At only 27 years old, John Steven Delos Santos Usero transformed pain, hardship, and years of sacrifice into a remarkable achievement — becoming a lawyer and an inspiration to many Filipinos who continue to fight for their dreams.
Coming from humble beginnings, Usero entered law school with very limited resources. He worked multiple jobs just to survive and support his family.
“I entered law school with nothing. I worked as a teacher, joined a law firm, and even worked in government just to support my tuition and my sibling’s education,” he shared.
Currently serving as a Legal Assistant II at the Anti-Red Tape Authority, he describes his journey not as one built on privilege, but on pure determination and purpose.
A Difficult Road to Becoming a Lawyer
Usero completed his Juris Doctor degree after six challenging years — studying four years at the University of Santo Tomas and finishing his final two years at Arellano University School of Law.
His decision to study law came from his background in AB History, which deepened his understanding of society and the impact of historical events on present-day realities.
Throughout law school, he balanced several responsibilities — teaching, working in a law office, and holding government jobs — simply to make ends meet.
Personal Loss and Financial Struggles
Between 2022 and 2024, Usero experienced one of the hardest chapters of his life after losing both his parents. Their passing left the family carrying financial burdens and emotional pain, but he refused to give up on his dream.
Reviewing for the 2025 Bar Exams tested him even more. He relied on borrowed books and notes, often sacrificing comfort just to continue studying.
“I had no personal law books. Everything was borrowed — reviewers, notes, materials. There were days I only ate once to save money,” he recalled.
Trials During the Bar Exams
Even during the exams themselves, challenges did not stop. On one exam day, his laptop malfunctioned, and by the next, he suffered a painful eye injury.
“On Day 2, my laptop broke down. On Day 3, my cornea was torn, so I almost relied only on my left eye because of the pain,” he said.
Despite these obstacles, he pushed through with determination.
A Moment of Victory and Purpose
When the results came out, Usero was praying at the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. Seeing his name on the list of passers became a deeply emotional moment.
He shared that his victory was for his late parents — carrying their memory with him every step of the way.
Now officially Atty. Usero, he hopes to join the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), aiming to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it.
“I prayed to become a lawyer not for myself alone. I want to use what I learned to serve others, especially those who have nothing,” he said.
A Story of Hope
Usero’s journey proves that success is not always about privilege — it is about resilience, faith, and a clear sense of purpose. From being a struggling working student to becoming a lawyer, his story reminds everyone that no dream is impossible when pursued with courage and heart.
A true inspiration for every Filipino dreamer.
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