Jojie Edma’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Born into a poor family in the Philippines, her early life was marked by hardship that would have discouraged many. Yet, it was precisely these struggles that shaped her into the strong and disciplined professional she is today.
Growing up, meals were simple and scarce, often just rice paired with chips, salt, or soy sauce. Despite this, Jojie Edma’s parents worked tirelessly, sacrificing everything to make sure their children could stay in school. Watching their perseverance and love gave Jojie Edma the motivation to dedicate herself fully to her education, believing it was the key to a better life.
Jojie Edma remembers, “I saw my parents give everything for us, and that inspired me to work hard and never give up.”
The Dream Deferred: Putting Family First
Jojie Edma’s dream was to become a lawyer, but as the eldest child, family responsibilities called her to set that dream aside. After graduating college with honors, she made the difficult choice to help support her family instead. This decision did not break her spirit; it strengthened it.
With courage and determination, Jojie Edma made a life-changing move to the United Arab Emirates. Alone and uncertain of what awaited her, she carried the resilience built from her childhood struggles as her greatest asset.
Her natural strengths, being highly organized, disciplined, and dependable, made administrative work a perfect fit. These qualities would soon pave the way for her career as a secretary and beyond.
Finding Her Place in the Administrative World
Even while still studying, Jojie Edma noticed that she had a knack for organization and discipline. She kept her notes, schedules, and responsibilities meticulously arranged, and she followed through on her tasks even when motivation was low. These traits are essential in administrative roles, where attention to detail and reliability are crucial.
Jojie Edma embraced the profession wholeheartedly, understanding that success in this field required perseverance as much as skill.
She says, “I may not always be the smartest person in the room, but I push myself to excel through hard work and consistency.”
Her confidence in this career choice grew stronger as she gained experience, proving that the right attitude can open doors even in unfamiliar fields.
A Challenging Start in a New Land
Before moving to the UAE, Jojie Edma worked as a Social Sciences teacher in the Philippines. Despite not having a formal education degree, she was hired based on her capability and dedication. For three years, she honed her communication, organization, and people-management skills while also running a small cake and pastry business and teaching English online.
However, the salary in her home country was barely enough to meet her family’s needs. Seeking better opportunities, she made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and start anew in the UAE.
The early days in Dubai were tough. Jojie Edma applied to countless companies, handing out her CV in the heat of the summer. At one point, she had only four dirhams left for food and had to ask a grocery store to cut a cauliflower in half because it was all she could afford. Those months tested her faith and determination like never before.
But she kept going, trusting that her journey had a purpose.
Breaking Through: The First Big Opportunity
After months of persistence, Jojie Edma was offered a position as an Administrative Secretary at a hospital just starting operations. Being part of the pioneering staff gave her the chance to help build systems from the ground up, gaining invaluable experience in administration.
This role marked the true beginning of her career in the UAE. From there, Jojie Edma moved on to more challenging roles, eventually becoming a Project Secretary in an engineering contracting company handling major municipal projects.
A Story of Family Triumph
Jojie Edma’s greatest achievement is not measured in money or titles. It is the transformation she helped bring about in her family’s life.
Through her hard work, she has provided her family with stability and security, improving their quality of life significantly. One of her proudest moments was supporting her sister through nursing school, helping her become a registered nurse.
Jojie Edma says, “Seeing my sister succeed and knowing that I played a part in that is the most meaningful success I could ask for. It is proof that sacrifice and responsibility can change a family’s story.”
Growing and Learning Every Day
Even after years of working in various roles, Jojie Edma continues to focus on improving herself. She is sharpening her administrative skills, especially in organization, communication, time management, and problem-solving.
She also makes an effort to learn more about the engineering industry she now works in by observing project workflows and familiarizing herself with best practices.
Her dedication to constant learning and growth keeps her ready to take on bigger challenges and contribute meaningfully to her workplace.
The Lesson That Drives Her
One of the most valuable lessons Jojie Edma has learned in her career is the importance of approaching every task with integrity and love. She believes that all work, no matter how small, deserves dedication and respect. When viewed as a form of service, work becomes more meaningful and motivation stays strong even on tough days.
Jojie Edma shares, “This mindset has helped me stay disciplined and positive. It pushes me to give my best every day and aim for excellence no matter what.”
Words of Wisdom for the Future
Looking back on her journey, Jojie Edma would advise her younger self and others starting their careers to choose roles that naturally fit their strengths and skills. She stresses the importance of embracing learning opportunities, staying disciplined, and trusting one’s ability to adapt.
She advises, “Find what aligns with you and give your best effort. That is how you build a fulfilling and impactful career.”
A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
Jojie Edma’s journey from poverty in the Philippines to a successful career in the UAE is a powerful reminder that resilience, hard work, and faith can transform lives. Her story encourages those facing hardships to stay strong and keep pushing toward their goals.
With her humble beginnings and unshakable spirit, Jojie Edma continues to inspire people around her, showing that no matter the challenges, success is possible when you remain disciplined, committed, and true to yourself.
Do connect her on LinkedIn
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