Full-time working student Francis Jan Ax Valerio, 23, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in communications, magna cum laude, from Adamson University on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Ax Valerio and Christian Lorenz Nuñez/Facebook
After juggling different part-time jobs while fulfilling his college requirements, 23-year-old full-time working student Francis Jan Ax Valerio could not believe he would graduate from Adamson University magna cum laude.
Valerio first earned praise from netizens when photos of him briefly stopping his motorcycle on the side of the road to attend an online class while on a delivery run went viral in 2020. That same year, he also received a laptop from his school’s administrators, who learned about his situation.
His story of perseverance was also featured in INQUIRER.net BrandRoom in 2021, inspiring Filipinos to keep pursuing their dreams.
On Wednesday, July 13, Valerio posted an update on Facebook as he proudly shared photos of himself, a certificate, and a medal, announcing that he had finished his degree in communications with flying colors.
(I was in high school when I first realized how tough life is. Back then, I used to sell sticky rice cakes and graham balls at school. I also did my classmates’ assignments and activities in exchange for small amounts of money for my school allowance.)
While in college, Valerio worked as a deliveryman and a part-time virtual assistant in his spare time. He also experienced working as a fast-food service crew, call center agent, and other jobs to make ends meet.
“Hindi naging madali ang lahat. Magdeliver umaraw man o umulan, mapuyat sa gabi para pumasok sa isa pang trabaho, sabay na din dun ‘yung paggawa ng mga school works,” he said.
(Everything was never easy. Doing delivery runs rain or shine, staying up at night to go to another job, plus doing my school work.)
Valerio could not help but shed tears of joy upon learning that he would be graduating with academic distinction. “Sulit ang pagbibilad sa ilalim ng tirik na araw, sulit lahat ng luha kasabay ng pagbyahe sa gitna ng malalakas na ulan, sulit lahat ng puyat maipasa lang ang mga kailangan ipasa sa eskwela,” he said
(It was worth getting exposed under the hot sun. It was worth all the tears while driving in the pouring rain. It was worth all the sleepless nights just so I could submit all the class requirements.)
As he concluded his post, Valerio thanked his family and the Lord for their endless support and for giving him the strength to overcome life’s challenges and achieve success.
His graduation ceremony was held at the Philippine International Convention Center on Thursday, July 14, where former vice president and now Angat Buhay NGO chairperson Leni Robredo served as the guest speaker. /ra
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