Joan, an ambitious 11-year-old in third grade, lives with her hardworking peasant farmer parents, who also take on casual labor to support their family. Despite their efforts, unstable earnings make it difficult to meet basic needs and afford education for their children. Financial struggles have also affected Joan’s health, as she has been sickly since childhood and suffers from a hearing problem that remains untreated due to limited resources. These challenges impact her academic performance, as she is often sent home for unpaid school fees. Yet, Joan remains determined to overcome adversity, aspiring to become a medical doctor to support her family and serve her community.
