SWEAT and tears coupled with determination and hard work paid off for Jason Cordera, a student of Davao City National High School (DCNHS), whose photo was widely shared on social media in September 2018.
In that photo, he could be seen selling lumpia (spring rolls) outside the DCNHS gate.
Codera graduated from senior high school last April 3. Despite all the hardships he encountered, Codera said he did not lose hope.
Codera, dubbed as "lumpia boy," was featured by Sunstar Davao last September 28.
In an interview, the 21-year-old said his exposure increased his sales and helped him save up for a laptop that he would be using in college.
He recalled how difficult it was for him to sell lumpia as a student.
"I called the supplier every morning to remind that the product must already be outside the campus gate in the afternoon. Sometimes, because of this, I get late in class," Codera said.
Codera came up with the idea of selling lumpia inside the campus to help his parents financially.
His father is a driver while his mother sells ice candy. They could hardly afford to send him to school.
Codera shared how his friends and schoolmates helped him throughout high school.
He is also grateful to his grade 10 teacher who encouraged him to pursue his studies.
"One of the advice of Ma'am Jay that I can't forget is to not let financial problem be the hindrance (to) achieving my goals in life," he said.
After his inspirational story went viral online, opportunities came to him one after the other.
He was offered scholarships and training which, he said, would help him achieve his dream of becoming a chef someday.
A local restaurant has already taken him in as an employee in order for him to support his college education starting this year.
"Now that I graduated from senior high school, I will be busy with my current job. I am looking forward for my college journey," he said.
He will be taking a break from selling lumpia to pursue bigger opportunities.
Despite negative feedback he received in the past, Jason said he owes his success to that chapter of his life where he had to sell lumpia and that he is grateful for the blessings he is receiving right now. (Jessa Mae Reston, USeP Intern)