Rolling Into Possibilities

For Diana Rose Guiab, a 2^nd year BS Information Technology student of the College of Information Technology Education (CITE) at Nueva Vizcaya State University, the journey toward higher education was never a straight path—but it was always a purposeful one.

Her life took a drastic turn during her elementary years, in a childhood moment that was supposed to be ordinary play. While they were playing near a burned house, an unexpected accident happened. She was sitting at the base of a wall when it collapsed, pinning her down. Her back took the impact. Later, she was diagnosed with a spinal cord dislocation and a slight fracture—an injury that would permanently change the course of her life.

Years later, after undergoing an MRI, she was told that surgery was possible. However, the reality of recovery and mobility remained uncertain. Eventually, she made the difficult decision not to pursue the operation, coming to terms with the possibility that she may no longer walk again.

Despite this life-changing experience, Diana carried with her a quiet but firm determination shaped by both circumstance and hope. As a person with disability, she understood early on that life would require more effort, more patience, and more resilience. Yet she never allowed her condition to define the boundaries of her future.

What truly pushed her forward was a deeply personal conviction—her dream for herself and her family.

“Ang nagtulak talaga sa akin na magpatuloy ay ang pangarap ko para sa aking sarili at sa pamilya ko. Ayaw kong maging hadlang ang kapansanan ko para hindi ako makapagtapos. Gusto kong patunayan sa pamilya ko na kayang magtagumpay ng isang PWD basta may sipag at tiyaga,” she shared.

That mindset became her anchor as she navigated the demanding transitions of her academic life.

From Alternative Learning System (ALS) to senior high school, and eventually to college, Diana experienced significant adjustments that tested her patience and strength. Each stage brought new lessons, unfamiliar environments, and challenges that went beyond academics. Simple routines—walking through campus, adjusting to new lessons, and interacting with different people—became part of her daily acts of perseverance.

“Marami akong naging adjustment. Mahirap mag-adjust sa mga bagong lesson, sa lakaran sa school, at sa pakikisalamuha sa ibang tao,” she said.

Yet through every difficulty, she chose not to retreat, but to adapt. Slowly, she built her confidence—not by avoiding challenges, but by facing them one step at a time.

At NVSU, Diana found something she deeply values: a sense of belonging. For her, the university is not just a place of learning, but a community where she is seen, respected, and supported.

“Napakabuti ng karanasan ko dito sa NVSU. Ramdam ko na kabilang ako at hindi ako naiiba,” she stated

She also expressed appreciation for the university’s efforts in ensuring accessibility and inclusion for PWD students, noting how both faculty and staff are always ready to extend help whenever needed. In this environment, she does not feel isolated but instead encouraged to continue growing.

Like any student, Diana has moments of exhaustion and doubt. During these times, she turns to the people and beliefs that ground her.

“Kapag nakakaramdam ako ng pagod, ang pamilya ko ang pinakamalaking pinaghuhugutan ko ng lakas,” she said. Their unconditional support, along with her faith in God and her vision for a better future, keeps her moving forward even in difficult moments.

For Diana, strength is not the absence of struggle—it is the decision to continue despite it.

To fellow PWD students, her message is both honest and empowering: do not be afraid to step into spaces where you may feel seen or judged.

“Huwag kayong mahihiya o matatakot. Ang kapansanan natin ay sa katawan lang, pero ang mga pangarap at kakayahan natin ay walang limitasyon,” she expressed.

Her story is a quiet reminder that ability is not defined by limitation, but by courage—the courage to keep going, to keep learning, and to believe that every step forward is already a victory.