A Filipina in Thailand has gone viral after she graduated Summa Cum Laude even if she faced numerous challenges while she was in school.
Nicole Louise Nicolas Poblete recently graduated as Summa Cum Laude from her course of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Major in Radio and TV Broadcasting at Ramkhamhaeng University (RU) Institute of International Studies in Bangkok, Thailand.
This victory was made sweeter by the fact that she struggled in her studies due to the language barrier and cultural differences she experienced while studying in this new country. Yet the young woman did not let these problems bring her down.
A consistent honor student from elementary to high school back at their hometown in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Nicole moved to Thailand with her family when her parents accepted a position as missionary for their church.
Photo credit: Nicole Louise Nicolas Poblete / ABS-CBN News
Nicole and her two younger siblings enrolled at schools in Thailand, but they experienced some difficulties in adjusting to the new environment they are in. The language barrier was a difficult thing to overcome, but they were able to face this hurdle through friends who readily offered to help.
“Nahirapan talaga akong mag-adjust sa culture at language noong una. My friends and the people I’ve met, sila talaga tumulong sa akin,” Nicole shared.
According to Nicole, although she faced problems in school, she made sure to focus on her studies. She made her parents her inspiration, knowing they are doing their best to send her and her siblings to school.
“Not everyone has the privilege to get education. If you are fortunate enough, make the most out of it and be thankful,” Nicole explained.
“My advice when it comes to success is to not wait for life to be easy kasi kung ‘yun ang hinihintay niyo, wala tayong mapapala.”
True enough, her hard work paid off. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, bringing honor to her family and to the country…
My niece Stefhanie Dait Gonzales also did graduate as Summa Cum Laude at the University of Hawaii- Manoa. Though she is a scholar, She has to work after her classes in order to pay for her car and help her parents for for their rent and other household expenses.