by Hilary Rhys Alimojane
In a world of doubts and challenges, Karen C. Perreras stands as a light of hope, embodying the fighting spirit within us all. Her journey to success is a powerful reminder that no obstacle is too hard to overcome in achieving one’s goals. Fueled by her burning desire to learn and a determination to break free from the limitations of her circumstances, Karen’s story begins with a transformative opportunity: the AKKBAY scholarship, an initiative empowering out-of-school youth (OSYs) to reclaim their education and pursue their dreams.
Karen was the youngest of ten children and faced many hardships at a young age. Life was tough to her family, and she felt the pressure of their hopes for a better future. Her siblings had to give up their education, leaving her as the only one to carry the family’s dreams. Their life depended on their mother, who worked tirelessly, washing clothes to support them. Despite the challenges, Karen was determined to succeed and create a better life for herself and her family.
The pandemic became a major obstacle for everyone, greatly impacting everyone’s education. Karen’s story began during this difficult period in the academic year 2020-2021 when she was a determined Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student at PSU-Urdaneta City Campus. She navigated her college journey filled with anxiety and uncertainty, particularly concerning how she will manage the financial burden of her education.
This thought of worry hindered her from fully embracing her academic aspirations.
Life, as it does, often takes unexpected turns, and for Karren, 2022 was no exception. Although she encountered financial difficulties and the obstacles posed by rising education expenses, she bravely chose to continue her studies. Driven by her desire to teach, she shifted to Secondary Education, majoring in Filipino, a route that seemed to offer a more promising future.
One of the required actions for returning students is visit the guidance office, which can be intimidating. Fortunately, she encountered Dr. Shirley Layona, the guidance counselor. Dr. Layona became more than just a helpful mentor, she also served as a beacon of hope and support for Karen. During what seemed like a usual appointment at the guidance office, Karen encountered an experience that would change her life permanently. While Dr. Layona discussed the new scholarship opportunity for returning students under the AKKBAY Program, a spark of hope began to glow within her. This program was created to assist students wanting to resume their college education and finish their studies, and for Karen, it seemed like a saving grace.
PSU launched the AKKBAY program in July 2022 to help out-of-school youth (OSYs) in Pangasinan return to school and earn their degrees. Former president Dr. Dexter R. Buted initiated this program and his vision is being continuously pursued by the current university president, Dr. Elbert Galas. Local government units, the provincial government, and partners like the Guanzon Group of Companies support the program. The Guanzon Group has committed to providing financial assistance to the participants.
The term “AKKBAY” translates to “shoulder” in English, a fitting symbol for the program’s mission to provide support and a sense of belonging to those who have been burdened by life’s challenges. For Ms. Karen, this program was more than just financial help; it was a source of support and stability that allowed her to relax. With her family’s hopes and her financial worries lifted, she could concentrate on her studies. No longer afraid of dropping out, she focused on doing well in school and seizing this life-changing chance. Now, her only worry was keeping her grades up, showing how the AKKBAY Program transformed her life with its strong support.
Is this not a testament to the strong spirit within us all? Is this not a story that says, “Yes, it is possible!”? Karen C. Perreras went from a young girl facing hardship to a student with new opportunities. Her story proves that dreams can come true, even when the odds seem against us. This story inspires us to see the potential in ourselves and in others. We should offer help and believe we can overcome tough challenges.
Let Karen’s journey motivate us to chase our dreams with determination, to support those around us with kindness, and to create a world where everyone can reach their full potential despite their challenges. Together, let us be the change, the hope, and the force that helps dreams soar.#
Editor | Renee Christienne Torres, Feature Editor
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