It was summer of 2001 when Lawyer Genevieve Taylan learned about the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

This fine young lady from San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte was on the lookout of making her summer vacation a meaningful and purposeful one.

When all she wanted was to earn extra income and break through from boredom on a schoolbreak, she never knew that there is something more to earn and learn from this employment program.

“I took SPES to fight boredom because I did not like to just stay at home and doing nothing,” said Taylan.

She wanted to have a glimpse of what it is like to be working. Taylan worked at a fastfood chain and at a local shopping mall.

“My experiences working during vacation taught me valuable lessons I have treasured up to this day,” said Taylan.

She narrated how she was able to build connections and meet different people that enhanced her communication and interpersonal skills.

Not only values, but Taylan learned about financial literacy. As a Business Administration student then, she was fascinated by how business concepts that she only learned in the classroom turned into actual work.

By learning the ropes in the corporate industry, Taylan continued to make her mark as she entered law school in 2016 and passed the Bar examinations in April 2023.

With the life lessons and values she gained during her SPES journey, she is thankful for DOLE and how this employment program remain to change the lives of young people.

Her unique story of grit and determination, Taylan inspires young dreamers in their path toward excellence.

“My story could only tell so much but your dream, motivation, determination, persistence, and faith could go a long way. Embrace all the mistakes along the way because they are inevitable and learn from them because they would help you grow and find the right path to career fulfillment," said Taylan. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)