Leroy faced several challenges with online learning such as not having his own computer and reliable internet connection at home, so he had to go to internet cafes just to attend his classes online. Much like his plan of entering the seminary, Leroy changed directions and instead focused on working. “While I was studying, taking up Associate [Degree] in Arts sa Liberal Arts program, mga 2009 na yon, I started teaching piano already, as in private lang, punta ako sa bahay ng mga bata, tapos once in a while I would do gigs, you know weddings - kasal, libing, patay, yung mga ganong stuff. Tapos, sobrang naderail yung school ko noon kasi I was earning money already, tapos parang ayokong gawin ang school kasi anong point? Tapos, derederetso yun. On and off ako sa school. Two years dapat ang program pero ang tagal ko. Hindi [ko] siya tinapos actually.”
(“While I was studying taking up [an] Associate [Degree] in Arts in the Liberal Arts program in 2009, I was teaching private piano lessons. I would go to the houses of my students or perform in weddings and funerals. My plans for school were derailed because I was already earning money, and I thought to myself what would be the point of continuing my education? And from there, I was an on and off student. My program was supposedly two years and I just decided to not finish it.”)
Leroy also shared that he was not in the right headspace at the time. Since he was earning good money from his gigs, he spent his time socializing and going on dates, basically making the most of his youth during his free time. However, his decision to stop school would always be in the back of his mind.
Things will fall into place
In 2020, during the global pandemic, emotions about isolation and anxiety over his lack of income would kick in. These feelings coupled with a surplus of time on his hands led him to rethink his decisions and to decide on what to do next with his life. He was presented with another opportunity to study and was called to audition for a music program scholarship. His main motivation was to finish school. At that time, tuition was free for students entering state and government colleges and universities. He would go on to pass this audition and is now in his second year, still as a working student.
Leroy realized that he was mentally and emotionally ready to go back to school and that his education would solidify his credibility as a Choral Conductor. He knew that a degree in Music with a major in Composition and minor in Choral Conducting was valuable to building his career and achieving his dreams in the industry.
Though going back to school was an adjustment for Leroy, he shared that he still wanted to make space and time for his other responsibilities and to protect his emotional and mental health. “I was diligently practicing ashtanga yoga before I went back to school,” he said. “I had to give up my daily practice and reduce it to a weekly basis. I also had to set non-negotiables when it comes to self-care. I had to create a steady rhythm of schedule, and that helped me keep going. I also couldn't travel as much as I can so I have to ‘tame’ myself and instill discipline.”
Having hobbies and activities that ensure time for himself and his self-care is what he recommends for working students – to continue to live a balanced life while stepping up to reach their goals and avoiding burnout. “[With] Having so much stuff on your plate, it is so easy to get overwhelmed and feel scattered. Fix your gaze on your intentions, and always go back to your motivations and dreams when this happens. Remember why you are doing what you are doing now. It can get exhausting, and you will be spread far too thinly. Manage yourself – self-care is non-negotiable even if there will be plenty of moments when you might second-guess yourself.”
Today, Leroy is now close to finishing his degree in Music, and he could not be more excited to close this chapter in his life. He is ready to step up and make space for new adventures and experiences. He remains optimistic about his future and for the future of working students. He said, “I’m sure other working students will come out strong and proud of themselves after completing their own programs.”
He believes that online degree programs that fully support working students with a self-paced learning style should be given more awareness and can encourage working students to continue their schooling. “If students are allowed the flexibility to take one or two subjects and can still have time to live their lives, it sounds like a good program,” he shared.
Step Up Sa Pangarap
Leroy’s story proves that there is no fixed timeline in life. You can choose to step up at any point in life and as you continuously work towards your goals, you will be rewarded. MMDC and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), together with their partners Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), McDonald’s, Concentrix, Genpact, Globe Business, WhenInManila.com, and Microsoft, joined forces to support and celebrate working students through the Step Up Sa Pangarap campaign. The virtual summit, held last May 2023, featured inspiring talks from keynote speakers from different industries and working students, as well as interactive Q&A sessions with life coaches. Learn more about the summit and what transpired during the 3-day event here. Watch out for skills development workshops that MMDC and its partners will roll out soon!
