NOTHING IS impossible for dreamers who persevere, UST Golden Tigresses captain and libero Detdet Pepito said, as she dedicated her college diploma to those who stood by her through the toughest parts of her journey as a student-athlete.
The star athlete graduated with a degree in Elementary Education last June, fulfilling a long-held promise to uplift her family through hard work and perseverance.
“Pangarap ko lang noon ang makapasok sa isang malaking unibersidad… Pero ngayon, hindi lang pagpasok sa unibersidad ang aking natupad—may diploma na, may dangal pa,” she penned in an Instagram post on Saturday, Aug. 2.
(Back then, my only dream was to get into a big university… But now, I’ve achieved more than just getting in—I have a diploma, and honor as well.)
“At dahil dito, lalo akong naniwala sa kasabihan na: ‘Walang bagay na mahirap sa taong may pangarap, at walang bagay na imposible sa taong may pagpupursige.’”
(And because of this, I further believed in the saying: ‘Nothing is difficult for someone who dreams, and nothing is impossible for someone who perseveres.’)
Reflecting on her experience at the University, Pepito acknowledged the discipline and sacrifices that come with being a student-athlete.
“Hindi talaga madali ang maging isang estudyante at atleta… Pero alam kong hindi lahat ay nabibigyan ng ganitong oportunidad. Kaya naman, pinangako ko sa sarili ko na hinding-hindi ko ito sasayangin–at isusulong ko ang laban, hindi lang para sa sarili ko, kundi para rin sa lahat ng katulad kong nangangarap at nagsusumikap,” she said.
(Being a student and an athlete is never easy… But I know not everyone gets this kind of opportunity. That’s why I promised myself I would never waste it, not only for myself but for everyone who shares my dream.)
Pepito also thanked her mentors, Kung Fu Reyes and Yani Fernandez, for believing in her and shaping her resilience.
“Lalo na po sa coaches ko na sina Coach Kung Fu at Coach Ian, na naniwala sa kakayahang taglay ko at nagturo kung paano tumindig, lumaban, at ’wag sumuko sa bawat laban.”
(Especially to my coaches, Coach Kung Fu and Coach Ian, who believed in my abilities and taught me how to stand tall, fight, and never give up in every battle.)
The 22-year-old libero will be pursuing graduate studies to stay eligible in her final playing year.
She now gears up to lead the Tigresses in Season 88 as they chase their first women’s volleyball title since 2010. F
