riches to rags

By Johny Du

Guian Carlos Saputala, a sophomore at Yerba Buena High School, had a great life in the Philippines, but his life instantly changed after moving to America.

Guian’s life in the Philippines was great. He had a nice house, went to a private school, and he had fun. He loved going to his grandpa’s house and playing basketball. His dad played basketball with him regularly and really made Guian love playing the game. His main goal was to beat his father, a semi-pro player, and he would not give up.

Saputala: “I grew up in a suburban neighborhood, very very nice, went to a private school and my fondest memory was going to my grandpa’s house.”

When his parents decided to move to America, when he was very young, their lives changed drastically. He became poor. They had to live in other people's garages and rent out rooms. In middle school, he almost went down the wrong path. His friends would push him to do bad things like stealing chicken strips and even more that he did not clarify.

Saputala: “I was on my black air force type of stuff.”

To keep himself from straying to the wrong path, Guian started working out. When he was fat and unhappy, he tried to change. He stopped eating lunch and tried to lose weight. Now he is doing better health-wise and mentally.

On his first day of high school, he wanted to change and cut all ties with his old friends. It was a brand new school with no one he knew. Guian only walked around campus by himself for the first week.

Saputala: “It was trash to be honest, I was trying to get the feel of things you feel me, spotting out some baddies you know.”

He mustered up the courage to ask some kids to play basketball with him. He walked up all awkwardly and asked to play. They thankfully welcomed him with open arms.

He is with them every single day. New memories of new friends, new school, and new life are being created in his memory folder. His dad is working two jobs and Guian, in his future, wants to go to the army. He still hopes that he and his family will change their lives and have a stable bank account with six figures and a house they can call their own.