I received a call yesterday morning from my bestfriend from high school who now teaches in New York. A Filipina teacher from the Maryland area had committed suicide last week by hanging herself using a computer cable in her room. She was originally from Cebu. Only last May, another teacher also chose to end her life.
Thousands of Filipino teachers come to the US every year, lured by a much higher pay and immigration opportunities for their families. Behind this seemingly exciting journey, however, are solitary struggles with depression and difficulties adjusting to their workplace and new environment. Filipinos are naturally sociable people who often draw their strength from their solid network friends and families. Removed from all of that, loneliness can be lethal.
I hope that families of immigrant Filipinos realize the kind of sacrifice it takes to lose that sense of familiarity around you. I hope they realize that each balikbayan box or money order they receive carries the tears, sweat and dreams of those who have traveled 10,000 miles away from home.