Many students strive hard in life to break the cycle of poverty in their families.
This is the story of Jorenz Obiedo, a former porter and dirty ice cream vendor, who graduated from law school—and not only that, he became the valedictorian of his batch!
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Jorenz Obiedo |
According to a report by GMA's 24 Oras, Obiedo, 26, shared that hard work, perseverance, and resourcefulness were his weapons in achieving his dream of finishing his education.
Obiedo's father is a construction worker, while his mother is a housewife. He is one of twelve siblings. Due to poverty, he had to work from a young age to support his education.
Obiedo tried being a soft drink porter, selling dirty ice cream, washing dishes at a rice porridge eatery, working as a helper at a hardware store, and joining his father in construction work.
He also experienced going to school without any allowance.
Despite the hardships, he never stopped pursuing his dream.
"Ayokong maging part ‘yung buhay ko ng cycle ng poverty. Ayoko rin pong maranasan ng magiging anak ko ‘yung naranasan ko po (I don’t want my life to be part of the cycle of poverty. I also don’t want my future children to experience what I went through)," he said in the 24 Oras interview.
Because of his efforts, Obiedo graduated as the batch valedictorian from the University of Caloocan City (UCC) College of Law.
He now dreams of working at the Public Attorney’s Office to help others who are suffering and seeking justice.
Congratulations, Jorenz!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
