A Filipina residing in the United States has defied odds and stereotypes by navigating her way through the male-dominated world of 18-wheeler truck drivers. Originally a single parent in the Philippines, Jonalyn Johns found herself behind the wheel of a truck, securing deliveries of goods across various parts of the US.
“When I came here, I didn’t want to bring my child because I was a single mom when I met him… So, when we went to the US, his mother took care of my child,” Johns was quoted as saying by a GMA News Online report.
Accompanying her husband to trucking sites sparked her interest in driving big rigs, as she found the profession liberating and financially rewarding. Despite initial challenges and skepticism from her male counterparts, Johns persisted in learning to drive the truck with a stick shift, refusing to settle for automatic transmission.
“One needs to practice and practice. The more you do it, the more you get better at it,” Johns emphasized, particularly referring to the difficulty of backing up an 18-wheeler trailer.
However, Johns’ journey wasn’t without its obstacles. She faced discrimination and harassment, with some suggesting she should go back to her supposed home country of China. Despite these challenges, Johns remained resilient, focusing on her goals and her family.
“I want her to be proud of me,” Johns said, referring to her 16-year-old daughter.
Offering advice to others facing similar struggles, Johns stressed the importance of having dreams and goals, urging them to persevere even in the face of adversity.
“Dapat may pangarap po tayo, may goals tayo… i-try niyo po before niyo i-give up,” she advised.