Inked with Purpose

For Trisha Mae Rebualos, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English graduate, Cum Laude, and Class of 2026 valedictorian of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Bambang Campus, academic excellence was only one part of her college journey. Beyond the quality education she received, she found something equally valuable at the university: acceptance.

During her valedictory address, she delivered a message that resonated with many in attendance.

"Thank you for being a place of true acceptance. As you can see, I have numerous tattoos. In many traditional spaces, people like me are judged, scolded, or told to change our appearance to fit a certain mold. But at NVSU, I was never judged by what was on my skin. I was never forced to change who I am. Thank you for showing me what real education looks like."

Her words reflected a deeply personal journey marked by sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance.

Rebualos grew up with her mother working overseas as an OFW, a reality that meant spending much of her childhood under the care of different family members.

"From I was an infant to when I was in Grade 8, pa-ibaiba nag-alaga sa'kin including my lolo and tita kaya paiba-rin po ako ng schools noon," she recalled.

Her mother briefly returned home when she was in Grade 1 before leaving again to continue working abroad.

"Umuwi lang ng 1 year si mommy nung grade 1 ako then umalis uli siya to work abroad."

It was only during the third quarter of Grade 8 that her mother came home for good and became a constant presence in her life.

"She went home bandang 3rd quarter ng grade 8 saka na siya nagpagawa ng bahay here sa Barat, Bambang tapos siya na nag-alaga sa'kin from that term up until now that I'm finishing college."

What makes Rebualos unique among many achievers is the fact that she never actively pursued the spotlight.

"Maybe one challenge I have within my self is that I am not eager to shine in ways na sumali sa student organizations or maki-compete in every competitions/quiz bee."

Even before entering college, she had already decided to avoid unnecessary pressure.

"I have this mindset even before stepping sa college na ayaw ko na talaga magpaka-stress sa college so I really didn't give it my all and kaya ayaw kong sumasali sa any competitions or run for a position kase I don't want that type of spotlight."

Still, opportunities found their way to her.

"Although I have represented NVSU in the recent CAVRASUC regional competition on Extemporaneous Speech tho I didn't even place top 3 but it was still an honor to represent NVSU."

Throughout her college years, she constantly reminded herself why she needed to finish.

"Lagi kong sinasabi no'n na para kay mama na lang, kahit 'wag na para sa'kin because this is her dream for her and I."

For Rebualos, graduating as a Cum Laude and leading the NVSU Bambang Campus Class of 2026 as its valedictorian is more than a personal achievement—it is a tribute to the sacrifices of the mother who worked tirelessly abroad to provide a better future for her child.