By Keziah Reign Cariño and Leslie Anne Payongayong
“To every girl and woman out there, know that your potential is limitless.”
A woman epitomizes passion, strength, and purpose in her very core. It is through women that progress is steadfastly achieved; and it is through women, like Eden, that inspiration ignites change.
Eden Barbiel Umadhay, garnering a striking GWA of 1.19918, has been celebrated as the first and definitely not the last female Summa Cum Laude of the Mindanao State University-General Santos. Having studied Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, she is also the fourth one to receive one of the highest academic awards of the university. Nonetheless, CBAA remains exceedingly proud upon witnessing her milestone, along with the other graduates.
In her first years as an accountancy student, trials were faced; difficulties were encountered. But with determination and perseverance, it became her stepping stone into the gateway of opportunities that arose for her—it ignited the passion within her to pursue excellence.
It was never really her goal to finish with the highest university academic distinction; Eden deemed this idea as a far-fetched one. Yet when life offered her this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she grabbed onto it and strived to get to where she is now.
“It is a challenge for us, as an Iskolar ng Bayan, to continue integrating our academic excellence with the spirit of service and commitment to cultivating a culture of peace.”
Overcoming endeavors that tested her innate resilience and determination to reach this academic feat, Eden defined her MSU journey to be a tough one. Despite the hardships, it is undeniable that, indeed, every MSUan finds strength in going through every task, quiz, exam, and adversity. Nevertheless, it is through these which hone people; which honed Eden who is proudly celebrated by her peers, families, and every MSUan she had inspired.
“Life, after all, is not a one-size-fits-all.”
Her words, carrying a genuine depth of understanding and empathy, wholeheartedly acknowledge the uncertainties that realistically accompany one’s personal and academic growth. It is truly natural to experience doubts and exaggeratedly high expectations from other people—it is inevitable. But what isn’t inevitable in life is how we respond to these adversities, how we cope, and how we overcome these.
Indeed, nothing comes first but putting yourself first. Reflecting on the importance of kindness towards oneself, recognizing that everyone is new to the complexities of life, Eden expresses, “We need to offer ourselves the same compassion we would extend to a dear friend in similar circumstances.”
“May we always remember our ‘why’ — and hold on to these ‘whys’.”
Embarking towards one’s purpose despite challenges had been what led Eden forward. Steering towards a meaningful future lets you grasp the innate reasons why you chose to do certain things, no matter how different everyone expects you to do—all for the dreams we all once have had.
As this academic year successfully came to its end, the whole university encompasses feminine pride as four other women stood strong among all and were honored to be the valedictorians of their respective colleges. The College of Education, College of Agriculture, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and College of Engineering, along with the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, take relish and dignity altogether in these proud achievements.
Women have long been the paradigms of society and the university. From the sciences to the humanities, it is through them and with them that we challenge and understand the complexities of life. Marked by burning passion and perseverance, women continually redefine what it takes to be one—a student, a mother, an artist—a pioneer forging ahead for a future of endless possibilities. And with women, life’s trials and tribulations may be faced, but it is without a doubt that they wouldn't let these overshadow their fortitude.
It was truly a voyage full of twists and turns for Eden as she navigated through life’s ordeals. And as she, together with all of the Batch Naraniag, commenced onto the start of another beginning, she fosters on their journey, “Take with you the spirit of Naraniag. Each small act of kindness, an ounce of empathy, and a word of encouragement can be the spark of light that ignites hopes, dreams, and guides others towards their own paths of greatness.”
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