My name is Vince Ryle E. Recamadas. I don’t have a nickname, so you can call me anything you want as long as it aligns with my name, or just call me handsome (lol). I was born on August 12, 2003, in the small but lively town of Minglanilla, Cebu.
The world is full of uncertainties, and it is easy to feel lost, especially when we face many choices and do not know which path to take. In the middle of all this, my family has been my constant source of strength and my compass. They may not have everything, but they always do their best to support our needs and guide us through life. They accept me for who I am and encourage me to keep doing what makes me happy. Being the second oldest child has taught me responsibility and resilience, lessons that I carry with me every day.
During my childhood, I loved being outdoors. I spent time planting, climbing trees, playing with my cousins by the river, and enjoying Pinoy games with my friends. I often got scratches and wounds from stubbornly climbing and swinging on our mango tree like Tarzan, and every time I came home bleeding, my mom would chase me with a stick for being so hard-headed. Those moments made me appreciate simple joys and the beauty of nature. School was another big part of my life. I studied at Vito Elementary School, where I learned at an early age that life is not always easy. Later, I attended Minglanilla Science High School, where I was surrounded by some of the brightest people I have ever met. The school provided excellent education and taught me that education is powerful but must be guided by values to have meaning. I had many favorite subjects, but if I am being honest, the one subject I struggled with the most was English. I always found it challenging and sometimes frustrating, but over time, I learned to appreciate its importance.
Currently, I am a fourth-year student at Cebu Technological University, taking up Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Interestingly, this course was not my first choice, in fact, it was my third choice. Despite that, I now believe I was destined for this path. I am beginning to love everything about machines, from designing them to understanding how every gear works together to create something efficient and powerful. Of course, it is not an easy journey. I often rant about how hard and draining engineering can be, but I always tell myself, “If it is easy, then it is not engineering.” That phrase keeps me moving forward. Knowing that my family and friends are supporting me along the way motivates me not to give up. I will not fail them and I am manifesting that I will get my engineering license soon. If there’s one thing that changed how I see life, it is becoming a scholar at the KFF Foundation. The financial support has lightened the burden of school expenses, but more importantly, it taught me that family is not only about blood. It is about empathy, honesty, determination, and forming meaningful connections. The foundation treats us like family, and the friendships I’ve built with fellow scholars are invaluable. Also, every Saturday, we meet to discuss books, mostly about business and life lessons. These talks inspire me and help me get ready for life after graduation. I have learned the importance of knowing my values, being honest, building real relationships, and believing in my ability to adapt, which helped me grow into a better and more mature person.
After graduation, I know the next step is to start working. Right? I hope the world provides the best opportunities for all of us. As of now, my goal is to finish college and pass the board exam. Whatever it takes, I will do it. I dedicate this journey to everyone who has supported and believed in me, my family, my friends, my college peers, and even my online buddies. I am still writing my story, but one thing is certain — I will make it a story worth telling.
