Rodallie S. Mosende grew up homeless since birth on Paterno Street, Quiapo, Manila, Philippines.
She was a child beggar at a time, grabbing food from strangers when hungry, and hustling for vegetables and meat from vendors when her mother was sick, promising to pay them back when she got older.
Until her paths crossed with Rick Rocamora in 2011, while the latter was documenting the homeless in Quiapo, GMA News reported.
Her determination to graduate from high school struck a chord in Rocamora, who shared her story through vivid photographs.
The attention Rocamora drew to Mosende’s situation inspired an anonymous benefactor to support her college education by giving her a monthly stipend.
Other people on social media also extended help, impressed by Mosende’s perseverance and dedication.
Up until her sophomore year in college, Mosende was working as a street sweeper to pay for food and transportation.
On April 23, Mosende graduated from the Lyceum University of the Philippines (Manila campus) with a degree in International Hospitality Management, specializing in cruise line operation in hotel services — something she never thought possible, having lived on the streets of Paterno since childhood.
“Kahapon po kinakabahan ako. Kagabi po hindi ako makatulog,” Mosende said in a video shared by Rick Rocamora, “Baka panaginip lang po ‘to kasi!” GMA News quoted her as saying.
A job in the cruise industry is waiting for Mosende and having a home is now within reach.
