๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐’๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐
“What do you want to be when you grow up? “Is a question we have once answered, but it never ends; it is a lifetime quiz. When we were asked this, we chose at least one career in our mind, which is just half of our dreams; the other half is reaching who we might be.
Generally, students step foot in institutions to learn skills and knowledge they may use to shape their future. However, sometimes, people do not only enter an avenue for a single purpose. Rheynan Coloma, a Bachelor of Science in Criminology student, has been working as a security guard since March 2022 at Northwestern University. He sees the institution not only as a route to elevate his qualifications but also as the right place to secure his financial obligations.
Before Coloma entered the job, he worked as an oven man at Bakers PH – Laoag City for two years. He was later influenced by Reymarc Pasion, a student guard, to pass his application to the Sigasig Security Agency Supervisor, Mr. Jimmy Luis Corpuz. Until now, Coloma owes immense gratitude to those who helped him get the job.
As a fourth-year student, he perceived the increased demand to compensate for his needs. Despite the ups and downs of the pandemic, he continuously carves the words of his father Ernan, into his heart; it is to never underestimate the value of education.
At a young age, he believed that being a law enforcer was his calling. He finished his elementary and secondary education at Buttong Elementary School and NWU Basic Education Department. Later, he enrolled in the BS Criminology program to equip and develop himself professionally and ethically.
Despite the difficulties of his current situation, he emphasized that it is not a hindrance for him to make way for success. As the oldest among the three siblings, he asserted that providing for studies was worthy enough to help his family.
“One of the greatest lessons I have learned from my Mama Rhia is to work at a young age and realize that this is life. We need to grind hard, “he said. “If I will not provide for myself, how can I be a police officer one day? I never doubted working in front of my classmates, teachers, and even friends because the future that I have curated for myself is a million times greater than what other people have to say,” he added.
Coloma describes himself as a hardworking, determined, and persevered individual who, at the same time, draws strength from his fellow working students. “I salute all my co-working students out there who are striving to support their education, he stated.
He disclosed that he became an irregular student when he was not able to enroll during the second semester of the academic year 2021-2022 due to insufficient funds. Nonetheless, this trial did not stop him from working for what he is wishing for. When asked about how he foresees himself five years from now, he assured that by then, he would be a valuable part of the Philippine National Police.
At present, he works the night shift and attends his classes during the day. “To be honest, juggling my studies and job is very challenging, but I always ensure to have the discipline for time management. Also, I am very thankful to my partner for giving me strength during my downfall moments. She motivates me to believe in and work on my dreams. She pushes me to become a better person every day, that life is beautiful beyond, and all you need to do is move forward and focus on what matters,” he said.
John Maxwell once quoted “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” Coloma, a 22-year-old working student, is a perfect example who could be looked up to for making the invisible burning desire visible. He is an aspirant who opens the gate for his fellow students; someone who greets the employees, at the same time, securing his future to become a policeman someday.
