Determined to look for a job to support his studies, Joniel Forlaje, a 2017 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) in STI College Muñoz-EDSA printed out 40 copies of his resume and submitted them to different branches of a famous fast food chain. He dreamt of taking up Marine Engineering so he could one day work in a cruise ship – a dream he’s been holding unto since childhood.

Raised in the province of Bicol, Joniel grew up without his parents and lived only with his grandfather and younger sister. He walked three kilometers on bare foot every school day to get to the town’s school and learn for 10 years. He farmed and ate freshly picked raw vegetables every day. With his story, one can say he lived a difficult life.

Joniel’s dreams did not falter, though. After High School, he tried his luck in Metro Manila bringing only his dreams and courage, and worked as a construction worker and as a siomai and shawarma cart vendor. After a year, he heard about the then partnership of STI College with Jollibee Foods Corporation known as Skills Enhancement and Education Development for Students (SEEDS). He took the opportunity and studied BSHRM in STI College Muñoz-EDSA. For six years, he endured sleepless nights working and studying at the same time. Yet, he remained active at both work and school, and his manager and teachers saw great potential in him.

Joniel stands as a living proof that sometimes, things don’t go as we planned but God works mightily in molding us into becoming what He wants us to be. He now works as part of the Culinary Operations of one of the cruise ships of Royal Caribbean Cruises – a seaman.

Joniel’s life had never been easy. He was told many times that studying is just for the rich. Despite this, he remained undaunted and braved the difficulty of being a working student. According to one of his teachers, he is really persistent in improving himself and was never a mediocre student. In fact, in one of his English classes, he strived really well to speak even with slight difficulty because he believes that the only way for him to improve is by having the audacity to practice.

Today, Joniel knows every cent saved and every second counted were all worth it for he is molded perfectly as God wanted him to be. He walked on water and let his faith and perseverance be his strength. Now, he reaps the fruits of his hard work holding tightly to his life verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Congratulations in fulfilling your hopes for you and your family, Joniel! Your STI College Muñoz-EDSA family is more than proud!