Hope and Transformation: Sherdon’s Journey from the Streets to a Life with Purpose

Hello everyone, my name is Sherdon Zabate Delossantos. I am 23 years old and I live in Barangay Guadalupe, Sapangdaku. Today, I want to open my heart and share my life story, how I rose from the darkest moments of my past and found new hope and transformation through the program.

I am the eldest of four siblings. I grew up with nothing, not even the simple joy of spending time with my family. I never knew what true happiness felt like. I grew up in the streets, surrounded by friends who were just like me, all trying to survive. At a young age, I was forced to become the provider for my siblings because my father was in prison. I worked hard, doing anything I could just to feed them. I forgot about myself. All I ever thought about was keeping my family alive.

I was arrested. That first time in jail shattered me. I lost all hope. I thought my life was over. No one was left to support my siblings, and I felt useless. My spirit was crushed.

But after four years, I was released. Sadly, I returned to the only life I knew, surviving through crime. I committed hold-ups, sold drugs, anything just to make money for my siblings. Still, I never thought about my own future. I just wanted to make up for the years I had lost with them.

Then, I was caught again and sent to Lapu-Lapu City Jail. That moment broke me even more. I felt like there was no more hope left. I almost gave up on myself completely.

But then, something changed.

One day, a friend asked me

"Do you want to study?" I said, “I don’t have time for that. I never went to school”

But he told me about LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth) and the opportunities it gives to people like me. That moment awakened something inside me. I became curious. I became hopeful. I took a leap of faith. I joined LP4Y. That’s when a new chapter in my life began.

At first, it wasn’t easy. I struggled because I had no education. Everything was taught in English, and I found it so hard. But I told myself,

“If I truly want to change, I need to fight for it.” 

And so I did. I worked hard. I gave my best. I refused to give up, because for the first time, I could see a better future. It gave me something I never had before: hope, direction, and belief in myself. They taught me how to build a career, how to speak professionally, how to use a computer, how to deal with problems, and most importantly, how to dream again.

I used to think my story was already over. I thought I had no place in this world. But LP4Y showed me that it’s never too late to change. Now, I am proud to say, I finished the training and am now part of Alumni or Stars. I have goals, I have a plan, and I know who I want to become a Doctor to help the poor people in this world.

To anyone out there who feels lost, who feels like life has no more meaning, please don’t give up. You are not alone. Even if you’ve made mistakes, even if you feel like the world has turned its back on you. 

I am the living proof that change is possible. I was once a street kid, a prisoner, a lost soul. Now, I am a man with purpose. Now my life has direction. I now know how to support my siblings in the right way, with honesty and dignity.

And to those who are struggling: Believe in yourself. Start small. Keep going. Your story is not over. Just like me, you too can rise again. Trust yourself and believe in yourself. Change starts with hope. Hope gives us energy and motivation to move forward in life. If you give up or stop believing in yourself, you won’t have the strength to improve your life.

Don’t let past struggles define who you are. Instead of being controlled by pain or mistakes, use them as a reason to grow stronger and keep going.

Remember, your thoughts influence your actions. If your mindset is negative and you only focus on your problems, you won’t move forward.

 A hopeless mind leads to a stuck life, but a hopeful heart can lead to change.