BEING A STUDENT means exploring vast oceans of knowledge. It is a time of exploration wherein a day does not pass without strenuous but worthwhile studies. But for working students like Joshua Alinea, it’s a fast-paced world where burning the midnight oil comes at the cost of much needed rest.
Joshua recalled his journey as a working student in his sophomore year when he stepped behind the counter as a barista in Lucky Chinatown. On his third year, he sought out extra sources of income, leading him to work for the food delivery service FoodPanda. More recently, he also joined Grab, a popular ride-hailing and delivery platform in the Philippines.
At present, he is a senior from the Department of Psychology, finding the opportunity to work after his face-to-face classes lasting until 7:30 p.m. “Pero usually, [kapag] wala talaga akong pasok or wala akong ginagawa, nagwowork ako from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m,” he shared.
On the clock with work-life balance
With how seemingly tight Joshua’s schedule is, one would begin to ask how this constant balancing act is possible. After all, on top of having to provide for himself is a slew of assignments and examinations he must accomplish.
He shares that he “does not have any extracurricular activities,” consistently choosing to finish work as soon as it is given. For heavier group projects, he makes sure to be cooperative with his group members, reminding them in the process, “Nakikipag-cooperate ako agad with my groups and I’m always telling them, ‘I have to work.’”
In cases where Joshua becomes a leader of a group, he stresses the magic of delegating tasks. “I–aassign ko nalang sila, gagawin ko na ‘yung part ko, tapos magwork muna ako,” checking the outputs of his groupmates meticulously after getting home from work.
However, Joshua also admitted that there were times when he couldn’t accomplish his given requirements on time. “’Di ako nakakapagpasa kasi palipat-lipat din ako ng areas, so nawawalan talaga ako ng signal,” he added.
During these times, Joshua wishes for school policies that would make the lives of working students easier. One example he mentioned is the bracketing system followed by the University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) where students are free to select their schedule.
Although Joshua’s work has been “flexible| given the “nature of freelancing,” nonetheless, he still appealed how the bracketing system would be “beneficial to working-students,” most especially those with “contractual jobs that are strict in terms of time and schedule.”
Grounded and motivated
Initially, what had pushed him to work alongside obtaining an education was a hunger for independence, brought about by a “complicated familial situation.”
“My family is kind of complicated right now, and ‘yung mom ko is focused with her work,” he shared. Besides that, Joshua continually kept moving forward over this “thirst and hunger for growth and success.”
The only challenge to this pursuit, Joshua claimed, was himself, expounding how “Sometimes, motivated nga tayo or talagang confident, pero ‘di naman natin ginagawa or takot tayo.” Hence, with this opportunity “gusto ko lang maovercome, mabuild ‘yung sarili ko nang maayos, slowly lang kasi I don’t want to ruin the process, basta slowly and surely,” he assured.
Finding a home in San Beda
The moniker “School of Lions” may suggest a strict and demanding environment. However, Joshua sees this notion differently, describing the University, and especially the faculty members of his respective department, as “understanding,” and even “masaya nga actually kasi very thoughtful din.”
Joshua recalled that, more often than not, the faculty would check on his well-being, frequently asking, “Kamusta na ako? [Okay] lang ba ako?” especially at times when his exhaustion causes him to arrive late.
Joshua’s time as a Psychology major further amplified his practical approaches to his work. He especially cites one of his most memorable experiences wherein he would be dealing with hot-headed customers. Nonetheless, he constantly reminds himself, “Psychology student ako, we were taught to understand people, so medyo na-apply ko siya sa field ko kasi mas nagegets ko naman sila given sa circumstances.”
Thus, he is reminded of a time when his professor in Senior High School told him, “If I want to understand people better, if I want to help them, why not study psychology?”
While Joshua notes that it is not related to his work right now, he nevertheless finds meaning and applicability to this nugget of wisdom.
In closing, he leaves a message to fellow working students, urging them to “prioritize their mental and physical health” and to “strive for balance” when it comes to academic and work. He warns how neglecting such balance has its consequences: “At the end of the day, ‘yung katawan mo ‘yung susuko ‘pag ‘di mo pinagbigyan.”
As the day comes to an end, when he finally clocks out of his shift or submits a paper at the crack of dawn, Joshua proves to us that nothing is indeed impossible. Step by step, he demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of growth and independence, fueled by a deep sense of compassion and drive to support his community.
(with Paris Falcone & Dianne Magallon)