The nights do not end their days as they try to make a living for their needs and education. Their sweat from a long working day does not hinder them from opening a book and passing their exams. The hardships of being a student while working to earn their daily needs made a living mark on their pathway to the success they’ll bring until the end of life.
Success does come at your own pace. Quezon City University’s employees proved that right in a recent graduation ceremony of Batch Pinagtibay last June 27. Three graduates are QCU personnel who graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSENT).
Alfie C. Tano, who graduated with BSENT, shared his story and struggles in studying while working as a security guard on QCU's main campus. He stated that being an employee while studying is difficult considering that he already
has a family to take care of. He stated, “...walang ibang sumusuporta sakin ako lang din nagpapaaral sa sarili ko pinapaaral ko pa dalawa kong anak.” (...no one else supported my education, I am expending my studies while doing the same to my two children.). He also thanked the Quezon City Government and the Scholar ng Bayan which helped me to continue my studies. The difficulties he encountered through his/her journey do not hinder him/her to run to the finish line. Today, he plans to either take a civil service or NAPOLCOM exam. He also considers taking the entrepreneurship examination this coming October or November.
In BSIE, Emiberto M. Fernandez Jr., who works as HR admin staff, said that his studies while being an employee were handleable during his first to second year considering that his classes are from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon and his work starts at 6 in the evening until 9 in the evening.
However, when his third and fourth years became a rough road for him because some of his subjects cannot be taken considering that his time for work will be affected. “So mahirap, priority ko pa rin yung trabaho [kaysa] sa ano eh.. sa aral kaya ‘yun.. paunti-unti hanggang sa matapos kahit 6 years tapos, natapos din kahit [papaano].” (So, it was hard, I still prioritize my work over my studies, and that’s why gradually until I finish even though it took me 6 years, I still manage to graduate.). His plans still depend on considering that he has a family to take care of.
Another proud graduate who strived hard in both academics and the working field is Charlez Jourdan G. Atentar from BSENT who works as Administrative Support Assistant. He stated that being a full-time worker and a student at the same time comes with several struggles.
He said that sometimes he cannot focus on his classes because he is hungry and sleepy after a long duration of duty and must go to his class schedule from 6 pm until 9 pm. However, these obstacles in his/her journey do not stop him/her from achieving his/her dreams by keeping himself motivated and thinking that he can do those things and he’s doing those for his family. “For me, my family is the one who empowered [me] to fight my challenges in life.”
These stories can inspire many other students that are currently working to provide for their educational needs as well as to those breadwinners for their families’ needs. Their education expenses are not a sturdy wall for those who are willing to continue and strive harder for their lives and dreams. Any mountain [we] can reach the top with determination to do so. Strive hard for those dreams to be caught in our hands.
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