SURVIVING college is a hard feat, more so if you have to juggle work and studies.
But Mary Grace Vergara made it by not letting life’s trials discourage her from turning her dreams into reality.
Vergara, 25, is set to walk on the stage Saturday, November 10, wearing a black toga to receive what she considers an early Christmas gift - her college diploma.
She has completed Bachelor of Science in Businesses Administration Major in Human Resource Development Management at Holy Cross of Davao College.
Determined to earn a degree and make her parents proud, she defied the odds by enrolling herself in college while working to pay for her tuition and support her studies and daily needs.
To get through the challenges in life, she just held on to Bible verse Luke 1:37 which says, “For with God nothing is impossible” to keep her on her feet.
“That is what I always remind myself. With the support of my parents who are always there whatever happens in time of ups and downs, I can make it. I really (strove) hard to finish my studies though the journey was not easy,” she said.
Before entering college, she took a vocational course for a year on Information Technology (IT) and also learned computer technician for five months.
However, when she applied for jobs she could hardly have career advancement because her educational background does not fit the qualifications that employers were looking for.
Armed with an eagerness to level up her educational attainment, she enrolled in college.
“Time management is the key and always know your priorities. Whenever there's an exam or projects, and long quiz; I allocate time to finish everything before the deadline and to study,” she added.
She dedicated her milestone to the people who inspired her and whose collective effort has a significant contribution in boosting her confidence to realize her dream.
“I dedicate this to the Lord who is always with me in times of struggles and has granted my prayers. To my Nanay Jocelyn , Tatay Fermin, to my Mama Jonalyn and Papa Jojo - if not for them, I wouldn’t have come this far. My hard work is for them,” Vergara said.
While overcoming those setbacks, she also put in mind that college life is exciting and that all struggles and challenges were worth it. All the sleepless nights and sacrifices are paying off as she will at last march with her parents on the aisle to receive her diploma.
Undeterred by the people who doubted her capacity, she said that she was rather thankful to them because she was driven by their doubts to go on and believe in herself.
She hopes to find a job that will suit her skills and enhance her capacity in the field of human resource and if given a chance, she also wants to study again and earn a Master’s degree.