Consistent Dean’s Lister, Cum Laude, and passer of the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers – are feathers on the cap of Teacher Jennifer Ramos, a 4Ps beneficiary from Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. These superb achievements added to the pride of her family who bagged the 3rd Runner-Up in the National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya 2018.
Teacher Jennifer is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in Social Studies at the Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus.
“Even though we are not born with a silver spoon, it never came to my mind to stop studying just because of poverty. Rather, being poor served as my inspiration to strive even more because nothing can hinder me from reaching my dreams in life, not even poverty,” Teacher Jennifer testified.
Looking back, Teacher Jennifer said, “I was aware that my father’s income is insufficient to make both ends meet, so I decided to have a part time job in our school’s canteen during my elementary years to augment for my other school needs and allowance.” Despite this, she was able to graduate as a Salutatorian in elementary which she sustained as she kept on receiving awards until high school.
According to Teacher Jennifer, her secret weapon in braving the challenges in her journey to success is her loving and supportive family. “During my childhood days, I witnessed how poverty made our life almost unbearable. My father, Chris, endured planting rice, vegetables, and corn in the scorching heat. In the morning, when I wake up, breakfast is already prepared by my mother, Jhing. We enjoy our simple breakfast as we share stories and funny experiences with each other. We are always healthy and active in school. Even though our life is simple, I have always felt blessed because I belong to a supportive family,” Teacher Jennifer narrated. This is also what Family Development Session brought to Ramos Family, their noteworthy way of life made them a model family among 4Ps household beneficiaries in their community. They also advocate nutrition among children through their initiated feeding activity in their community.
This paved the way for them to be conferred as the Most Innovative Family during the National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya in 2018.
With this crowning glory set on Teacher Jennifer’s head, she still remains down-to-earth and continues fueling herself to achieve more. For her, this is just the beginning of chasing her dreams for her family. She admits that there will be more trials along the way as she braves the real life situation of being a teacher. She is always being driven by her belief – once an achiever, always an achiever. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II)
