Riva Requiron-Williams, a mom of two kids from Sagay City, graduated summa cum laude and received a Chancellor’s Award from Northshore Technical Community College in Louisiana, USA, on May 24.
Riva, 36 years old, grew up in Barangay Vito in Sagay City. Growing up, life already threw her some curveballs. After finishing high school at 16, financial constraints forced her to prioritize supporting her family over pursuing college. Her family was in debt due to some medication expenses of her brother.
She worked hard all while balancing school with her family duties. “Many opportunities have come to her, unfortunately, she couldn’t make it due to our financial struggles—contemplating time was never in her favor. Thus, she never loses faith in her dreams and tries her “luck” to take exams to an international school. An institution far away from the Philippines,” wrote her brother on Facebook.
Now, her dedication and hard work paid off as she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Information System Technology in the U.S., earning recognition as a top achiever in her class.
For Riva, the journey to earning her college diploma may have been delayed, but her determination and perseverance have ultimately led her to success.