MANILA, Philippines – A newly-licensed teacher shared his inspiring story of defying the odds to achieve his dream. Johnric Moscare Ramirez recalls his long, challenging, but also rewarding journey toward becoming a teacher. Teacher Johnric is among the passers of the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) posted by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) last May 19.

Johnric Moscare Ramirez
Johnric Moscare Ramirez recalls how poverty motivated him to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Johnric Moscare Ramirez

Teacher Johnric shared with The Summit Express how he had endured many hardships since he was young. Growing up, Johnric already knew how difficult their life was. He recalled looking at the baon of his classmates while he didn’t have any food to eat in school. To survive, he would volunteer to cook for his teachers and eat their leftovers. At home, he would help make “walis ting-ting” to sell on weekends. Because of poverty, Johnric no longer hoped to finish high school, but fortunately, he was blessed with the opportunity.

He said, “‘Di ko na inexpect pa na makapag-aral pa ng high school dahil sa kahirapan ng buhay. Dahil mas mahirap pa nga po kami sa daga. Hanggang masasabi ko na lang na napakabuti pala Ng Diyos dahil nagpadala siya ng tao upang maging instrumento upang matupad ko ito.”

Johnric learned at a young age to live and work for another family in exchange for them paying for his education. He was truly grateful that he was given the chance to finish high school. He said, “Kahit mahirap naninirahan at naninilbihan ka saiIbang tao kapalit ng kanilang pagpapa-aral, pero okay lang dahil yun lang din ang tangi kong maibibigay na kapalit sa kanila.”

When he finished high school, he was again troubled about who would pay for his college education. And fortunately, again, another good Samaritan came. His teacher promised that she would send him to school if he passed the entrance exam at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Mulanay, Quezon. Johnric passed it and took up a degree in education.

Unfortunately, his teacher decided to stop sponsoring his education when he was in his second year of college. At that time, his teacher wanted to pursue a master’s degree, so she could no longer pay for Johnric’s school expenses. Disappointed and disheartened, Johnric sought other opportunities to pay for his schooling.

“Muling nanumbalik ang aking kasiyahan dahil mapagpapatuloy ko ang aking pag-aaral na kapalit ang pagtulong sa kanilang mga gawain. Working student kumbaga,” he continued.

Determined to succeed, Johnric reminded himself that all his hardships would be worth it in the end. He said, “Siyempre kapag may pangarap ka, babaliwaiin mo ang hirap. Naiisip ko na lang balang araw magagawa ko na rin ang gusto ko. Alam ko na makakapagtapos ako.”

When his new employer died, Johnrice was left with no choice but to stop schooling. He was already in 4th year of college when he decided to take a full time job instead.

For 4 years, Johnric did nothing but work until he got sick. He came to a point when he was so thin. This experience made him realize how life is so short and that he should pursue his dreams while still alive. Fortunately, a generous person motivated him to continue his education.

Finally, the rainbow after the rain, Johnric finished his Bachelor of Elementary Education in 2022. In 2023, he passed the LET. According to Johnric, he hopes his story would motivate those people who grow up in poverty that there’s always hope.

“Sa mga kabataan na katulad ko na may pangarap sa buhay, huwag niyo pong isipin ang kahirapan. Bagkus, gawin niyo po itong sandata at motibasyon sa buhay. Sabi nga nila kapag gusto may paraan. Dahil sa limang taon ko na paghinto sa pag-aaral dahil sa pagsuko dala nga ng kahirapan, masasabi ko lang na minsan na akong sumuko at ‘di na muling susuko pa.”

— Sally, The Summit Express