In the daytime, you’ll see working students wrought out from studying, bags full of papers to finish, and a coffee in hand to prevent them from dozing off. But when the sun sets and the clock rings, they’ll be on the sidelines, finishing commissions to help raise a small fortune.
They are amidst us all, silently juggling their schedules as they attend classes alongside us. They’re not merely students but aspiring people in society gearing up for the next chapter of their lives.
However not everybody gets the luck to succeed in such a risk, only those with the right drive and ambition to keep risking for their dreams.
Practicality VS Experience
Around 216,000 students are working part-time according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), roughly 8% of college students.
As the financial responsibilities stack, the burden of being a student with tuition gets heavier; 56% of working students chose to enter the world of adults for financial independence, easing the weight of the burden they carry.
“Akala ko noon madali lang pero mino-motivate ko sarili ko palagi kong naiisip [at] palaging smasagi na kapag sumuko ako paano na [ang] mga pangarap ko? Paano ‘yung mga taong naniniwala na ako’y makakatapos balang araw?”an anecdote shared by John Benedict Delmo, a working student from Iloilo.
Meanwhile, 46% said that they were in it for the hands-on experience that helped them prepare for what will come when they go full-time.
Education as means to escape poverty
Being born into a poverty-induced country, earning cash at a young age helps fulfill the burden brought on by financial struggles that are carried by generational poverty.
Delmo believes that finishing his education can help solve his financial situation. Alongside his small business of selling different delicacies such as corn dogs and tuna pies, he aims to finance himself in order to finish his studies.
Taking privilege for granted
“Matiwasay naman [ang] pamumuhay pero hindi pumapasok sa klase. Meron mga magulang na gumaabay pero ang mga kabataan hindi sumusunod sa mga magulang.” Even the privileged take their opportunities for granted, this has been a highlight for Delmo. He wishes to emphasize that having the means to succeed in life shouldn’t be taken lightly.
We should appreciate the opportunities given to us, not everybody is blessed with such—especially working students.
Faith and perseverance
“Paano na ‘yung mga naniniwala saakin na makakapagtapos ako?” Being a breadwinner is rough but having people believe in you smoothens out the hardships. Faith is what drives perseverance, just like Delmo, his family’s faith in him keeps him going.
“Kapag nareach na natin yung goals na maka-graduate, yun na ang success na tinatawag.” By the time Delmo earns his diploma, that’s what makes all of his sacrifices worth it.
Being a working student doesn’t come without its challenges, it comes with a price. But by the end of the day, you’ll reap your prize. The well earned prize you deserve from the risk you took for a dream.
DepEd’s intervention
Acknowledging the financial burdens of students, the Department of Education launched the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), this provides financial assistance to excelling low-income students through a summer job in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
DepEd states that they wish to provide opportunities to 300 qualified students who are in need because not everybody has the means to reach their goals even though they have what it takes to do so.
Moreover, they’re starting to allow 15 years old in the program as opposed to the 18 year old limit previously.
