Sleep-deprived working student graduates summa cum laude from Pasay City university
A student from the City University of Pasay (CUP) who also works at a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company graduated summa cum laude despite having to survive on four hours of sleep only.
Rolly Mar Loyola, who took up a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree in history got the highest distinction of summa cum laude during graduation rites held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Monday, July 10.
Loyola narrated that he started working for the BPO company when he was still in first year college to support his studies and pursue his dream of becoming a teacher in history.
He said it was his decision to become a working student to help his father who only earns enough for their family’s everyday needs.
Loyola said he has learned to live on only four hours of sleep everyday to attend to both his studies and work
During his day off from work, he would spend the whole day sleeping.
Loyola said he also developed the habit of taking a 15-minute break while in school and an hour break to sleep at work.
It was during the Covid-19 pandemic that Loyola was able to enjoy more hours of sleep when his school shifted to online learning and he requested from his company a work-from-home arrangement.
Loyala said that because of his dedication to work, he was promoted from agent to quality assurance analyst.
His only dream, he added, was to finish his studies and considered it a "big bonus" that he bagged the highest distinction of graduating as summa cum laude.
Loyola, a consistent honor student in school since his secondary education, said his motto in life is: “hindi pwede ang pwede na.” (Being enough is not enough).