This story of Grab delivery driver graduating magna cum laude is touching people’s hearts

A story of a college student who recently graduated magna cum laude while moonlighting as a Grab delivery rider is touching people’s hearts on social media.

Francis Jan Ax Valerio once went viral after photos of him parking his motorcycle by the side of the road to attend an online class made the rounds of social media. Now he is reaping the fruits of all his hard work, having graduated as one of the top students in his class with a degree in communication from Adamson University.

“Highschool ako noong mamulat ako sa hirap ng buhay.  Nagtinda ako noon ng suman at graham balls sa school. Gumawa din ako ng mga assignments at activities ng mga kaklase ko kapalit ng konting halaga para lang may pang-baon ako sa eskwela,” he wrote on Facebook.

(I was in high school when I woke up to life’s hardships. I sold suman and graham balls in school. I also did my classmates’ assignments and activities for a small fee so I cold have some lunch money at school.)

The graduate also shared that he has tried his hand at various jobs, including being a delivery rider, a virtual assistant, a fast food service crew member, and a call center agent “at iba’t ibang klase ng raket ang pinasok ko para lang kumita ng pera.” (and all other kinds of gigs just so I can earn some money.)

He wrote that juggling work and school was not easy — from making deliveries rain or shine to losing sleep for another job, all while ensuring he met his school requirements.

“Kaya ‘nung nalaman kong ga-graduate ako ng may latin honor eh hindi ko talaga napigilang umiyak dahil alam kong naging sulit lahat. Sulit ang pagbibilad sa ilalim ng tirik na araw, sulit lahat ng luha kasabay ng pagbyahe sa gitna ng malalakas na ulan, sulit lahat ng puyat maipasa lang ang mga kailangan ipasa sa eskwela.”

(When I found out I was graduating with latin honors I couldn’t help but cry because I knew that everything was worth it. It was worth staying under the hot sun, it was worth all the tears while riding through strong rains, it was worth the late nights finishing all my class requirements.)

Valerio thanked his family for their support and God for giving him strength of mind and body and for guiding him through challenges.

“Good job, you are an inspiration to struggling students,” one wrote.

“Now that is determination. Good job, young man,” another said.