Julius: From Kariton to Career
- Veronica Manalang
- Jun 3, 2017
- 3 min read
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. My favourite bible verse, that helps me a lot in whatever I do in life. GOD promised us a brighter future. Yes, he did! And I am a living testimony of his greatness and mercy.
My name is Julius Ray Alozo, 25 years old, from Intramuros, Manila. With my mother who is a barangay policewoman and a sidewalk vendor and my younger sister, I lived in a run-down mobile cart or commonly known as a “kariton.” With not enough money to pay for even a small room for shelter, we were forced to stay with some of our relatives in Manila. Dissatisfied with the situation we were in, I was determined and motivated to strive hard. I longed for this suffering to end. I wanted good change to happen in my life.
I studied hard and became one of the first 5 scholars of Fighting Chance Scholarship Program. Back then, we were given specific amount of money for transportation expenses, to make sure we could go to school regularly and to avoid missing our classes. The money we received every month from the sponsors was indeed of great help to us. I’ve been a scholar, until I graduated college. My journey had been such a roller coaster ride. Ups and downs were there, but one thing was for sure, that I was not alone. I have people with me, who never get tired of giving me support.
I started my college with a bang. I became the president of our class and was elected College of Liberal Arts treasurer. My positions exposed to different leadership trainings and seminars. There, I’ve learned so many things in life. It was that time, when I felt that I am being transformed into a better person. Better in many ways, like I gained enough self-confidence, my spiritual connection to God tightened, and I gained a lot of friends. In the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, I graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Tourism, Hotel, and Travel Industry Management. It’s where I shaped my future, my playground to a successful career.
During my college life, I have been chosen to become part of Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths. I’ve been an exchange student and was sent to Japan for a 10 day Cultural Exchange Programme. Now, I am working and able to provide for myself and my family. This time we won’t be living in a kariton. More than that, I aspire to extend these blessings to others in need. So, I started with my sister. I promised myself to give her the education she deserved to have. She was my first scholar who is now a graduate of BS Information Technology.
We don’t need to be rich to be able to help. We just have to be passionate and willing and generous and kind and God-fearing to share whatever it is, that we have to help our people. I know, there will always be someone out there, whose heart is pure to become an instrument of change. If I was able to do it with your help, the ones needing the help, for sure can do it too. They just need our support. They just need us. We don’t need tomorrow to make it. Let’s make it today! I thank God for helping me get through the hardships of life, by your support. Thank you iBelong Philippines! More power and God bless you all!
