The son of a sidewalk vendor and tricycle driver in Bacolod City has graduated from the University of St. La Salle (USLS) with a degree in chemical engineering.
Joshua Mahilum also received a certificate from the College of Engineering and Technology as an Outstanding Student of the Lasallian university after studying with scholarship grants from USLS and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The young achiever has been a consistent honor student, graduating as class salutatorian at the Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School in Bacolod and later finishing with high honors in the Top 20 of his batch at the Liceo-De La Salle Senior High School (SHS).
Mahilum recently shared his college journey on social media as a tribute to his parents who inspired him to follow his dreams.
“SON OF SIDEWALK VENDOR AND TRICYCLE DRIVER GRADUATES FROM COLLEGE,” Joshua Mahilum wrote in a Facebook post on May 29, 2022.
“If I would be the one to write an article about this momentous day in my life, this would be the headline,” Mahilum explained.
The young Mahilum said he was able to finish college as a beneficiary of several scholarships from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and USLS. He also received a monthly allowance which he used to fund his needs for school and help his mother run her store.
“My story as a beneficiary of several scholarships is a testament that yes, definitely, there is a way. There is hope. You can, even if you are poor, and that your situation now is temporary,” Mahilum added.
Mahilum hopes that sharing his story will inspire others in similar situations to work hard and achieve their goals despite the challenges.
“‘Poverty is not a hindrance to success,’ as they say. But, I think the people that said this missed out on something. I say, ‘Poverty is not a hindrance to success AS LONG AS THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES,'” Mahilum continued.
“To every kid with a dream, don’t let your current circumstances stop you from reaching them. Just keep on dreaming. Things will change, I promise,” he added.
READ MORE inspiring stories about Filipinos overcoming adversity to graduate from school, like Xyza Cruz Bacani, a domestic helper turned famed photographer who graduated from New York University, and Abra’s Edrian Bangngayen who turned from former child laborer to honor graduate.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Filipino scholar Joshua Mahilum for sharing his inspiring journey as a scholar and graduate of the University of St. La Salle (USLS) – Bacolod!
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