FRANCIS John Ax Valerio is no stranger to the working student life. But the realities of the pandemic meant that he had to start working full time.
Still, intent on continuing his studies as a third year communication major at Adamson University, Valerio was determined to find a way. So in between his deliveries as a motorcycle delivery rider for Grab Food, he logs onto his classes to catch up on his studies.
Watch our full interview with Valerio here:
During one moment before work, his friend took a picture of him attending online class while resting on his motorcycle.
This photo later went viral, with netizens commending his work ethic.
Valerio said that he makes sure that “school work” and “work work” remain separate. “‘Pag online class po ako, nagpo-pause muna ako sa pagde-deliver,” he said. He shuts off the Grab app, parks his ride, and goes to school.
Even so, he confesses to being ashamed of his circumstances.
“Hindi ko ino-on yung cam ko kasi nahihiya po ako e,” he admitted. He also said that if he turned his camera and sound on, his other classmates — most of them taking classes in the comfort of their homes — would be disturbed by the sounds from the road.
Valerio is also surprised at the adulation he’s received when his photo went viral.
But it has opened his eyes a bit more to how he’s been making the best of his situation. “Sobrang na-appreciate ko yung ginagawa ko. Mas naging positive ako sa pananaw sa buhay.”
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