House helper who juggled work and studies is now a pharmacist

This former house helper’s efforts have paid off as she is now a college graduate and a pharmacist.

According to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report Friday, Joanna Griño was born to a poor family of eight in Sorsogon.

In her desire to have a better life, she followed her older sister in Manila to seek for opportunities.

“Sabi ko kila ate, ate pwede ba akong pumunta diyan sa Manila, kahit ano lang ’yung trabaho?” she said.

“Kasi alam ko po na wala akong future doon kundi ano lang, siguro baka nag-asawa na talaga ko kung nandoon lang ako sa Bicol.”

In Manila, Joanna worked as a house helper while studying pharmacy. She was fortunate to have food and lodging provided for, while her older sister Mary Jane took care of her tuition.

“Hindi habang buhay ganito ’yung sitwasyon ko. Kumbaga po kahit sobrang hirap gagawin ko at gagawa ako ng paraan para ma-push ’yung pangarap at natupad ko naman po, pharmacist na po ako ngayon,” said Joanna.

Mary Jane, the first in their family to seek better opportunities outside Sorsogon, was a working student and full scholar at Adamson University.

She recalled the challenges they faced when they were younger. “’Yung ultimo po asin, pisong asin, uutangin pa namin sa kapitbahay, ultimo isang pirasong sibuyas or bawang na pang-gisa,” Mary Jane said, holding back tears.

To pay it forward, Joanne plans to support her younger brother Jethro, who will be starting college next year. “Sukli ko na rin po kila ate na tinulungan ako,” she said. – RC, GMA News