My former student
Ken is my former student in psychology. He graduated on March 9, 2020, before the declaration of a public emergency (COVID-19 pandemic). As a new graduate, Ken started to invest his time in the Psychometrician board exam review. His goal is to be a licensed psychometrician and work in human resources. However, things change when COVID-19 hit the Philippines.
The coronavirus affects the economy. Consequently, various sectors respond by freezing job openings, reducing staff such as a layoff, and early retirement for the survival of their business. Ken is one of many graduates affected by this pandemic. He loses his opportunity to land a good job.
Ken was thinking about how he can survive this pandemic. He was worried. Upon graduation, Ken believed that landing a good job will allow him to help his family. As an extended family, his goal is to support his grandparents and siblings.
Thinking like an entrepreneur
Since the rate of job acceptance is low, Ken imagine’ “what if I start a business?”, “What if I can earn and help my family during this time of pandemic?.” Ken started the chiliken, a side dish sauce, 120 grams for 100 pesos. He posts chiliken on Facebook. And he earns to support his family. As a startup, his chiliken product has now orders in Batangas and Cebu.
Photo credit: Ken’s logo of Chiliken
He spends his time preparing this side dish sauce. He is also delivering the product to his customers in metro Manila. He has orders in Manila, Caloocan, Navotas, Bulacan, and Quezon City.
In Ken’s mind, “I have to find a way to support myself and my family. I have to try new things to earn”. “I have to be optimistic even if discouragement is high.” “There is always a way.”
Ken’s prayer is for his business to grow. He loves what he does. “Through chiliken, I overcome my shyness.” “I reach out to people to market my product.” “I learned about patience.” “I learned about savings.” “And I learned about faith.” “Confidence in myself and faith in God.”
Every one of us has a story of hope, love, faith, kindness, and resilience. It is important to weigh our choices. Challenges and problems can make us better or worst. For me, it depends on how we see things. Our problems will stop and discourage us for a moment.
But remember this, “Everything will be good tomorrow.”
“There is always a way no matter what our situation in life is.”
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