From breadwinner to summa cum laude: Filipina mother's US academic triumph
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by Balikbayan Store
1 min reading time
A mother from Sagay City has demonstrated that it’s never too late to achieve a college degree.
Thirty-six-year-old Riva Requiron-Williams graduated summa cum laude and received a Chancellor's Award at Northshore Technical Community College in Louisiana, USA, on May 24. Riva, originally from Barangay Vito in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, completed an Associate of Applied Science in Information System Technology.
Despite beginning her college journey later in life, Riva remained steadfast in her ambitions while raising two children. Her brother, Mark Dave Requiron, noted that financial challenges initially delayed her enrollment. "It took her years before finally taking the leap and enrolling due to our financial struggles," he said. "Perhaps, time was never in her favor."
After finishing high school at 16, Riva had to work to support her family, particularly to help cover medical expenses for her brother. Her responsibilities as the family's main provider delayed her college dreams.
However, through perseverance, dedication, and patience, Riva achieved her long-held goal of earning a college degree.
