MANILA, Philippines – “Anak ng Mekaniko, Mechanical Engineer na ngayon!”
That was the statement of Jay Paulo Imperial Espeso, 25 years old, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nueva Caceres in Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City, Camarines Sur, after completing the said degree program in 2022.
In Engr. Paulo’s latest Facebook post in March 2024, he shared that from being “nothing,” he has now been able to give “something” to his family—especially to his father, whom he has finally bought a truck for.
“It's been 3 years, hindi man madali ang pinagdaanan pero patuloy na lumaban. My journey from 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 to 𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 is still continuing,” he said on his Facebook post.
“Yung dating problemado sa scholarship noon, eto ngayon giving opportunities to others⚙️👷🏻 From Truck Driver to may sariling Truck na🥹,” he added.
What made it even more special is that he is the first mechanical engineer in their family!
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Engr. Paulo shared that he had been exposed to his father's work as a mechanic from a young age. He said that even in high school, he was already working at the Agro-Industrial Machineries Sales Center.
Because of this, he considered not pursuing college anymore, since he was already earning and thought that his parents might not be able to afford sending him to school.
Despite his doubts, Engr. Paulo still pursued college. He was granted a scholarship and continued to work as a student. However, he unexpectedly lost his scholarship at one point. He said that around three to four different scholarships helped him finish his college education, in addition to his mother being a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps program.
Their various debts to support her education and other needs didn't disappear either, along with other hardships the family faced, such as getting their electricity cut off due to inability to pay, her father's truck getting involved in an accident, and the arrival of the pandemic. But, he finally made it!
For his preparation for the board exam, he enrolled in an Online Review Program and was once again given a discounted tuition fee, plus his father's sister also lent her hands to help. At that time, adjusting was extremely difficult since for the five years he spent in college, all of the lectures were purely face-to-face.
This situation really tested his patience and determination to reach his ultimate goal of becoming a Licensed Mechanical Engineer.
For tips, first, he believed in God and believed in himself. He always says that if it's not about intelligence, it can always be about hard work.
“Consistent and focus on reviewing and walang mawawala kung gagawin mo yung best palagi. Sabi nga sa isang bible verse, Matthew 17:20, ‘Faith can move mountains, nothing is Impossible.’ And my ultimate strength, always pray,” he said.
What challenges, struggles, or problems did you encounter during his reviews, preparation, and the actual board exam itself?
“There is multiple times na na-cancel yung board exams na inakala namin hindi na matatapos ang pandemic. And problema ko pa noon is hindi sapat yung allowance ko, kasi kailangan din namin magtravel from our city papunta sa examination location. On actual board exams, thank you sa mga mentors ko, they trained me to pass the exam by means of right preparation,” he said.
“When I passed the board exam, wala ako sa bahay namin kasi yung pangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako uuwi hangga’t di ako pasado. Kaya the moment na nakita ko pangalan ko sa list of passers, sinabihan ko yung kapatid ko na tawagan sina Mama and Papa and umiiyak ako habang sinasabi ko na “Ma, Pa may Engineer na kayo.”
Currently, after several years, Engr. Paulo's life is completely different from the struggles he once went through.
“Currently I landed on my second company simula noong nakapasa ako. Nagwo-work ako ngayon sa isang Mechanical Engineering Review Center where my passion belongs. And also someday, planning to become a Professional Mechanical Engineer and a multi-licensed holder too.”
His message to everyone who also dreams of passing the board exam, “I know the journey is not easy. There will be days when you feel exhausted, demotivated, uncertain, and even question if you’re capable of making it.”
“But please always remember, that every small step you take, every hour you spend studying, and every sacrifice you make is bringing you closer to your goal. Passing the board exam isn’t just about intelligence; it’s about perseverance, patience and faith.”
“The road may be tough, but if you keep going, you’ll get there. And when you do, you’ll realize that all the challenges were just part of the process of becoming the person you were meant to be. So keep pushing forward. Take it one day at a time.”
“No matter what happens, know that you’ve given your best, and that in itself is already something to be proud of. Your time will come. Padagos lang! (Bicol word means “To Continue”),” he finally said.
Congratulations, Engr. Paulo!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
