Jodi Sta.Maria/Instagram 

“As a human being, I can do so much more.” 

This is the conviction of actress Jodi Sta. Maria, who decided to take a showbiz hiatus to pursue higher studies. 

“This year, I’m taking up my master’s degree in clinical psychology,” Jodi said in a recent interview. 

As to why she decided to pursue another path, she said, “Kasi naiisip ko, as a human being, parang I can do so much more. Na parang mayroon pang life outside of showbizness. Naisip ko na, oo, I’m an actor, but I can put on another hat.”

Josi said it has always been her dream to put up an affordable center for mental health. 

“It’s my dream to put up a small center to make mental health accessible to all—hindi lang for people na kaya magbayad, but para sa lahat. ‘Yung heart ko, from the time I started studying psychology, when I did acupuncture detox and got my certification there, ‘yun talaga nasa heart ko. And God willing, ‘yung dream na ‘yun will turn into reality,” she said. 

Jodi also shared her love of learning and how she enjoys being a student. 

“Nag-eenjoy kasi ako. For some weird reason, I enjoy the feeling of being in a class. Gusto ko ‘yung student ako—nakaupo, nakaka-learn ako ng mga bagong things. Parang that sparks joy in my heart. It fascinates me,” she said. 

Jodi finished a degree in Psychology in 2021.