Hardworking student sells graham balls made by mom to pay for school

MANILA, Philippines – Midway through the beginning of college, many students’ concerns involve preparing for the first barrage of exams, being active in various school organizations, or balancing both. For other people like John Eric Ventura, balancing schoolwork with student organizations comes with the added stress of having to find ways to make ends meet.

Last August 28, Rafunzel Alpuerto shared a story on her Facebook page about a student from Emilio Aguinaldo College in Cavite. The picture with the post was of a young man taking out packs of graham balls from his bag. According to Alpuerto’s post, the duffel bag in the picture was filled with packs of graham balls that the student would sell. 

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Borne out of necessity

The student, John Eric Ventura, is in his first year studying Criminology at Emilio Aguinaldo College and had been selling graham balls since the start of the school year to help pay for his education. At 19 years old, he made the decision to start selling graham balls because he had to pay part of his tuition.

“I didn’t know how I would pay my tuition. My scholarship covers 50% but I still had miscallaneous fees,” he said.

He found out later on that his tuition was already fully covered but continues to sell graham balls for his allowance and to help with his family’s expenses. “I also want to help my parents and have some money for my personal expenses,” Ventura added.

He admitted that we was shy about the business at first, but since then has grown more confident about what he does. “Now I’m happy and people greet me. More people now know about my business, too,” he said. 

Ventura also described the toll it would take on him. He initially wanted to quit varsity Taekwondo because he would leave training late and would then have to make graham balls. He decided to stay because of the added tuition discount from his varsity status.

Today, a regular day for him revolves around going to classes, training until the afternoon or late night and then making his products.

Outpouring of support

Ventura’s inspirational story is not the only thing getting exposure on social media. His business has also been making the rounds on Facebook. Called Infinite Graham Balls, the Facebook page was set up on August 31 and now has 421 likes. The page allows word to spread further and inform potential buyers.

Asked how he feels about his newfound exposure, he says “I really feel how much God has blessed me.” – Rappler.com

Bea Orante is a Rappler intern