Hello Hivers! I hope you’re all doing great. I am thrilled to share that I’ve finally graduated! It’s been an incredible journey balancing 4 years as both a full-time employee at night and a full-time student at morning. I’m so proud to have made my family proud, proving that the doubts and challenges along the way were wrong. This achievement shows that determination and hard work really pay off. The person who kept trying, never gave up, and finally succeeded. It’s hard to express how much effort and hardship it took to earn this degree. It required a lot of bravery, strength, and determination to make it happen.

I feel so much proud of myself because I never thought I would actually achieve this. Being a working student since 1st year college was very challenging, with early mornings and late nights. Managing a full-time student schedule during the day while working as a full-time call center agent at night was extremely tough. Even though it was a constant struggle, I was able to handle both responsibilities, thanks to my mama’s unwavering support from day one. Sometimes, I felt envious of students who could sleep at night while I was working. Most days, I only slept 2-3 hours, especially when I had face-to-face classes. There were even days with no sleep at all, but I kept going.

I am extremely thankful for my family members Joan, Jason, Josh, and Jasmine who supported and encouraged me whenever I felt like giving up, especially my wonderful mama Susan Tolero, who always gave me advice to keep going. She often reminded me of the phrase, "When you feel like giving up, think about why you started," and that helped me persevere. I remember feeling like giving up during my third year of college because I was deeply depressed and overwhelmed. I told her that I couldn’t manage both studying and working due to the pressure. My mom advised me, “If you can’t handle both, choose to quit your job because you can always find another one after you finish school. Focus on completing your studies since you're almost done”. Despite this, I didn’t give up on either school or work yet I managed both. It was a fight of blood, sweat, and tears, but I’m truly blessed that my mama has been by my side and supporting me from day one. To my mama, thank you for raising me and I love you very much.

Thank you so much to my nonchalant papa Roberto I super love you, who’s both my friend and enemy, but always my ride to work “taga always hatid”. Even though we had lots of fights and he often didn’t support me, he is one of the reasons I made it this far. His discouragements pushed me to succeed, and even though he never showed it, I know deep down he is proud of what I have become.

Anyways, a heartfelt thank you to the BPO industry especially to my supportive past and present team leaders and managers. There are too many to mention, but you know who you are. You always motivated me and adjusted my schedule so I wouldn't miss my schoolwork. To all my co-workers, you never failed to make work bearable. Thank you for the opportunity, the great experiences, and for always understanding me. I remember a team leader keeps telling me, “Just keep fighting, the exhaustion will pass” that proved to be true as my patience eventually paid off.

I want also to express my deep appreciation to Jayson, my boyfriend and support system in all aspects.He has always been patient and has been there through my tough times, quietly witnessed all the struggles and battles I faced.

To all my friends, thank you for your constant support. Your encouragement has meant so much to me throughout this journey. To my family and relatives, this is for you! I’m proud to share that I’ve finally earned the degree I once only dreamed about. I’m so grateful for your belief in me and for standing by my side. This is the pride of Tolero Family🎓😭❤️. This is for my family, and I will do everything for them. I am the first degree holder of the family.

My heart filled with joy. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and I hope you appreciate it. Your support means the world to me, and I’m grateful for every kind word and piece of encouragement. This journey has been challenging, but sharing it with you makes it all the more rewarding. I hope my story inspires you, and I look forward to continuing this journey with your support. Almighty Lord, I am grateful for your guidance which has made things possible, and for giving me strength whenever I feel like I am not giving it my all. I thank you, Lord, for making all of this possible!❤️. To everyone going through a difficult moment, never give up praying, as it is the most effective way to deal with uncertainty in life. Have a blessed day guys! See you on my next blog:)