College grad brought netizens to tears with story of lonesome graduation ceremonies

• Fresh grad shared sad story of attending graduation ceremonies all by himself which moved netizens to tears
• Jeric Rivas, who graduated from La Concepcion College, disclosed that he had to leave home in order to work and support himself while studying
• Social media users were proud of Rivas’ achievements and sent him congratulations for enduring the trials in his life while finishing his studies

A netizen took to Facebook on April 14 to share the time his family stood him up during his graduation ceremonies, as well as the trials and tribulations he faced before receiving his college diploma. All of which, moved the hearts of social media users.

“Magkahalong lungkot at saya sa araw ng pagtatapos sa kolehiyo,” wrote Jeric Rivas, a fresh graduate from La Concepcion College, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

The author of the viral post then narrated how he did not experience, during his elementary and high school days, going on stage to receive his academic honors with his parents or next of kin.

“Elementary ako noon nong nagkamit ako ng mataas na karangalan, 6th honor ako noon pero sa hindi (inaasahang) pagkakataon, walang kamag anak at magulang ang umakyat sa akin sa stage para magsabit (sa’kin) ng medalya, at dahil (doon) hindi nalang din ako umakyat at di ko narin kinuha ang medalya ko,” said Rivas.

He also recounted how he needed to “borrow” one of his fellow classmates’ own parents so that there would be someone who would award him his medals back in his secondary school’s recognition day. Come its graduation, he was again left alone.

“Tingin ako sa harap, sa likod, sa kaliwa, sa kanan, nagbabakasakaling masulyapan ko sila, pero wala, naghintay pa ako nang ilang (minutes), (hanggang) sa oras na ang lumipas, pinatayo na kaming lahat at tinatawag na isa-isa ang aming pangalan, umakyat na isa-isa ang mga kaklase (ko) kasama ang mga magulang nila para tanggapin na (nila) ang kanilang diploma. Hanggang sa narinig ko na ang aking pangalan, at ito nanaman ako, nag mamartsa nanaman (paakyat) ng (entablado) mag-isa,” described Rivas.

He was not able to stop the tears from falling as he marched that day, feeling envious of the kids who were supported by their parents and family during one of the memorable days of their lives. Rivas disclosed then that he decided to leave his home in Sibuyan Island, Romblon to look for work in the city while attending college. He stayed with his relatives, but he was always shunned by them. He lived in various places as a result.

“Sobrang sama ng loob ko noon, kaya pinangako ko sa sarili ko na (balang) araw hinding-hindi na nila ako pwedeng ganun-ganunin nalang. Nag-enroll ako kahit wala pa akong sapat na pera, nagbakasakaling makapagtapos ako,” claimed Rivas.

And in order to support himself, he entered odd jobs while studying such as being a factory worker in Quezon City, a student assistant of their school, being a janitor, a fast-food crew, and even as househelp.

“At ngayon, nagbunga na lahat nang aking pagsusumikap, araw nang aking pag tatapos… Magkahalong tuwa at lungkot nanaman ang naramdaman ko,” shared the degree holder of Bachelor of Science in Criminology, who conveyed to the netizens how he went to the stage while breaking down in tears once more.

“Niyakap ko isa-isa ang mga professors na (nandoon) sa taas ng entablado, para mabawasan man lang kahit paano ang bigat na nararamdaman ko. Di ko inisip ang kahihiyan sa harap ng tao dahil sa pag iyak ko. Pagbaba ko isa-isa akong kinamayan ng iilan sa mga kapwa ko graduate na nadadaanan ko, at sarap sa pakiramdam na isa-isa nilang sinasabi na proud sila sakin…” added Criminology Service Awardee Rivas.

In his now-viral post, the working student proceeded to thank his professors, school staff, and friends who helped him overcome his sufferings. He also offered his achievements to his grandparents who raised him while sending a taunting message to his parents whom he claimed did not want him in their lives.

The post received 41 thousand reactions online, with messages of congratulations pouring out for the new graduate.

“Congratulations, Rivas! Good luck on your next journey! Well done! 💖😇😍” commented one netizen.

“Congrats habang (binabasa) ko ‘tong karanasan mo napatulo luha ko 😢 Alam (kong) malayo ang mararating mo sa buhay dahil sa mga naranasan mong hirap, isa yan sa mga pinaghuhugutan (natin) para lumakas tayo. Pray lang lagi 🙏” said Facebook user Ave Del Castillo Jaringa.

“Congrats kuya (na-inspired) ako sa kwento na pinagdaan mo (naluha-luha) ako habang binabasa ko ang (mensahe) mo. God bless dahil hindi ka sumuko,” Jeson Cortez replied to the post.

“Congratulations! You’ve made it despite the hardships. Mabuhay ka, I believe, handa ka na sa matinding hamon ng buhay. Always believe in yourself. God bless u on your journey,” remarked another netizen.