Philippines student sells peanuts until 3 am to fund degree
Third-year Marine Engineering student Ariston Era III works late nights to pay tuition and support his family.
Ariston Era III, a third-year Marine Engineering student at the University of the Visayas, sells peanuts on the streets until 3 am to fund his education. The student manages his tuition fees, daily expenses, and provides financial assistance to his family through his work.
Era III told SunStar's Beyond the Headlines podcast that he began helping his mother sell homemade food in Bogo City at age 11. He previously sold quail eggs and mangoes before switching to peanuts because they were easier to transport and had a longer shelf life.
His daily routine involves waking up at 5 am to prepare for college classes that begin at 7:30 am. He noted that some of his regular customers are fellow students who purchase peanuts before their classes start.
As the eldest of five siblings, Era III has been responsible for his own tuition and allowance since his second year. He stated that he is ready to contribute to his family whenever they face financial shortages.
The student is currently establishing a local errand and delivery business named Speedy Delivery in Bogo City. He is working on the necessary paperwork for the service, which includes food, groceries, and medicines.
Era III expressed that he views honest work as a way to be productive. He aims to use his marine engineering studies to build financial stability and eventually expand into real estate.