Delayed but Never Denied: How Engr. Jimboy D. De los Santos Turned Setbacks into Success
Not all success stories follow a straight line. Some may take longer. Some may even experience “pauses,” “detours,” and “moments of doubt” along the way. The story of Engr. Jimboy D. De los Santos’ journey to becoming a civil engineer may be categorized as such. His rags-to-success story may be summed up as one of resilience, second chances, and quiet determination. From stopping school for years to finally passing the engineering licensure exam and becoming a licensed engineer, this success story may serve as proof to those who may be feeling “left behind” in life.
A Journey That Didn’t Start Perfect—but Started Again
Engr. Jimboy D. De los Santos, a native of Calbayog City in Samar, did not have a typical academic history. In fact, there were moments when his education completely came to a standstill. He took seven years to finish his elementary education and even stopped his high school education for nearly two years due to lost motivation.
At one point in his life, his continuation of studies seemed uncertain—not only because of his personal circumstances but also because of his financial situation. There were days when even his school supplies were hard to come by. But still, he decided to come back and take another chance to continue his studies where he had stopped.
Second Chances, Stronger Comebacks: Finding Purpose Through Education
However, everything began to change when he was given a second chance to study. Through the assistance and support of a teacher who saw him as a scholar, he was able to go back to school and slowly regain his confidence. This second chance was the start of everything.
He took up the STEM strand in Senior High School and found a genuine love for the subject Mathematics. He joined several competitions and learned a lot from mentors who saw him as a person. He also passed the DOST scholarship exam and was able to go to college without the burden of financial problems.
From Doubt to Direction: Choosing Engineering with Purpose
While his initial aspiration was to become a Mathematics teacher, life took him to Civil Engineering. One factor was his older brother, who had always wanted to become an engineer but was not able to. In a way, he was continuing his brother’s dreams.
Civil Engineering was not just something he chose to do; it was something he developed a passion for. He found joy and fulfillment in the design, problem-solving, and application of theories to real-life situations. From being a second choice, it was something he wanted to do.
Facing the Hardest Battles: Engineering, Pressure, and Self-Doubt
His college journey, especially during the pandemic, came with its own set of challenges. Online classes, unstable internet, and difficult major subjects made learning even more demanding. Courses like Reinforced Concrete Design and Theory of Structures tested not just his knowledge, but his patience and perseverance.
There were moments of burnout, pressure, and self-doubt. But during those times, he reminded himself of his past—the version of himself who once stopped studying but was given another chance. That reminder became his strength, pushing him to keep going no matter how difficult things became.
“Hindi Ako Nahuli—Nauna Lang Sila”: A Story of Timing and Faith
One of the most powerful epiphanies in his journey was the realization that success has its own timing. Just because the others may be ahead does not mean that you are lagging behind. As he said, “Hindi ako napag-iwanan, I just landed late to the place where I belong.”
When he finally passed the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination in April 2025, everything was suddenly clear. All the delays, the struggles, and the sacrifices were all worth it. His journey shows that even if the journey was long, the destination was all worth it.
A Message to Future Engineers: Keep Going, No Matter Your Pace
His piece of advice for aspiring civil engineers is very simple and significant: “Do your best and focus on your own progress.” It is very easy to feel pressured when you compare yourself to others, but remember that your progress is personal and takes time.
Challenges and setbacks are sure to come your way, and there will be moments when you feel like stopping. But don’t stop. Remember that everyone has their own pace, and success will come at the right time. The most important thing is that you don’t stop on yourself and your dream you started.
Engr. Jimboy D. De los Santos’ story is not about being the fastest—it’s about being persistent. It’s about choosing to continue, even after stopping, and believing that a second chance can still lead to something great.
Because in the end, success is not about when you arrive—it’s about the courage to keep moving forward until you do.