I can recall when I was a little child that my grandparents could not buy snacks or something else I wanted because they did not have money. Instead, they would go out together to catch fish or find mushrooms and shrimps in the rice fields to cook meals. On some days, there was no food at home, we all would boil vegetables and eat them with lot pf chili peppers to feel full quickly.

Chutikan’s 72-year-old grandfather is not healthy anymore,
which raises the challenges they face on a daily basis
 

These days, my 72-year-old grandfather’s hearing abilities are no longer good. He also has to frequently undergo physical therapy because he experiences shakes in his hands and feet. Additionally, he uses a walking stick for support.
 
Previously, my grandmother had regularly cooked food for me to sell by bicycling in the neighborhood and in the market to earn income, however, she had a stroke and is suffering from serious diabetes, making it impossible for her to work. Our situation has turned from very bad to seriously bad.

When my grandmother was hospitalized, I stayed with my 16-year-old sister and grandfather at home. My aunt and mother took turns looking after my grandmother at the hospital. As a result, my aunt and mother couldn't work for about two months, causing even more financial difficulties for our family.

 

Every day, Chutikan helps her grandfather and grandmother
with various household chores

 

Every day, I help my grandfather and grandmother with household chores such as washing dishes and cooking. As for my studies, I have achieved a relatively good academic performance with an average grade of 3.79. I am dedicated to my studies and regularly submit my assignment to my teachers on time. I travel to school using the school's transportation service, costing 600 baht per month. I have to buy my own lunch at school as there is no free lunch provided for lower secondary students, costing around 25 baht per day.