Behind his success lie layers of conquered challenges laid out by life.
Francis Jan Ax Valerio, 23, who went viral in 2020, finished Bachelor of Arts in Communication as Magna Cum Laude from Adamson University last July 14.
Some may remember him from different posts and articles online of a netizen spotting him having a break from his job as a delivery rider alongside the road to attend an online class.
His early days
Being a working student was not a new thing for Valerio as he started working by selling rice cakes at a very young age.
He grew up witnessing how hard life was for his family, which eventually led him to help provide while simultaneously doing his side jobs and part as a student.
Valerio also mentioned that he and his family experienced times when they did not have anything to eat for a day.
“…Kaya pinilit kong mag-trabaho para kahit papaano makatulong sa family ko,” he said.
(Which is why I strived to work, so I can somehow help my family.)
Moreover, every bit of his dedication was discernible as he had already tried numerous jobs, such as being a service crew, a call center agent, and now a delivery rider and a virtual assistant.
A glimpse of his usual days
A typical student’s routine solely includes attending school, going home to do assignments, and completing menial household chores, but for Valerio, his daily routine as a working student before may be quite different.
He would work as a virtual assistant from 9 PM to 6 AM— he would get sleep for a few hours until he needed to wake up to attend his classes online and before being on his way as a delivery rider.
His time might be too hectic for some, but his time management game and his love for his course are what helped him achieve his diploma.
“Pag gusto mo kasi ginagawa mo, di mo na iindahin yung hirap eh kasi nag eenjoy ka. Syempre hindi naman siya madali, pero yung mga bagay na mabibigat nagiging magaan lang dahil gusto ko din talagang matapos itong kursong ito,” Valerio shared.
(If you like what you are doing, you won’t feel the hardship because you are enjoying it. Of course, it’s not easy, but heavy things become light because I really want to finish this course.)
The fruit of his hard-earned days
To finally graduate is one thing, but to graduate with flying colors is something that Valerio wasn’t expecting— regardless, he acknowledged his efforts in everything he did as a student.
“I was not expecting it po talaga. Una sa lahat, I don't have much time para mas mag sunog pa ng kilay. Pero somehow naman din kasi, I'm always putting effort sa mga outputs na pinapasa ko sa mga professors ko,” Valerio stated.
(I was not expecting it. First of all, I don’t have much time to really burn the midnight oil. But somehow, I’m always putting effort into the outputs I pass to my professors.)
Furthermore, he recognized the everlasting support of his family and his want for a good life as two factors that got him through college.
“Nagiging mas determinado ako pag alam kong nandiyan sila sa tabi ko. At gusto kong maranasan ang maginhawang buhay someday,” he said.
(I become more determined when I know they are by my side. And I want to experience a good life someday.)
From one Ax Valerio to another
Valerio’s story may not be the same for everyone, but he knows that other working students might be facing similar situations to his, which he commended and encouraged.
“Saludo ako sa inyo. Alam kong mahirap ang pinagdadaanan natin, pero wala pong mahirap sa ating mga taong determinado. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin hanggang sa maabot natin ang pangarap natin para sa ating pamilya.”
(I salute you. I know that what we are going through is hard, but nothing is difficult for people who are determined like us. Let’s just continue until we achieve our dreams for our families.)
Comments