I Shared My Story | Discovering How Brave I Really Am | Jennievi G. Dunque, Philippines

About the Storyteller

Jennievi Dunque is a proud Master Teacher I in Zamboanga City High School, Philippines. Growing up in poverty,  and suffering rejection by her Father's family motivated Jennievi to strive for a better life beyond the circumstances she was born into.  

She explains, "My difficult childhood taught me how to be brave, grateful, and faithful."  Jennievi wants to shine a light, and bring hope to her students that miracles can happen - that they too can rise above their difficult circumstances.

What Happened When She Shared Her Story?

How did you feel when you were first invited to share your story?

I felt so blessed, lucky and grateful beyond measure. To be given this once in a lifetime chance to share my story to the world is a legacy and an achievement that is self-rewarding.

Describe any personal benefits sharing your story has brought you:

The writing of my story is self-rewarding.  I am able to use my story as proof to my students and to the world -  that if I can, then they too, can write their own stories.

When my college classmate sent me a private message about my story she read, it gave me pride and joy because I had the courage to tell to the world that we should not and never be ashamed of the kind of life we lived. Never be ashamed to tell to the world how it is to be poor, to be insulted and be bullied, because there are people like me, who are also experiencing the kind of life I lived before, will be inspired and encouraged to go through life's difficulties.

Sharing my story made me realized the kind of person I have become. I never thought that I was brave. I realized that I was able to brace and braved the storms of my life with so much dignity. I felt so empowered that nothing can stop me from sharing my beautiful story and believing in myself.

When I was writing my story, there was a lot of flashbacks, but there was also profound joy in my heart because I learned to forgive the people who treated me so badly. So much joy that I thanked the Lord for giving me this kind of life, for removing the significant people in my life so I will learn what life is really all about.

I learned how to paint and color my life beautifully. Above all, sharing my story made me appreciate the important people in my life. My mother who played a significant role in making me a loving daughter and a caring sister. She, who taught me to be kind, respectful, honest and humble. She is my fortress and my hero.

What was the greatest challenge you h ad sharing your story?

In this interview, Jennievi reflects on what she discovered through sharing her story and why she believes our experiences can bring hope to others.

The greatest challenge was the fear of, “What if my aunt and cousins read this story? Will they hate me? What will they think of me? Will they think I’m an ungrateful daughter and niece?”

But my inner voice kept telling me, “Why do you feel threatened by them? You were the victim, and you rose from what happened with so much love and dignity.”

So I listened to my inner voice. I have braved the storms many times, and now it is time to prove to myself that I am brave.

Were you helped in anyway by the process to develop your story?

Yessss! Ma'am Karletta as I fondly call her, helped me in alot in developing my writing skill.  She made me realize that I can write. The challenges I encountered while I was writing and rewriting; the suggestions she gave inspired me to reach the finish line. 

Did sharing help you understand yourself more deeply?  What were your greatest lessons?

Yes... It taught me a lot... No. 1 is forgiveness. Forgive those people who did you wrong with all your heart. Be proud. The struggles and challenges make you a better you. I learned how to empathize because I know what it is to be in their shoes and had walked the road they have travelled. It made me grateful for all the little things I have because they mean a lot. And above all, to treasure the people who made my life beautiful.

Did you enjoy the response you received from others in relation to your story? How So?

Yessss! I realized that there are people who appreciate the stories of people like me. That there are people who are kind and patient to send you words of encouragement and even if you don't know them personally, you realize that there are still sincere and caring people in this vast world.

Did sharing your story have an impact on others?

I am an optimist. I believe that sharing my story will inspire others to live, to go through life, to rise and shine.

Would you recommend others share their story?

Yesss.... because our unique stories will bring a great impact in one's life. Others will be inspired, motivated and encourage to look  at life with much hope.