For almost three years, John Michael Bundalian Amio spent his nights answering customer calls and troubleshooting problems. His days were just as packed from balancing studies and chasing a dream he refused to give up on.
On March 6, 2025, that dream became reality. The 23-year-old from Barangay Babo Sacan, Porac, Pampanga, ranked first in the February 2025 Criminology Licensure Exam, scoring 92.20 percent, the highest among over 22,000 examinees who passed the exam.
It was a moment he almost didn’t believe.
"Nung una inisip ko kung baka prank lang," Amio said.
He was out running errands with his girlfriend, unaware that his name was already making waves.
"Tapos nung nabomba na 'yung [Facebook] messenger ko ng congratulations [message, saying] na top one [ako], grabe ho ang sigaw namin, wala na ho kaming pake dun sa kalye kung pagtinginan kami o i-judge kami," he added.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Amio’s journey was far from easy. His family ran a small sari-sari store, and finances were always tight.
"Ang parents ko ho hindi nakapagtapos ng college, at kumbaga sa pamilya [namin] wala pa pong professional, sabi ko, 'Dapat ako na 'yung maging first professional sa family,'" he said.
He is the second to the eldest, and has a brother, and two sisters.
To support himself, he took on multiple jobs, working as a call center agent, events coordinator, and even doing carpentry work.
"'Yun po 'yung part siguro ng buhay ko na ayaw ko nang mangyari [ulit] kasi nami-miss ko 'yung ibang classes ko, nala-late ako, nakakatulog ako sa classes," he said.
The graveyard shifts were the hardest. Some days, he would leave work exhausted, only to go straight to class.
His professors knew his situation and understood when he would arrive late or struggle to stay awake.
"Although the faculty understands kasi open naman ho ako, hindi ko naman kinakahiya na nagtra-trabaho ako sa call center, na working student ako," he added.
He said he barely had time for social media and often missed family gatherings and hang-outs with friends.
"Pati pag-tulog mo bibilangin mo lang, lalo na't graveyard shift po ako," Amio said.
He started working as a call center agent in May 2021, handling graveyard shifts that often began at 10 p.m. or 2 a.m.
He resigned in February 2024 when his internship schedule conflicted with his work hours.
He takes pride in his experience, believing that every job deserves respect.
"It takes strong communication skills, patience, and dedication to handle customer concerns and provide quality service. People who belittle this profession may not fully understand the challenges and responsibilities that come with it," he said.
For Amio, what matters most is working with honesty and dignity, knowing that every profession plays a vital role in society.
Despite the overwhelming workload, he never lost sight of his goal.
A PROMISE, REMEMBERING HIS "WHY"
Like many students, Amio had moments of self-doubt, especially during his six-month board exam review.
"Kapag hindi ako nakapasok sa Top 10 during mock boards tsaka diagnostics po, medyo nalo-low morale ako," he said.
"Kung dito lang sa classroom na may 150 reviewees hindi ako makapasok sa Top 10, what more [sa] national, with more than 30,000 board takers?" he added.
But every time doubt crept in, he reminded himself why he started.
"Para sa pamilya ko, para sa girlfriend ko, para sa future namin," he said. "Ayokong magsisi sa huli dahil hindi ko binigay lahat."
He said he would also talk to himself in front of the mirror and meditate.
His mother, his biggest inspiration, worked tirelessly to support their family.
"Grabe ho 'yung sakripisyo niya. Totoo ho 'yung sinasabi nila na, '['Yung pagkain na] isusubo nalang [sana] ng magulang mo, ibibigay pa sayo,'" he said.
His father, who once dreamed of joining the uniformed service but ended up as a security guard, also took on different jobs, from Grab driver to delivery rider, just to make ends meet.
"Hindi ho nila kami prine-pressure... basta suporta lang ho sila kung ano ['yung] pinili mong tatahakin na landas," he added.
HIS ANCHOR THROUGH IT ALL
When Amio moved to Quezon City in August 2024 for his six-month board exam review, he left behind the comfort of home and the daily presence of his family.
But he wasn’t completely alone, his girlfriend, who was also his classmate, became his strongest support system during one of the most grueling chapters of his life.
"Siya ho 'yung naging support system ko doon dahil malayo ako sa [pamilya] ko," Amio said.
When the board exam results came out, she was the first to react — jumping, crying, celebrating.
"Grabe iyak niya hanggang pag-uwi namin," Amio added.
Through the struggles of juggling work, studies, and the pressure of the exam, his girlfriend became his anchor, keeping him steady through it all.
"NEVER LET YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES DEFINE YOUR POTENTIAL"
Now, as a licensed criminologist, Amio looks ahead. He hopes to join the uniformed service or pursue teaching while contributing to research in the field of criminology.
But above all, among his priorities is giving back to his parents.
"Gusto kong mapaayos 'yung tindahan [namin], madagdagan 'yung laman... I want to spoil them with things na hindi po nila ma-afford, kasi nga imbes na ibili nila para sa kanila, saamin po binibigay," he said.
If Amio could sum up his journey in one word, it would be “resilience.”
"Kasi sobrang daming pinagdaanan, sobrang daming pwede maging balakid, sobrang daming challenges na need mong i-overcome… you refuse to give up," he said.
From working night shifts to sleepless study sessions, from moments of doubt to topping the board exam, his story is proof that success doesn’t come easy, but with perseverance, it always comes.
To working students struggling with financial burdens and self-doubt, Amio has one message:
"You never let your circumstances define your potential, if you see that you have potential on something then you have to work on it... nang sa gayon [ito'y] ma-realize" he said.
"Prayer really works [but] show to God that you deserve it," he added.
