Former gasoline boy now an architecture graduate after 8 years in college

A former gasoline boy is now a proud architecture graduate after spending over eight years in college.

Jonell Calisin, 31, did several jobs while studying at Bulacan State University. Aside from working at a gas station, he was also a former factory worker and merchandiser.

According to Jonell, there were times that he felt embarrassed because he was older than his classmates and his professors, but he still kept going.

"Hindi kami mayaman, hindi ako matalino, hindi ako proud na umabot ako ng eight and half year sa college pero ang tanging maipagmamalaki ko lang ay 'yung hindi ako sumuko sa hamon ng buhay," he said.

("We're not rich, I'm not smart, I'm not proud that I reached eight and a half years in college but what I can be proud of is I didn't give up on life's challenges.")

Jonell said his only dream was to have a house with walls and a roof to protect his family from the elements.

"Lagi ko lang tinitingnan 'yung bahay namin. Kapag gusto ko nang sumuko lagi kong iniisip na gusto kong makaranas ng may maayos na bahay, 'yung hindi kayo nababasa 'pag umuulan, hindi sobrang init 'pag tag-araw, yung sarili n'yo na 'yung lupa," he said.

("I would always look at our house. When I want to give up, I always think that I want to experience having a proper home, where you don't get wet when it rains, where it's not too hot when it's summer, where you own the land.")

"Magtiwala ka lang sa Diyos at magugulat ka na lang nakamit mo na pala ‘yung mga pangarap mo."

("Just have faith in God and you will be surprised that you already achieved your dream.")

—MGP, GMA News