Rhelyn Harder
- A graduate student managed to graduate as a Magna Cum Laude despite having a lot of responsibilities and priorities
- He admits that it wasn’t an easy journey, he also had a lot of struggles to stay on top
- He learned that the solid support system that you should have is your self
Perseverance and dedication are keys to success. The willingness of a person to focus on reaching their life goal despite all challenges and obligations is what could spell the difference between success and failure.
A graduate of University of Philipines Diliman just proved his dedication to his dream that in spite of having a lot of responsibilities, he managed to graduate with flying colors.
Gheeio Panganiban Cotas shared his success story on Twitter as he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Philippines Diliman.
In his post, he mentioned asking himself how he was able to manage all his responsibilities from work, school, family, boyfriend, volleyball, and friends.
Work. School. Family. Boyfriend. Volleyball. Friends. — 'di ko din alam kung pa'no ko 'to napagsabay-sabay; basta, mahirap.
Dedicating this achievement to my family — both blood and chosen. ❤
Gheeio Panganiban Cotas
Magna Cum Laude standing
UP Diliman#SablayPart1 pic.twitter.com/W7e3yXEuiM— Gheeio Cotas (@GheeioCotas) June 20, 2019
In an interview with Dailypedia via Twitter message, he was asked about the secret to his success to which he replied that it was focus, specifically focus on how to reach his goals. He admitted that it wasn’t an easy journey and he also had a lot of struggles to stay on top.
To attend classes while working was very hard especially when he had to adjust to his work situation. It was challenging for him when he was tapped to head the sponsorship committee of their regional employer-branding event last quarter.
Aside from being a neophyte in the Business Developmental field, he had no experience looking for big brands to financially support their event. It was a very unfamiliar atmosphere for him that he needed to manage.
Gheeio’s last semester was also very demanding as he said that “it was mind-blowing.” Because he had to take a major subject and research, there were times that he almost gave up finishing his studies.
“Since I was getting a major subject and research then, there were times I have already given up my hopes on finishing this. Imagine the need to study weekly for surprise quizzes and exams, to read books and create slides for reports, to write policy papers, to facilitate training and to finish chapters 1,2 and 3 of my thesis…it was mind-blowing!”
Working while studying was really tough for him and it took a toll on his relationship and he soon found himself alone. Instead of being sad, he focused more on the benefit he’ll get from it. Because of his experience, he has learned a lot as about himself. Gheeio said, “Honestly, until now, surviving this hasn’t sunk into me yet.”
Asking him about future plans, he said, “I only aim to be a good provider for my sister and mom. The position I may hold or the company I’d be working it won’t matter as long as I earn decent enough to send my mom back home for good.”
With all his experiences and hardships, the most important lesson that he has learned is that the solid support system that you should have is yourself.
“No matter how strong your relationship with your officemates, classmates, friends, family, and partner is, at the end of the day, your solid support system should be your own self. Someone who will love you, greatly influence you, admire you, support you, inspire you, keep you focused, and be proud of you, is you. Realize that in reality, you only got you; so always be kind to yourself.”
Gheeio dedicated all his achievements to his family.
