Jodi Sta. Maria bares struggles of balancing career, studies

Jodi Sta, Maria via Instagram

There is no question that Jodi Sta. Maria is one of her generation’s brightest stars. But apart from her compelling acting prowess, she is undeniably an embodiment of class, wisdom and eloquence.

A staunch believer of the importance of education regardless of one’s financial freedom, her drive to better herself intellectually is making people love her even more.

At the recent bloggers’ conference held last Monday (May 8) for her upcoming Star Cinema movie “Dear Other Self”, members of the entertainment press could not help but notice the actress’ obvious gifts of discourse and wisdom.

The 34-year-old mother of one thanked the bloggers for their kind words and shared her fascination for literature.

“It helps a lot when you read, it’s one of the things I love to do in my free time. I love to travel so when I’m on the plane, I bring a couple of books with me and I also talk to people,” Sta. Maria said.

Unlike some who take life easy, the former teen star said she cherishes every opportunity to learn and applies the lessons she’s picked as she goes through life.

She credited her latest film as another “educating experience,” and shared the most significant lesson she learned along the way.

“[It’s] the importance of our choices. Everyday we make choices, big or small, and I believe the quality of the choices we make now will determine the quality of our future,” she said.

Secrets to her unwavering determination

Sharing more about her choices in life, the actress also recalled her struggles when she decided to juggle her time between academics and acting career.

Aside from her showbiz aspirations, Sta. Maria has always dreamt of pursuing a medical degree, but at some point thought it was “impossible” to manage both.

“I find it physically and mentally taxing to do both, acting and studying kasi na-try ko na [because I’ve already tried it]. I graduated late in high school, I was 28 years old. But then I told myself that I have to do it and I have to find time to finish it,” she recalled.

Immediately after she finished high school, the Kapamilya actress jumped right on to college and took Medical Biology.

Unfortunately, she was unable to finish her studies due to the demands of both school and work. Apart from her student duties, she also had to fulfill her obligations as a doting mother.

“Na-set aside man siya [even if it was set aside], I did not fully let go of that dream and I prayed to God that if it’s in His will, I know one day in His perfect time, He would still open the door for me to finish my school.”

Despite her trials and tribulations, she finally earned a break through a school that offered a home study college program.

“Hopefully, in two and half years time, I’d be able to get a college degree,” she said.

“Dear Other Self”, meanwhile, also stars Xian Lim, Joseph Marco and Paul Salas, with director Veronica Velasco at the helm. The movie opens on May 17 in cinemas nationwide. KI