Underprivileged Boy Unable To Afford Notebook, Creatively Uses Banana Leaves To Copy Notes

What does mind over matter really mean?

It can simply mean to improvise and adapt to one’s circumstances by being resourceful and determined. An rare and refreshing example of putting mind over matter comes from a quick-witted, underprivileged boy from the Philippines.

Erlande Monter, who goes to the Lianga National Comprehensive School, has always been adamant on getting a proper education, hence why he refused to let his extreme lack of financial freedom stop him from taking notes during class despite not having a notebook or papers.

The boy’s teacher, Arcilyn Balbin Azarcon Lpt took to her Facebook to share how her bright student was using banana leaves to copy and keep track of his notes, because his family could not afford to buy him a notebook.

She wrote, “Me: Get your notebooks and copy what’s written on the board.
Students: *writing*
Me: *after writing on the board, I roamed around the class to observe a kid writing on a BANANA LEAF instead of a notebook*”

Source: facebook

As according to Elite Daily, when the teacher collected the students’ notes, he had apparently joked about his teacher checking his ‘notes’ to make sure he copied everything accurately. Erlande not once felt embarrassed about his makeshift notebook and is completely determined on ensuring his poverty does not stop him from achieving his dream of becoming a soldier.

Source: facebook

He even doodles on his banana leaf just like any other one of his classmates.

Source: facebook

Arcilyn’s posting has since garnered over 5,700 shares by people inspired by Erlande’s story.

He is living proof that no matter your background, you can be destined for greatness if you will it.

You go, Erlande!

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