26/06/2026
๐ช๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป
For many avid readers, gripping stories and flashy headlines are the only things that matter most. But for those who willingly dedicate themselves to the craft of storytelling, the byline carries a deeper meaning. More than just a printed name, it is a testament to a writer's passion, dedication, and countless sacrifices.
Writers spend their days unfolding the stories of others, creatively weaving pieces of narratives from remarkable lives and inspiring moments. But in this time, it is the writer's turn to tell her own story.
Before becoming valedictorian of the Class of 2026, Justine Nova Angelia Tayabas wrote countless drafts, feature articles, and stories. But contrary to what others know, she was also quietly writing the chapters of her own journey.
At the early age of two and a half, while most children spent their days playing, Justine developed an early fascination with education. She loved watching students from her neighborhood walk to school, and that simple admiration nurtured a passion for learning that would guide her throughout her journey.
Growing up in a family of five alongside her two brothers, Justine drew inspiration from her parents, a teacher and a driver, whose unwavering support became one of the foundations of her unyielding determination. Though she carried silent expectations, she never allowed it to overshadow her gratitude for the very first people who believed in her.
Up until she ventured college, her story unfolded with the love from her family. But for times where she needed to believe in herself, her pen quibbled with doubts.
Long before she joined The Mindanao Tech, becoming part of the publication was already a big dream. When she came across a post for aspiring writers, her eyes glimmered in hope. However, uncertainty and self-doubt held back what her heart truly wants.
But like every great story, a turning point always happens.
Faced with the grueling choice between packing things and heading home or attending the publication's screening process, Justine chose to take a chance on herself. It was a leap of faith and mostly a gamble "for the plot"โa decision guided not by certainty, but by the belief that pursuing her dream was worth the risk.
That single choice marked the very beginning of one of the most magical chapters of her life at the University of Southern Mindanao.
As a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics and a Feature Intern, Justine found herself balancing two worlds that, while seemingly different, complemented each other. She embraced both roles with dedication and enthusiasm.
As the pages of her story continued to unfurl, she was entrusted with an even greater responsibility: becoming Associate Editor of The Mindanao Tech.
The position holds both an honor and a challenge. Justine admits that she never once considered herself an "all-rounder," but instead of allowing doubt to limit her, it became her motivation to grow even better.
But the greatest challenge, as she recalled, was managing her time. The role demanded constant reviewing, editing, and postingโresponsibilities that often clash with her academic commitments. Maintaining excellence in both areas required discipline, sacrifice, and resilience.
Still, she persevered.
"The Mindanao Tech holds a very special place in my heart," she shared. "It opened a lot of learning opportunities for me and allowed me to meet unique and talented people who are now some of my closest friends."
As readers turn the page to the next story, Justine continues writing her ownโone dedicated to honoring her parents' sacrifices, celebrating her own personal growth, and marking inspiration for others who dare to follow and to dream.
Being named Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 was far from an easy feat. Many pages of her journey were filled with scribbles, revisions, and moments of uncertainty. Yet she continued forward with perseverance and faith.
One principle, in particular, remained close to her heart:
"Do not insult God with your small thinking."
For Justine, the quote serves as her lifelong mottoโa reminder that fear and doubt should never outweigh trust and belief. Whenever doubts arise, she chooses to pray, persevere, and place confidence in God's plans.
Hurdles were never strangers to her journey. It was mostly burnout, stress, and self-doubt often joined by the grit to excel. So when people jokingly ask, "How can I be like you, Ate?" she laughs and replies, "No! I don't recommend being me."
Behind every achievement and success stories, she explains, are struggles that often go unseen.
Although she narrowly missed graduating with the title of Summa Cum Laude by only a fraction of decimals, Justine remains deeply grateful. Rather than moping on what could have been, she chooses to celebrate the people who stood by her side even in the toughest times and the accomplishment she earned through perseverance.
After all, drafts, mistakes, and moments of uncertainties are never absent in every story. What kept Justine moving forward was the love and support she received from the people around her.
"To the people behind all of this, supporting me from afar, I am very grateful. They are the people who believed in me before I could believe in myself. My best friends, classmates, mama and papa, brothers, relatives, mentors, my adviser, my MinTech family, my seniors, and all the invisible hands that pushed me toward my potentialโthey are the real secret to this success."
Even as one chapter closes, Justine encourages her fellow 2026 graduates not to be intimidated by what comes next.
"Just like life in college, we will figure it all out, just as we always did."
From being the writer behind inspiring stories to becoming the heroine of one herself, Justine serves as an example that ambition is not about taking more than one can carry or losing oneself in the pursuit of success. Rather, it is a continuous journey of growthโa journey of becoming the person every great story applauds: courageous, determined, and passionate.
โ๏ธ: Cris Cajucom
๐ป: Christian Ates
