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Aside from the approaching rainy season, many are also preparing for the upcoming school year. Are you ready to take another step in your journey? As the rains gradually start to pour, here are some success stories to shower you with inspiration.


REGINE CAÑETE VILLAMEJOR
University of San Jose – Recoletos
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Commerce – Major in Communication and Marketing
Magna cum Laude

Regine is a 20-year-old lass from Taloot, Argao, Cebu. She is the daughter of Raul Villamejor, a fisherman and Mary Jane Villemejor, a fish vendor. She was able to help her parents in paying for the school expenses through her scholarship and by selling food to her board mates and classmates for her allowance.

What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?
When I was a college freshman, I almost lost my mother because of a serious illness. I had to help my father sell fish, prepare meals for the family and take care of my siblings.

In my second year, I was admitted to the hospital due to internal hemorrhoids. I stayed there for almost a week but nothing stopped me from doing my school work. While I was sick, I asked my classmates for updates about our projects and assignments. My board mates brought the materials in the hospital, while my close friends submitted my work to our professor.

What message can you give to the youth today?
Never stop chasing your dreams. When there is love, passion and determination, you can never go wrong. No matter where life takes you, keep your feet grounded and always have a strong sense of character because these would surely bring you to the best destinations.

Love your parents. Always appreciate the hardships and sacrifices they went through for you. Don’t forget to pray and give thanks to God.

What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?

We have to find out why the green houses gases have grown to this proportion. When we have this kind of information, it will be easier to find solutions.

I can help alleviate the worsening problem of climate change by planting trees and not burning plastic.I can also help by shutting down appliances, such as computers and televisions, when not in use.


ERWIN VALMORIA MACUA
St. Theresa’s College, Cebu City
Bachelor of Elementary Education
Cum Laude

Erwin is a security guard in the school where he graduated. He was a consistent Valedictorian during elementary and high school but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to finish college due to poverty. Despite this, he didn’t give up. After 16 years of working in a school that is exclusively for girls, he didn’t miss the chance to continue his studies when the school finally opened its doors to male students.

At 38 years old, he is a father of three and have decided to spend more time with his family after graduation. Although he has been receiving many offers after his story has gone viral, he still chose to continue being a security guard while reviewing for the teachers’ board exam this coming September.


What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?

I was really left behind in my computer subject. In fact, I struggled when our finals involved typing 150 words in a minute. Because I only managed 30 to 40 words, I approached my teacher about my problem and asked about possible remedies. I explained to my teacher that there were no computers during my generation, that’s why I was having a hard time using it in the class.

Another challenge is lack of sleep. I go to school from a 12-hour shift. To stay awake, I drink a lot of coffee and energy drinks.

What message can you give to the youth today?
To the youth, I encourage you to excel in your studies. If I were able to surpass this challenge, you can also do it. Poverty should not keep you from achieving your dreams. Stay away from the influence of bad company, gambling, alcohol, computer games, and most of all, drugs.

To all the fathers and mothers, remember that you’re never too old to chase your dreams, You only need hard work, determination and prayer.

Favorite Motto:
“It’s never too late to learn.” Age is just a number so don’t stop learning. Everyday is a learning process.

What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
Climate change is one of the problems the world has to address. The best thing I can do is to educate people, and practice my advocacy in my own family then in my neighbourhood. These are the possible ways to help the planet:

Stop burning rubber and plastic.
Burning plastic has become a habitual practice in our neighbourhood and I’m hoping to change that.

Proper garbage disposal.
This should be implemented as many people are still throwing their garbage and wastes into the river, and this is very evident in our area.

Plant trees.
I am already doing this because I am also a farmer. I will urge other people to do the same.


MERIAM NALO LIBONGCOGON
Philippine Military Academy
Ensign (2nd Lieutenant)

A farmer’s daughter, Meriam is a 25-year-old marathoner and band vocalist, She worked as a housemaid when she was still studying.

What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?

I worked as a housemaid while studying in college. I had to wake up early to clean, cook, wash clothes, and to feed and bathe the kids. Sometimes, I only get to sleep in the wee hours of the morning, and I have to take an exam in a few hours. There are times when I would cry because I couldn’t get a permit slip to take the exam because I haven’t paid the school. But despite being poor, I enjoyed serving the family because they treated me like family.

What message can you give to the youth today?
To those who are poor like me, remember that poverty is never a torture for us. God will not give us a burden that we can’t bear. To the young people, don’t stop dreaming.

First, you must have determination to reach your goal. Be willing! Second, you have to persevere. As we are reminded in the bible, “Count all joy when we fall into various trials.” And lastly, always cling to God. Never remove Him in your life because without Him, we are totally nothing.

Favorite Motto:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
Modernization has helped us a lot in making our work easier, but we cannot deny the fact that it is slowly destroying Mother Earth. As individuals, we can successfully help protect our planet even in simple ways.

As a leader, I have to set a good example. I will plant trees, and practice proper garbage segregation and disposal. When I see someone abusing nature, I have to tell them off so they’ll be aware of their wrongdoing.


ABDULAZIZ HAJIMIN DAPILIN
Western Mindanao State University – Zamboanga City
Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Special Education
Cum Laude

Abdulaziz is a 20-year-old native of Basilan, who was born with Marfan Syndrome that caused blindness in his right eye and semi-blindness in the left.


What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?

The worst challenge I’ve ever faced as a student is being a Student Teacher. Students like me are often asked to conduct classes for the blind. But during my practice teaching, I was tasked to handle sixth-graders who have no disabilities.


What message can you give to the youth today?

Learn from the success stories of your role models but do not compare yourself to other people. We are uniquely and perfectly made by the Creator, includingour hardships and defects. Don’t pity yourself; don’t think you’re better than other people. We all belong on the same ground. Keep your feet on the ground; be thankful for every blessing and always strive to draw out the positive from the negative in your life.

Favorite Motto:
Know me for my abilities, not my disability.

What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
Climate change and environmental care are both timely and important issues. Support the use of renewables such as solar energy and proper garbage disposal for future generations.

These stories of success prove that nothing can hinder you from reaching your goals. Regine, Erwin, Meriam and Abdulaziz have shown that it is possible to finish one’s education with hard work and perseverance.

To all students of the incoming school year, may these people serve as your inspiration and motivation. We wish you luck on your journey!