From Guarding Dreams to Achieving His Own

By night, Noel D. Abaya safeguards the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) community as a security guard. By day, he takes his place inside the classroom as a student, carrying a dream much bigger than himself—to become the first college graduate in his family.

Raised in a broken family and faced with financial hardships, Noel grew up witnessing how poverty affected the educational journeys of his siblings. While his older brothers were unable to pursue college and instead entered the workforce to help make ends meet, Noel remained determined to finish his education.

“Sa aming lahat ay wala pang nakakaapak o nakakatungtong ng kolehiyo at nagtapos. Napag-isip-isip ko na kahit sana man lang ako na nag-aaral na sa kolehiyo ay makapagtapos. Kahit gaano man kahirap ay aking kakayanin para makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. May isa man lang sa aming magkakapatid ang maka-graduate sa kolehiyo,” he shared.

The journey, however, has not been easy. As a full-time working student, Noel spends his nights on duty and his days attending classes. The physical and mental demands of balancing both responsibilities often leave him exhausted.

“Bilang isang estudyante sa umaga at security guard sa gabi, napakahirap para sa akin dahil hindi ako gaanong makapag-focus sa aking klase kasi tulog pa ang aking diwa na dulot ng night shift na trabaho. Pero kinakaya ko ang hirap para sa aking pangarap na minimithing makapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo,” he said.

Noel began working as a security guard at NVSU in 2021. Realizing that he wanted more opportunities for his future, he attempted to enroll in college in 2023 but was unable to take the entrance examination. Determined to pursue his dream, he prepared for the examination the following year and successfully gained admission.

There were moments when he considered giving up, but the trust and encouragement of the people around him kept him moving forward.

“Kahit na minsan naisipan ko nang tumigil, may mga bagay na pumapasok sa aking isipan upang magpatuloy pa rin sa aking pag-aaral. Gaya na lamang ng mga empleyado na nagtitiwala sa aking kakayahang makapagtapos, at sa tiwala ng aking lolo na si Lolo Marcelo na kakayanin kong makapagtapos. Kaya kahit anong hirap o pagsubok ang aking mapagdaanan, pipilitin kong makapasok sa butas ng karayom para makamit ang minimithi kong tagumpay sa buhay,” he said.

Today, Noel continues to pursue his degree with determination, proving that difficult circumstances do not define one’s future. Through perseverance, hard work, and faith, he remains committed to achieving the dream he carries not only for himself but also for his family.

For fellow students and working learners who may be facing similar struggles, Noel offers this message:

“Kahit gaano man kahirap ang ating estado sa buhay, maglaan tayo ng oras upang makahabol sa trabaho at pag-aaral. Hindi hadlang ang mga ito kung ating pagsisikapan. Huwag nating iasa lahat sa ating mga magulang dahil hindi habang-buhay ay nasa tabi natin sila. Tulungan din natin ang ating mga sarili dahil tayo rin ang makikinabang dito para sa ating kinabukasan. Basta huwag nating kalilimutang manalangin at humiling sa Panginoon.”