UNFAZED BY POVERTY

UNFAZED by poverty and motivated by sheer determination to earn a college degree enabled a student to graduate magna cum laude at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) .

In last Tuesday’s commencement exercises held at The Stadia in Dagupan City. Donnafel Sanchez, 25, from Barangay Cacaritan, San Carlos City, was teary-eyed as she recalled her trials and sacrifices to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration.

Donnafel Sanchez is congratulated by Senator Cynthia Villar after receiving her diploma and and medal. (Contributed photo)

Sanchez, the second of two siblings, had to drop out of college when she was barely in first year in a private university because of dire financial problems.

“But I did not give up, I did not lose hope and returned to college to earn my college degree,” she said. Sanchez earned an overall average of 1.33 and became the top graduate of PSU San Carlos City campus.

Since both her parents were without regular jobs, she sought to become a scholar in a private university’s drum and bugle corps as a majorette but eventually quit because of the rigors of daily practice.

With the help of some aunts and her elder brother, Donnafel struggled her way through college coupled with the free college education program of the government. Her being in the PSU’s President’s list enabled her to earn P1,500 as incentive every semester.

Her mother, Fely Sanchez, said she is proud of her daughter’s achievements as she did not give up on her dreams. She too went up the stage with Donnafel to receive her medal as magna cum laude.

Sanchez has since been employed at a Dagupan hospital and training to become secretary of the hospital director.

To the students, she left this message: “Wherever you are right now, just keep striving and    you are never too old or too young to make your dreams happen,” she said. “Just keep striving and trust God’s plans.” (PhilStar Wire Service)

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