Story by Elena Encio, Program Officer
Before Paul Eman became the person encouraging others to step up, he was the one learning to believe that he could.
His working life began in construction. When a friend told him about an opening at a Shell station, Paul took the chance and joined as a Forecourt Service Champion. With persistence and a willingness to learn, he gradually assumed greater responsibilities and eventually became a Shift Manager.
The promotion marked real progress, but Paul did not see it as the end of his growth. He knew there was still more to learn, both about his work and about himself.
That desire led him to the Gas Mo, Bukas Ko Scholarship Program of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
A Chance Worth Taking
At first, Paul did not fully understand what the scholarship could offer. He knew that other station employees had received the opportunity and that being selected mattered. When he learned that he had been nominated, he decided to make the most of it.
Isang beses lang darating sa buhay ko ang ganitong oportunidad. Kaya tinuloy ko at pinagbutihan ko.
Paul pursued Automotive Servicing at Don Bosco Technical Institute, a course connected to his long-held dream of becoming a mechanic. He completed the program while continuing to fulfill his responsibilities at the station and earned a TESDA National Certificate II in Automotive Servicing.
Managing work and training was demanding. Some lessons tested him, and there were moments when he wondered whether he could keep up. Staying with the process, however, helped him see that difficulty did not mean he was incapable.
“Maraming challenges na akala ko hindi ko kaya. Nahihirapan ako noon sa ibang mga tinuturo, pero habang tumatagal, na-realize ko na kaya ko pala. Kapag hindi ka sumusuko, maraming bagay ang matututunan mo.”
Throughout the journey, Paul drew encouragement from PSFI and from his retailer, Jennifer Hartigan-Go. Their support helped him continue when the demands of work and study felt heavy.
The Lesson that went Beyond the Workshop
Technical training brought Paul closer to his dream, but he says his deepest transformation happened beyond the automotive lessons.
During the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development Workshop, he was challenged to examine his character, listen more closely, and reconsider what it means to lead. He admits that he had not always listened to his mentors. In time, their guidance began to make sense.
Dati hindi ako masyadong nakikinig sa mentor ko. Ngayon naiintindihan ko kung bakit nila ako ginagabayan. Marami akong natutunan tungkol sa teamwork, pakikipagkapwa, at kung paano maging mas mabuting lider.
Three words now guide Paul in his work: knowledge, attitude, and skills. Of the three, he places attitude first.
“Ang knowledge at skills, matututunan mo. Pero para sa akin, attitude ang pinakamahalaga. Dito nagsisimula ang pagbabago ng tao.”
For Paul, a position may give someone authority, but it does not automatically earn trust. Leadership is built through character, discipline, humility, and a continuing willingness to learn.
From Learner to Mentor
Today, Paul measures his growth not only by how far he has come, but also by how he helps others move forward.
The lessons he gained through GMBK and the leadership workshop shape how he works with his team. He shares what he knows, encourages colleagues to pursue development opportunities, and looks for people who may be ready to take on greater responsibility.
Ayokong maging makasarili sa mga natutunan ko. Yung mga pinagdaanan ko, gusto kong maibahagi sa iba para makatulong din sa pag-unlad nila.
The shift feels personal. The employee who once needed guidance has become a mentor who gives it.
“Dati ako ang tinuturuan. Ngayon ako na ang nagtuturo at nagmo-motivate sa iba. Iyon ang isa sa pinakamalaking pagbabago sa akin.”
A Bigger Dream Ahead
Paul continues to serve as a Shift Manager, but his aspirations extend beyond his current role. One day, he hopes to open an automotive shop where he can apply the skills he gained through training.
His experience shows how one learning opportunity can travel further than a certificate. It can strengthen a person’s confidence, change how that person leads, and reach colleagues who are given the same encouragement to grow.
When asked what he would tell Shell dealers and retailers, Paul returned to the idea that changed his own path: give potential a chance.
“Kung meron kayong mga taong nakikitaan ng potential, bigyan ninyo sila ng pagkakataon. Maaaring iyon ang oportunidad na magpapabago ng buhay nila.”
His message to fellow Forecourt Service Champions and station staff is just as direct:
Huwag sayangin ang mga oportunidad na dumarating. Walang madali, pero kayang-kaya basta may tiyaga at tiwala sa sarili. Tulad ko, marami ring naging challenges, pero natutunan ko na mas malayo ang mararating mo kapag handa kang matuto at magbago.
For Paul, the GMBK Scholarship Program opened a path toward automotive skills. More importantly, it helped him become the kind of leader who opens paths for others.
