Elyn Felarca – Customer Service Representative, ESL

I have been a 57 year old single mum for almost 30 years now. I was orphaned at a very young age (11 y/o) and exposed to responsibilities supposedly for older people. Since I started school, I was always in the honour roll. I was so motivated and inspired by my teachers who were dedicated to their profession in those days hence that passion was carried on right through high school and college days. Unfortunately, the tolls of being the sole earner for my family affected the completion of my schooling because I had to sacrifice my own for my younger siblings’ opportunity to higher learning.

Being a college undergraduate didn’t dampen my hope in seeking jobs that would provide me with a stable income because the love for my family was the driving force, the “wind beneath my wings”, so to speak.

Fortunately at a tender age of 18, I was hired as an Admin Assistant at one of the most prestigious mining firms in the Philippines in the 80’s. In this company, I blossomed to be a young lady with a conviction to hone my character and learn the ropes of being in the workforce and overcome the inferiority complex knowing that the world is vast and presents so much opportunities. There were times that I failed to reach my goal yet I surrounded myself with learned people that gave me sound advice on how to go on with life and hurdle the most difficult situations, positively… That every problem should be dealt with while not jeopardising one’s persona but strengthen the character instead.

It’s true that life has its twists and turns. More bad than good times. In my pursuit to a better life, I learned the ropes of ESL tutoring/Virtual Assistance just by experience and the tenacity to learn and cope up with the changes of time. When I joined the BPO industry at 48 y/o, I was the oldest in every training class. Not so tech-savvy but trainable and there were days that I cried in training, embarrassed for always being the last navigating the system. I cried at my first call – a cussing customer. There were numerous times my temper was tested and yes, days that I wanted to quit. What kept me going on? Survival instincts! It was the chance given to me to get into this kind of job, competing with the millennials of our times and the most tech-savvy generation. I’ve learned to love this job that put food on my table, pay bills and the most mundane concern of a single mum… a roof over my family’s head. Clearly, age is not a hindrance and education is not just acquired in school but from every experience, while we trod along life’s road. My experience in the BPO industry for 10 years handling different accounts gave me a vast experience in billing, technical support, appointment setting, finance, insurance, warranties and sales. I am also a very diligent Administrative Assistant with 10 years of experience.

I hope that you are inspired while reading my story and that I be given the opportunity to work with you. The tenacity, resilience and resourcefulness of a person will lead one to overcome the ups and downs we encounter in our daily lives. I have learned that integrity, respect, honesty will allow you to enjoy the work place atmosphere. Take time to realise the wonderful world we live in. Balance work and relaxation, while nurturing body, mind and soul to equip you in accomplishing each task ahead. Contribute efforts to make a better world. Continue to learn and upgrade your skills in accordance to what is needed in the industry you choose to serve. At the end of the day, clients will see how dedicated and focused you are as worker.

For a copy of Elyn’s resume please click here.