Jennifer D. Deyparine’s story, like many others, is filled with challenges and triumphs. But unlike many, Jennifer’s journey was fueled by a force of nature—her mother’s unwavering belief and undying love.
Embracing the Balance of Life and Education
“Studying while working is really hard,” Jennifer admits, recounting her days juggling a supervisory role at an Arabic Restaurant and pursuing a Caregiver Professional Diploma at the Filipino Institute-Abu Dhabi campus. “But I managed to balance everything.”
The balancing act is a challenge many face. With only twenty-four hours in any given day, balancing career demands, family responsibilities, and studies can be overwhelming. However, as Jennifer points out, “Education is the process in which we discover that learning adds quality to our lives.” For her and many middle-income earners, pursuing education, even later in life, can be the way out of poverty and a path to a better life.
“Even though pursuing an education can be an uphill task, its benefits outweigh any challenges it may present,” Jennifer reflects. With education being a pivotal key to success, it’s no surprise that individuals are willing to brave this uphill journey. And Jennifer’s drive to succeed was heavily influenced by the lessons from her biggest inspiration.
The Strength Behind Every Challenge
“My mom inspired me to strive for excellence in my academics,” Jennifer recalls fondly. “She has taught me more than I could have learnt from any book. She sets an inspirational example, teaching me how to live life and make wise choices, even in the most uncertain situations.”
But life, in its unpredictable nature, presented Jennifer with a heart-wrenching challenge. “One day when I woke up, the person and my inspiration passed away.” Devastated and engulfed in grief, Jennifer contemplated giving up her academic pursuits. The sorrow was overwhelming; she remembers the times in class when she would cry from start to finish.
However, in the depths of her grief, a dream offered solace and renewed purpose. “One night, I saw my mom in my dreams. She was giving me my book and said, ‘please continue, and I’m always here beside you.'” This dream, coupled with the unwavering support from her family and her teacher, Ms. Nancy, reignited Jennifer’s passion and determination to continue her journey.
She elaborates on her teacher’s influence during those dark days, “Even when my mind wasn’t present in the classroom, she never stopped motivating me.”
Now successfully working in a respected homecare company in Abu Dhabi, Jennifer is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity. She champions the belief in one’s self, emphasizing, “Always be positive, believe in yourself; nothing is impossible.”
With a sense of pride and a hint of nostalgia, Jennifer borrows a phrase that aptly encapsulates her journey: “KUNG KAYA KO KAYA MO KAYA NATIN TO,” which translates to “If I can do it, you can do it; we can do this.” Indeed, with determination, support, and love, anything is possible.