Most kids would easily answer when you ask them what they want to be someday. They have a clear picture of their dream job someday. As for Arlyn Martinez, a 21-year-old overseas Filipino worker in the UAE, she had one plan in mind ever since she was a child, and that’s to try her luck abroad to help her family.
Her story is a tale of a young OFW who went through the eye of a needle to achieve her dream, and defied all odds for the sake of the people who are dear to her.
Words of Robert Andrei Cimbracruz; contributing story of OFW Arlyn Martinez
When I was in high school, all I had in mind was to set foot in a foreign land and find a job there. It’s something that I had to do for my family. Before coming here in the UAE, I finished a bachelor’s degree in English studies in Legazpi City, Albay.
For a while, I became a consultant at a process transformation company back home. However, it wasn’t enough to bring food to the table, and so I took a risk. I accepted the opportunity given by my cousin to work in the UAE. At first, I had no idea what was in store for me here, but the call to take on the responsibility of helping my siblings and parents prevailed.
It was in April 2018 when I started completing my requirements, and it wasn’t easy. I had to ask for loans to obtain all the necessary papers and have my visa processed.
By June 4, I was already on a plane bound for Bali, Indonesia. I first applied for a tourist visa in the UAE and then find a job that’s fit for me.
When I arrived here, my cousin immediately helped me with my employment. She had her employer look at my resume. Thanks to her, I got my first job in just three weeks.
After I got hired, the company took care of my work visa and permit. They also paid for all the necessary fees. And so I am now officially working as a secretary for a cleaning service provider in Ras Al Khaimah. Some people would ask: “English studies graduate ka pero ‘yan ang trabaho mo?” As I said, my hopes and dreams for my family will always prevail.
I might not be the right person to describe what the OFW life is like. But immediately, I have learned the unfathomable sacrifices of millions of overseas Filipinos who toil hard in unknown lands and seas.
There are times when loneliness strikes me. But if this is what it takes to realize my dreams for the ones I hold dear in my heart, I am willing to pay the price and sacrifice greatly.
