MANILA, Philippines – The path to becoming a lawyer is rarely easy, but for Atty. Jan Tristan Ramos, it was nothing short of extraordinary.
At 41 years old, Ramos fulfilled a dream that seemed almost unreachable—a janitor who defied the odds to finally earn the title of attorney.
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| Photo courtesy: Jan Tristan Ramos/Facebook |
According to his Facebook post and Philstar Life, Ramos’ story began with hardship. When his father passed away, his mother had to work overseas just to provide for the family. As a high school student, he received a scholarship, and in return, helped arrange books for sale during enrollment. That early responsibility taught him gratitude and discipline—values that would later shape his journey.
College, however, came with even tougher battles. To continue his education, Ramos took a job as a janitor. It was there, while scrubbing floors and keeping hallways clean, that he learned one of life’s harshest truths: “The world treats you differently when your wallet is empty.” Yet, instead of breaking him, those struggles gave him the resilience to push forward.
When Ramos entered law school, juggling work and studies was already second nature. Every late night, every sacrifice, was fueled by the conviction that his dreams were worth the pain.
“Kaya nang pumasok ako sa Law School, hindi na bago sa akin ang mag-sabay ng trabaho at pag-aaral. Alam ko kung gaano kahalaga ang pagsusumikap para maabot ang mga pangarap.
Ang natutunan ko sa lahat ng ito? Hindi mahalaga kung ano ang pinanggalingan mo o gaano kahirap ang iyong nakaraan. Ang mahalaga, handa kang harapin ang bawat hamon ng buhay para sa iyong pangarap.”
Behind his success was a community of unwavering support; family, friends, mentors, and colleagues who stood by him through hardships and victories. From his siblings and relatives who became second parents, to friends who kept him motivated, to professors at Arellano University School of Law who honed his skills, Ramos credits his achievement to the love and encouragement he received along the way. And above all, he gives the glory to God, whom he calls the ultimate source of his strength.
Today, Atty. Ramos stands as proof that perseverance, faith, and grit can transform even the most challenging circumstances. From the broom and mop he once carried to the gavel he now holds, his story inspires countless others who may feel that their dreams are too far out of reach.
Jan Tristan Ramos reminds us: it’s never too late, and no dream is too big, for those who refuse to give up.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express