Despite financial struggles, 20-year-old Regine Villamejor will be graduating from the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City with magna cum laude honors.
She will be completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts & Commerce major in Communication and Marketing (A.B. in LIACOM).
In an interview with PEP, she proudly shared that all of this she dedicates to her loving family, especially her 42-year-old dad who works as a fisherman, getting up as early as 2 a.m. to earn a minimum of P700 a day.
She acknowledges that life’s hardships pushed her to work harder. She grew up in a simple nipa hut with her two brothers (Jonard, 15, and Ramer, 17) and an ailing mother, who thankfully is in good health now.
“Sabi ko sa kanya noon, laban tayo kasi gusto ko ga-graduate ako na nandun kayong dalawa ni Papa,” she recalls telling her mom. “Though, iyong needs namin magkakapatid napo-provide ng parents namin,” 700 pesos is not enough for a family of five.”
photo: Regine Villamejor facebook
Thanks to her consistently good grades, her school granted her a 50% discount on her tuition.
Since her hometown is located more than two hours away from Cebu city, she had to stay in a boarding house near her school. In her room, she put up an “inspiration wall” filled with her family’s photos. Simply looking at their photos encouraged her to keep doing well even at times when she felt exhausted.
“Never give up chasing your dreams. Where there is love and determination, you can never go wrong. Just be optimistic, no matter how complicated the situation may be.”
photo: Regine Villamejor facebook
When her mom and dad found out she was graduating–and with honors, no less–they were ecstatic.
“Sobrang saya po niya,” shared Regine. “Makikita mo talaga sa mga mata niya lalo na nung nag-attend siya ng ring hop ko kagabi po [March 22]. Si Mama naman po, sa tuwing nagse-share siya sa mga boardmates ko, classmates ko, o sa mga kakilala, napapaiyak po talaga siya sa saya.”
After graduation, Regine hopes to find a job as soon as possible.
“I will save money to help my family and for my siblings’ education and, at the same time, I will save some money for myself because few years after, I would probably go back to school and pursue my master’s degree,” she shared, adding that she plans to be based in Cebu city.
When asked what advice she would give her fellow students, she said, “Never give up chasing your dreams. Where there is love and determination, you can never go wrong. Just be optimistic, no matter how complicated the situation may be.”
Continuing, she said, “Most of all, don’t forget to pray and thank God for all the blessings. Huwag pong kakalimutan kung saan tayo nanggaling at huwag po nating kalimutan ang lahat ng sakripisyo ng mga magulang natin para lang mapag-aral tayo.”
READ: Son of a tricycle driver who topped medical board exam almost quit medical school
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