MANILA, Philippines – At just 27, John Steven Delos Santos Usero of Pasay City turned heartbreak, hardship, and relentless perseverance into a path toward becoming a lawyer, inspiring anyone who dares to dream against the odds.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/John Steven Delos Santos Usero |
“Pumasok talaga ako sa law school nang walang-wala. Nag-working student at maraming trabaho ang pinasukan; naging teacher ako, nagwork sa law firm at pumasok sa gobyerno para lang matustusan ang tuition namin ng kapatid ko,” Usero recalls.
Currently working as Legal Assistant II at the Anti-Red Tape Authority, he describes his journey as “hindi tungkol sa privilege, kundi sa grit at purpose.”
Usero earned his Juris Doctor degree after six grueling years, studying four years at the University of Santo Tomas and transferring to Arellano University School of Law for the final two.
His choice to pursue law was rooted in his AB History background, which he says “kinuha ko talaga yung kurso na iyon para mas maintindihan ko nang mas malalim ang lipunan at kung paano nakaaapekto ang mga nakaraan sa kasalukuyan.”
The years in law school were far from easy, as he juggled teaching, working in a law firm, and serving in government just to make ends meet.
Between 2022 and 2024, he endured the devastating loss of both parents, leaving the family in debt and emotional turmoil, yet he refused to abandon his dream.
Preparing for the 2025 Bar Exams meant relying on borrowed materials, facing financial limitations, and going days with minimal sleep or food: “Walang sariling law books at hiram lang ang lahat pati notes at reviewers sa mga kakilala. Minsan, isang beses lang kumain sa isang araw para lang makatipid.”
On exam day, a malfunctioning laptop and a painful eye condition tested his resilience, yet he pressed on: “Day 2 ng Bar Exams sa Civil at Labor, nasira pa laptop ko. Day 3 sa Criminal at Remedial, napunit naman ang cornea ko kaya halos kaliwang mata lang ang gamit ko noong Day 3 sa sobrang sakit.”
When he learned of his success, Usero was praying at the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus and says, “Para sa Nanay at Tatay ko ‘tong pagpasa ko habang nakikita ko yung pangalan ko, nasa isip ko na dala-dala ko pa rin sila noong mga panahon na iyon kahit wala sila sa tabi ko.”
Now a newly minted lawyer, Atty. Usero aspires to join the Public Attorney’s Office to serve those who cannot afford legal representation.
“Gaya ng mga dasal ko na gawin Niya lang ako na abogado, gagamitin ko ang mga natutunan ko at iiaalay ko ang buhay ko sa iba lalo na sa mga walang-wala,” he says, emphasizing that dreams grounded in purpose can prevail even against impossible odds.
Usero’s story stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and service, proving that even a struggling working student can rise, pass the Bar, and dedicate his life to justice for the poor.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express