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.