Working Student Story. Sacrifice comes before success!
Hi, I’m CJ! A student in the morning, IT in the evening. I want to inspire youth to have the courage to show up in many little ways.
I don’t have my Papa since I was young and as the eldest among my siblings, I need to be the strongest and bravest to protect them. I helped my mom sell onions in the market for us to have food to eat. One time, I saw children going to school and I was so jealous! That was the moment I said to myself, “I’m going to graduate no matter what happens.” I even sold chocolates and candies from my teacher. She would give me P10 as my share and I used it as my “baon” for the day. I’m so happy that I can study using my creativity and some marketing strategies at a young age.
The story changed when I began college. I felt so down when my mom told me she couldn’t send me to college, but I knew deep inside that I couldn’t stop. I needed to pursue my dreams. I want to be an Engineer! I took an exam in PUP and luckily, I passed with a scholarship grant! College is very challenging. There’s a lot of stuff to study, a lot of projects, but most importantly, I need a lot of money to continue my studies. My Foundever Story began when I applied as an IT Intern way back in 2017. New persons, new environment to adapt. Site ITs are very kind and cheerful. They teach us a lot about the IT industry. They show us how to talk to the clients properly and the best thing to do if they experience problems. It was a memorable internship. Two months after my internship, I received a call from Sir JP, Site IT Lead way back then. He invited me to apply as a Site IT Engineer in Foundever. At first, I got confused, I am the only girl in the interview. There’s a lot on my mind, but it’s now or never.
August 2017, I was hired and officially became an On-Site Engineer in Foundever OJV/Technopoint. I am the only female on our team. I show them that I can also do what men do. I want to show that we are all equal here. Honestly, it was difficult to study in the morning and work in the evening, but I took that as a challenge. I work very hard so I can help my family and my siblings, especially in their academic needs. I maintain my scholarship and set an example for my younger siblings, so they will not easily give up on their dreams. Foundever became my stepping stone to reach my dreams. It is not just a job, it is now my home.
House, school and Foundever became my home for almost 3 years and now I am so proud to tell you that I got my bachelor’s degree last December at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). I am currently a real Computer Engineer, not only in my dream but for real! Thank you so much to my IT bros, friends and family for everything and unending support. For those days that I lack the courage and energy to even go to school out of sleepless days and nights. My heart is overwhelmed with love. Special thanks to my IT Team for all the adjustments that were made just to pass and fulfill my requirements in school. I surely wouldn’t make it without you around. And lastly, to God. For the times I’m in doubt and was drowning with negativities, you are always there and never failed to prove me wrong. I owe it all to you. My heart is so happy.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for the human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Cheers to all self-support working students! #EmpoweredVoices
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the bold and powerful women of Foundever, celebrating that we’re all different, but equal. These are their stories of diversity, balance, success, gender equality and about leading the change you want to see.