PURSUING education is challenging for students from impoverished families but John Philip Bravo, a student from the University of Makati,  proved that getting a degree while experiencing poverty is possible.

Bravo, in a Facebook post, recalled how he defied difficulties.

He earned a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Production from the university.

“Tapos na po ang anim na taon. Yes, after six years — five years working in the BPO industry, three different schools, twelve semesters, and over ten youth organizations — I’m finally here today. Life is f*cking hard. To be honest, I never thought I’d see this day,” Bravo said.

He said that money has always been a problem in their family, citing numerous instances where they survived on sardines, noodles, and fish sauce.

He began to do odd jobs in 2013 to earn money — as a fast food crew, encoder at a computer shop, event host, choreographer, and even joining writing contests to provide food for his family and support his studies.

“Laging problema ang pera sa aming pamilya. Walang araw na hindi kami nakadama ng pangamba. Dumadating kami sa point na wala na kaming maisaing na bigas at problema na naman bukas. At a young age, naranasan ko ang iba’t ibang trabaho pantawid-gutom din sa kumakalam na sikmura pero hindi talaga kinakaya,” he said.

Bravo admitted that he had to stop schooling for a while because his parents could no longer support his education.

This pushed him to go to Metro Manila in search for a better life.

Bravo landed a job at a call center which enabled him to pay bills and support his family.

After becoming financially stable, he decided to go back to college.

Bravo worked at night and went to school in the morning.

“But boy it was a long, long tiring journey. Every single day, dumadaan ako sa butas ng karayom. I broke so many times. I remember myself crying all day kasi ‘di ko alam ang uunahin ko. I questioned myself a lot of times. Hindi ko na nakakausap ang pamilya ko. Wala nang mapaglagyan ‘yung tulog at aral for the next class,” Bravo said.

“But finally, we have come to an end. Kahit na hindi naging madali ang ilang pagkakataon para sa akin, wala akong pinanghihinayangan. Being a full-time working, full-load Broadcast Production student was definitely challenging; it gave me a chance to invigorate and prove myself; it helped me prepare in dealing with the real world and the people I will meet in the future,” Bravo said.

“It took a lot of hurdles, and a lot of extra steps, but I am here, I am committed and I am incredibly grateful and blessed for every experience and opportunity I have endured,” he added.