Southeastern Philippines (USeP) College of Education (CEd), earning her degree in Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd). Adding to this historic milestone, Ruth recently passed the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), a testament to her unwavering perseverance, faith, and determination to overcome challenges.
Reflecting on her journey, Ruth shared the struggles and triumphs that defined her path to success:
“At first, I found myself overthinking and feeling discouraged because I kept getting low scores during review classes and mock exams. No matter how much I tried, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t do better. The questions were hard, and I often felt defeated. In those moments, I called on God and asked Him to guard my heart against getting flustered.”
“During the actual exam, God protected me and calmed my heart. He gave me peace so I could focus and carefully review each question. Instead of dwelling on the negatives and my fears of failure, I submitted everything to God. His guidance led me to answer the questions to the best of my ability, and I trusted Him completely. As 1 Peter 5:7 says, ‘Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.’”
Ruth described the mix of anxiety and joy that came with waiting for the exam results:
“When the results were released, I tried to check my name online, but the internet connection was poor, and I couldn’t see the list. Then, my classmates messaged me, saying, ‘Congratulations!’ I was shocked because I still couldn’t confirm it myself. That same day, I attended a meeting at my brother’s school. My brother told me he believed in me and that I had passed the exam. His words gave me a sense of calm and hope. When we got home, my parents helped me check again, and finally, I saw my name on the list. I had passed!”
Ruth expressed deep gratitude for the institutions and individuals who supported her along the way:
“To Sto. Tomas Central Elementary School SpEd Center, thank you for building the foundation of my education. To Deaf Ministries Institute, Inc., where I studied my Junior High School and Senior High School, your unwavering support and dedication helped me grow and persevere. To the Bachelor of Special Needs Education Program of the College of Education, University of Southeastern Philippines, thank you for opening doors of opportunity as the First Deaf Graduate of USeP Davao. You have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to achieve this dream, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Ruth also highlighted the indispensable role of her family:
“To my family, your love and support gave me the courage to keep going even when things were tough. You were my foundation and my source of strength. You always brought joy to my days, fueling the courage I needed to complete this journey.”
Ultimately, for Ruth, her success is a testament to God’s grace:
“Above all, I praise and thank God for His guidance and grace. This achievement is not mine alone but a testament to His goodness. As it says in Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'”
Ruth also extended an encouraging message to the Deaf community:
“To the Deaf community: trust in yourself and believe that you can do it. Don’t focus on the negatives or the problems. Stay positive and keep your mind focused on your goals. When some of my old friends asked, ‘How did you pass the board exam on your first try, unlike other Deaf individuals in our country who had to retake it multiple times?’ I told them, ‘It was God’s gift to me. He made it possible.’”
As Ruth’s former teacher and Sign Language Interpreter at USeP, Mr. Jenny L. Abasto has been privileged to witness her remarkable growth and resilience firsthand. From her early years in Grade 7 to Senior High School, Ruth demonstrated unwavering perseverance in overcoming and even breaking barriers. Her success is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for the Deaf community. She proves that with proper support, determination, and faith, no dream is out of reach.
Ruth’s journey is a testament to courage, family love, and unwavering faith:
“Your voice—though silent to some—has spoken volumes. You’ve shown that no barrier is insurmountable with courage, the love of family, and faith in God. Your hard work and advocacy light the path for future Deaf students, making way for a more inclusive environment in education and beyond.”
Congratulations, Teacher Ruth! Your story will inspire generations to come.
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