PURSUING education for students from poor families is challenging but one student from the Laguna University proved that getting a degree amid poverty is possible.

In a Facebook post, 25-year-old Jemaima Joy Salas recalled all the struggles and difficulties she faced before she earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from the university.

“Isang kabataan na nangarap lang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ngayon ay magtatapos na. Nakakatakot ‘yun unang subok sa pag-abot ng pangarap ko pero kailangan ko tatagan para makamit ko ito. Madaming beses ako umiyak, nadapa, sinubok ng tadhana pero isa lang ang sikreto nagtiwala lang ako sa Diyos at pinanghawakan ko ang pangako Niyang pag sinimulan Niya tatapusin Niya hanggang dulo,” Salas said.

Salas had to find ways to support herself after her grandmother, who raised her after her parents separated, passed away in 2014.

To finance her studies and daily expenses, she sold snacks to her classmates and professors. She earned at least P300 per day from her small business.

“Malaking tulong ang pagtitinda ko sa school dahil nasuportahan talaga ako sa pag-aaral ko,” she said.

Salas thanked school officials, staff, professors and her classmates for supporting and helping her.

“Sa aking school, thank you, Laguna University dahil pinayagan ako magtinda sa school para matustusan ko ‘yung pag-aaral ko kahit bawal ‘yun ganon pero pinayagan pa din ako nila makapagtinda,” she said.

“Sa mga guards na ‘di napapagod ipagbitbit ako ng bayong ko, maraming salamat po. Sa mga suki ko estudyante na walang sawang bumibili na halos ubusin at sadyain araw-araw ang paninda ko. Sa mga faculty staff at admin staff na wala din sawa pumapakyaw ng tinda ko at iba pa staff ng LU. Wala po ako sa posisyon eto kundi po dahil senyo. Kaya maraming-maraming salamat po,” she added.

Salas urged learners to continue to pursue their dreams.

“Kung may mga pangarap kayo na natatakot kayo abutin, huwag po kayo mawalan ng pag-asa dahil laging may kaparaanan ang Diyos,” she said.