brave, even when my hands are not. Because some truths are hidden in fear, and someone has to uncover them. If the world tries to stay quiet, I will write louder. Even if my words tremble, they will still be true.”

Then, I picked up the last two papers from my students. One from Liever and the other from Kizean. These two students are usually quiet, but when they talk, they don’t sound like children. They talk with utmost sincerity, words coming from hearts so pure, and filled with emotional intelligence. At their age, I didn’t expect them to write something that is deeply genuine yet relatable.

“Paglaki ko, gusto kong linisin ang mga bagay na iniiwan ng mga tao. Hindi lang ang dumi sa sahig, ngunit ang hindi napapansing gulo ng araw-araw na buhay. Dahil natutunan ko na hindi lahat ng bayani ay nakikita. Ang ilan ay tahimik na naglalakad, may dalang walis sa halip na mga medalya. At marahil, sa pinakatahimik na paraan, kaya ko pa namang bawasan ang bigat ng mundo. Gusto ko makilala ako hindi sa pagiging mayamang Liever ngunit gusto kong makilala bilang matulungin at simpleng Liever.”

I thought the wishes written were enough that it made my heart heavy with stirring feelings, until I read the last letter from Kiezan—a letter that I am not emotionally prepared for.

“When I grow up, I really just want to find out who I really am. Sometimes, I feel like a question without an answer at all. I smile and laugh like everyone else, but deep inside, it doesn't always feel real. It feels like I am pretending, and my feelings are empty inside. I honestly don't know what kind of person I will become, and thinking about that actually scares me a little. But I really hope that one day, I will wake up and feel complete. I just don’t want to go through each day—I want to finally be happy and truly live my life.”

Reading the wishes they wrote made me realize something… they aren’t just children. They have hearts that feel so deeply, carrying worries and dreams that are far too big for their age. It breaks me to see how much they already understand the cruelty of this world, yet are able to stay brave even when life is difficult to bear. They aren’t just kids playing around—they are real people with real feelings, quietly fighting battles no one else can see while still hoping for better days. Their words truly made me see them differently. Behind their smiles are stories, sacrifices, and silent strength. They are so much stronger and more special than anyone gives them credit for. Maybe their “when I grow up’s” aren’t just about what they want to be, but about everything they’re trying to fix, heal, and become… Something all of us once dreamed of too, before life slowly taught us to forget.

The Frontman