Manila: Jasmine Aspiras’ journey to her college graduation is filled with many battles.
In a Facebook post of her now viral graduation photo, Aspiras recalled how as an academic elementary honor student, she lost her drive to study when she was not accepted to universities she wanted.
Aspiras’ college life became more challenging when she started getting failing grades. She then reached a point that she gave up her dream of becoming a Dean’s Lister.
“Then came the series of sleepless nights and accounting lessons acting as my meals for the day, instead of real food. Apart from that, I’ve also had my fair share of crying buckets of tears, mental breakdowns, and nearly reaching the point of insanity,” Aspiras recalled.
She even failed to stay in her Accountancy course after not being able to pass her course’s retention program.
Aspiras then shifted to another course. but there came another challenge.
“The day after I got my grades, I got diagnosed with cancer. I actually wasn’t surprised with the cancer, probably because my brother had been so good with mood setting (plus his background with medical stuff) that he made me thought of worst case scenarios. Hence, I was prepared for the worst and how to cope up with it,” Aspiras said.
But cancer did not stop her from getting a college diploma.
“Let’s just say I entered another school for a semester. But instead of arming myself with my accounting, finance, business, and law books, as well as my calculator, I have my oral medicines, syringes, dextrose, vials, and blood bags as my companions,” she said.
After two years of hardwork and struggle, Aspiras is now graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting.
Aspiras thanked her teachers, classmates, doctors and nurses who were with her in this challenging journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, her mom, brother and even her dad who’s working overseas.
“To my dad, for all the sacrifices you’ve made, especially being away from home for more than half of my life—not being able to witness firsthand how my brother and I has grown every single day, in order for you to give us a good life” Aspiras said.
