A committed and resilient student will go to any length to finish their studies, knowing it will be the key to improving their life or their family’s situation.
This is the inspiring story of a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate from 2018, whose journey continues to motivate others. She shared how she managed to fund her education through her own efforts, including selling snacks like turon and other Filipino treats.
On April 17, 2018, Jogie Macaraeg Papillera revealed the story behind her success as an Accountancy graduate—and as a cum laude!
Jogie’s story began in childhood when her family faced extreme poverty, to the point that she prayed to God, “Lord, even just three grains of rice, please.”
At just ten years old, she started helping her parents by selling snacks to people.
Photo courtesy: Jogie Macaraeg Papillera (FB)
From elementary school to college, Jogie worked tirelessly to support her education. She sold traditional Filipino snacks such as turon, carioca, lumpia, and more.
Armed with two baskets, a liter of vinegar, and her backpack, she would walk around selling her snacks. Even though her arms and legs would ache from the weight, she pressed on, driven by her determination to make sales.
Despite facing ridicule and mockery from her peers, Jogie remained unfazed. She kept her focus on her goals: helping her family and completing her education.
Jogie’s dream was simply to finish her studies, but her perseverance earned her much more—she graduated as a Cum Laude. In her graduation photo, she proudly held a plastic basket filled with the snacks she once sold.
“Tindera lang ako ng meryenda, gumraduate na sa kolehiyo, at nararamdaman kong malapit na ko maging isang CPA. Kung mahirap man ang buhay natin, wag tayong susuko. May paraan pa. Minsan, kailangan nating mahirapan at masaktan bago tayo matuto,” she said in her lengthy Facebook post.
“Wag tayong matakot, at kumapit lang sa Diyos. Kahit anong talino mo, kung wala kang sipag, tiyaga, at determinasyon, wala ka pa rin. Samahan natin ng PAGMAMAHAL ang lahat ng ginagawa natin at ialay kay Lord lahat ng paghihirap at pagsisikap natin, at tayo naman ay Kanyang pagpapalain.”
Five years later, a quick look at Jogie’s social media shows that she is now enjoying the journey her life has taken, surrounded by her loved ones.
Photo courtesy: Jogie Macaraeg Papillera (FB)
Recently, Papillera also achieved another milestone, successfully passing the September-October 2023 Accountancy CPA board exam.
