Sabrina's Story

Transcript

00:02

Hey!

00:03

I'm Sabrina

00:04

And this is my story.

00:07

This story happened six months ago. But let me start from the beginning.

00:12

I am 25 years old. I currently reside in Tarlac, Philippines with my parents. My parents are typical people living ordinary lives. One of the things they usually do is plant and watch television during their free time.

00:28

And they had me, a girl who lives in the countryside with big dreams. My dream was to work abroad and work in an office with the people I could call my co-workers.

00:42

But one day, I watched the news and saw people harassing their fellowmen and being racist.

00:58

But....

00:59

That did not stop me from achieving my dreams and thinking that not everyone is like them and some people have a good heart that will never do that.

01:10

Fast forward....

01:12

After I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, got my license, and had a 2-year work experience, all the requirements were taken care of, and all set! Well, after the long run, I am finally a U.S. CPA Licensee. I have the confidence that this will be a great opportunity for me since this is my biggest dream.

01:39

It is the day that I am waiting for. I am so excited to go to America and start a new beginning. My dream finally came true! Oh! not yet, my dream is to work abroad.

01:56

I started looking for a job. But unfortunately, I did not find any in my first week.

02:05

The following week...

02:05

As I walked along the street, enjoying the scenery and the chilly weather, I noticed people were looking at me. I'm not sure why they are glancing at me differently, but it makes me feel uneasy because I am not used to this kind of situation in my homeland.

02:27

I took out the mirror in my make-up bag to look at my face, thinking that maybe I had dirt or something else in there that I wasn't aware of, but there isn’t. Since nothing was wrong with my face and appearance, I continued looking for a job that was suitable for me and did not mind those people who were weirdly looking at me as they were not one of my top priorities right now.

02:56

I eagerly headed to the building that captured my attention when I felt an arm grasp. Someone, or should I say a stranger, grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the building. I was baffled and wondered why the man did that since I didn't know him at all.

03:17

Who are you? Is there any problem?

03:20

Yes! YOU! What are you doing here? You don't belong here! Look at them! Look at your color, your hair, and your appearance.

03:30

Well, Sir, there is nothing wrong with my appearance. And I am here to find a job.

03:36

Are you sure? Look around you. Don't you notice that you are the only one who is a different race from us and in this city and building because of your appearance?

03:46

Excuse me? Who are you to talk to me like that? I bet your parents did not raise you well, ha? And if you are referring to my color, my hair, and my appearance, well I love everything about me.

04:01

Can't you see? I am a perfect man who belongs to this country, unlike you. People like you shouldn't be here. Why can't you just go back to where you came from, you fit better there.

04:13

Sir, you don't have the right to insult me like that. And if you consider yourself a perfect man, then please learn to give respect to other people, and please mind your own business. To remind you, I would always choose this appearance over yours and your awful attitude!

04:33

I was furious with him for his disrespectful attitude, actions, and behavior. Fortunately, I was able to keep my emotions under control. This is the first time I've encountered such an insult and rudeness.

04:46

Then a man came over and apologized for the incident even though he was not the one who should apologized.

04:49

He offered me a job in his company where most of his employees are Filipino and I was right that there are still people who have a good heart.

04:51

Regarding my career, I am overjoyed since I fulfilled my dream of working in the United States. I am also blessed and grateful that there have been no issues at work, especially in my relationships with my coworkers, despite our varied races. Even if the beginning of my journey didn't meet my expectations, I am still satisfied with the outcome.

04:56

I wish I could say I would never experience racism again but that would be a fantasy. But we should know that a child’s education begins at home.