Success StoriesVea Mae Aguilar Triumphs as Magna Cum Laude Despite Life's Hurdles
Vea Mae Aguilar Triumphs as Magna Cum Laude Despite Life's Hurdles
Vea Mae Aguilar
June 2025
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On June 17, 2025, during the 74th Commencement Exercises of Ateneo de Naga University, Vea Mae Aguilar, a BS Education student, proudly walked the stage to receive her Magna Cum Laude award — a joyous moment for her and her family, after hard-earned years of perseverance.Vea's academic journey was far from easy. Her father, a tricycle driver, could only afford her daily allowance and school fees, while her eldest brother supported her younger sibling’s education. Her tuition was made possible through the generosity of an aunt. Still, the family's financial struggles were real, prompting Vea to apply for a scholarship to ease the burden. She also attempted side jobs like tutoring, though these were often hindered by her demanding class schedule and academic commitments.Despite these challenges, Vea kept on, keeping her goals in mind. Despite the hours she put in to ensure she excelled in her studies, she still managed to volunteer with Angat Buhay’s "Bayan Ko, Titser Ko" program, embodying the spirit of service and commitment to nation-building — a value upheld by the Xavier Batchmates Foundation Inc. (XBFI). Her drive stems from a deep-rooted persistence and a proactive mindset to always seek solutions rather than give up.Through it all, Vea also learned the importance of balance. “I need to shift my mindset, allowing myself to rest whenever I need to,” she says, reflecting on how overwork abuses one's health. She felt that even the highest achievements are useless when wellness is compromised.Looking ahead, Vea dreams of a life marked by peace and happiness. She dreams of owning a farm and business, fostering animals in need, and most importantly, one day giving back in gratitude by helping future scholars — living out one of the foundation’s teachings to pay it forward and the motto of Ateneans to be men and women for others.
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