A former gasoline station attendant and factory worker finally graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture after working hard to support his studies for over eight years.
Jonell Calisin of Bocaue, Bulacan, earned his college degree from Bulacan State University (BulSU) by taking up various jobs to help pay for his education. He saved up for his studies by working as a gasoline station attendant or “gasoline boy,” a merchandiser, and a factory worker, among others.
As a working student, Calisin overcame years of setbacks and challenges and once had to put his studies on hold after losing his job.
Calisin was determined to earn his college degree and returned to school after saving up money for his school fees that his poor family could not afford.
When he came back to college, he once again faced challenges as he struggled with academics and self-doubt. But he never gave up and continued to work hard for his dreams.
Calisin graduated at the age of 31 during the state university’s July 2022 ceremony held at the Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria in Santa Maria, Bulacan.
The recent graduate earned praises from netizens as he shared his tough but inspiring journey on social media.
Calisin said the road to success may have been long and difficult but he believes that achieving his dream was all worth it.
“Trust the process, minsan kailangan mo talagang pag daanan lahat ng hirap at pasakit para patatagin ka ng buhay. Hindi madali pero hindi imposible kapit ka lang para sa pangarap mo lagi mo lang iisipin kung bakit mo ginagawa lahat ng yan kapag napang hihinaan ka na,” Jonell Calisin wrote in a Facebook post on July 16, 2022.
The Architecture college graduate hopes to build the house of his dreams one day.
“Lagi ko lang tinitignan yung bahay namin pag gusto ko nang sumoko lagi kong iniisip na gusto kong makaranas ng may maayos na bahay yung hindi kayo nababasa pag umuulan hindi sopbrang init pag tag araw yung sarili nyo na yung lupa,” Calisin added.
Filipinos who defied the odds to graduate from college include Edwin Salvador, a former security guard who fulfilled his dream of becoming a teacher at 45 years old, and Francis Jan Ax Valerio who worked two shifts as a delivery rider by day and virtual assistant at night to graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors from Adamson University.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to former gasoline boy and factory worker Jonell Calisin for graduating from Bulacan State University (BulSU) with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture!
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