One student waited 12 years to finish college due to hardships in life. But every time he thinks about giving up, this student draws inspiration from their shabby shack – and finally succeeded in reaching for his dreams to become an architect!
Student Draws Inspiration from Shabby Shack
Jonell Calisin inspired everyone when he shared the story of how he drew inspiration from their shabby shack to persevere and finally graduate with his course, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, from Bulacan State University.
Life wasn’t easy for Jonell and his family. They lived in a shabby shack that had seen better days. It wasn’t even built on their own land. During the daytime, the shack was too hot. The roof leaks when it rains, getting the family wet.
But that wasn’t their only problem.
It was back in 2010 when he entered college while working as a gasoline boy. However, he lost his job in 2012, forcing him to drop school and find other means to support himself.
He found jobs as a merchandiser and factory worker, but when he managed to get back to school, he experienced failing grades in several subjects.
Jonell recalled that there were many times when his parents had to borrow money for his fare, just so he could go to school. He also felt somewhat ashamed at times that he’s the oldest in his class and some of his teachers were batchmates or younger than him.
But he never gave up.
“Gusto ko nang sumuko nun pero para bang hinnihila ako palagi ng mga paa ko para mag aaral sa kursong gustong- gusto ko ang architecture,” he shared.
“Hindi kami mayaman hindi ako matalino hindi ako proud na umabot ako ng 8 and half year sa college pero ang tanging maipag mamalaki ko lang ay yung hindi ako sumuyko sa hamon ng buhay.”
But it was their shabby shack that really gave him the strength and inspiration to go on.
“Lagi ko lang tinitignan yung bahay namin pag gusto ko nang sumoko lagi kong iniisip na gusto kong makaranas ng may maayos na bahay yung hindi kayo nababasa pag umuulan hindi sopbrang init pag tag araw yung sarili nyo na yung lupa,” Jonell explained.
“Mag tiwala ka lang sa diyos at magugulat ka na lang nakamit mo na pala yung mga pangarap mo. Tuloy mo lang yung pangarap mo kahit nahihirapan ka na kahit pagod na pagod ka na kasi worth it yan ipaglaban.”
What’s a Shack?
A shack is a roughly built hut or house.
