Elementary school was a turning point in my life. I studied at Asturias Central Elementary School, where my skills and potential began to develop. During these early years, I joined various extracurricular activities that made my learning experience more meaningful and helped shape my character. I proudly became a Girl Scout, and in Grade 6, I had the chance to join a Jamboree held in Cebu City. That experience took me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both socially and emotionally.

I also explored the world of cultural performance by joining a folk dance group that competed in Argao. One of my proudest moments was when we performed at Tsuneishi in Balamban, Cebu, to welcome visiting guests. I also joined the Lalin Festival in our town, Asturias, which helped me appreciate our local culture and traditions even more. Aside from that, I took part in essay writing competitions at the division level, joined a flower bouquet competition in Sogod, Cebu, and became a member of our school’s drum and lyre band. Each activity taught me something valuable and helped me grow in different ways. Despite being active in many events, I still maintained my status as an honor student.

High school was a time of adjustment and growth. I studied at Saint Francis Academy, a school known for its strong values and strict academic environment. It was challenging at first, but it helped me become more resilient. I continued to do well in my studies and stayed on the honor roll. Although there weren’t many extracurricular activities, I still found ways to grow as a leader. I was often chosen as a group leader for classroom cleaning and served as the worship chairperson of our section. In senior high school, I took the STEM strand, which helped me develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Now that I am in college, I continue to embrace the lessons and values I have gained. Currently in my second year of studying Bachelor of Science and Hospitality Management. I continue to be on the Dean’s List, which reminds me that hard work and consistency truly pay off.

Looking back, my educational journey has been a blend of academic excellence and meaningful personal development. From the timid girl who first stepped into preschool to the young woman who stands here today, education has been the constant force guiding me, challenging me, and helping me discover who I truly am.

Aside from that, I have always enjoyed drawing and cross stitching. Painting is another creative hobby I turn to, especially when I'm just bored. I love listening to music too. There are days when everything feels a bit too much, and all I want to do is listen to music until the world fades out for a while. All these little things, they help me cope, express myself, and stay grounded.

But reality hit hard. The expenses were overwhelming. I knew from the start that Veterinary Medicine was not going to be an easy course. It takes years, discipline, and a lot of heart. But what I didn’t expect was the wave of doubt that started to creep in. I was also worried for my parents, especially since my sister had just entered her second year as a nursing student. I knew how expensive everything was, and it made me question if I was being selfish for pursuing something that seemed so heavy, not just academically, but financially.

I shifted to Medical Technology next, not because I wanted to, but because I felt like I had to. Everyone in the family, especially my cousins was in the medical field. I did not want to be left out. I did not want anyone to think I had no direction. So I enrolled, even though my heart was not in it. The first semester was entirely online. I felt lost most of the time. I barely knew my classmates, the lessons did not sink in, and I felt disconnected.

Then came the second semester, face-to-face classes. I lasted only seven days. Seven days of trying to adjust, of trying to convince myself I could survive it. But deep down, I was struggling mentally and emotionally. Being far from home made everything harder. That’s when I finally gathered the courage to open up to my parents. I was terrified. I thought they’d be disappointed or angry. But they weren’t. Instead, they listened. They understood. They supported me.

Still, the aftermath wasn’t easy. I stayed home feeling ashamed, like I failed not just myself but everyone who believed in me. I couldn’t stop thinking about the money spent, the effort wasted, and the expectations I didn’t live up to.

That period of my life taught me so much not just about choosing the right course or school, but about listening to me, facing failure, and learning that it’s okay to change direction. It’s okay to pause and figure things out. Because sometimes, stopping is not the end. It is the start of choosing yourself again.

I chose to pursue Hospitality Management—a course that, at first, felt unfamiliar and far from what I expected. But over time, I embraced it. I have grown and learned more than I ever imagined, not just academically, but personally as well.

Those past challenges made me stronger, wiser, and more resilient. They taught me that it's okay not to have all the answers right away. It’s okay to pause, reflect, and continue at your own pace. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and more patient with the process. These experiences helped me become more self-aware, and they continue to guide me as I move forward in life.

One of my biggest dreams is to give back to my parents. They have done so much for me, and I want to return that love by giving them the comfort they truly deserve. I’d love to take them on a trip abroad someday, just to see the joy on their faces and make unforgettable memories together.

In the long run, I dream of a peaceful stable life, a home of my own in the province, a quiet place where I can settle down. I want good health for myself and my loved ones, a brand new car, and the kind of life where we’re not always chasing but finally living.

And because dreaming is free, I still hold on to that childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. If life allows, I’d love to study again and finally pursue that passion. Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be able to make it happen.

I believe in growing through what I go through. Challenges like shifting courses, pausing my education, or doubting myself have shaped me more than any success ever could. It taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of listening to my inner voice, not just the expectations of others.

Above all, I believe life is meant to be lived with purpose and heart. It’s okay to take detours, to fall, to pause, and to begin again. What matters is that we never stop trying to become the best version of ourselves.

I wouldn't be where I am today without them. They have molded me with love, patience, and unwavering value and that is something I carry with me every single day.