From Humble Beginnings to Academic Excellence:
Rhea Mae Besabes' Inspiring Journey

Overcoming Adversity to Achieve Dreams

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Rhea Mae Besabes, the eldest of eight siblings, grew up in a household where financial challenges were a constant reality. Her father, a hardworking carpenter, juggled multiple jobs to provide for their family's needs. He worked as a sikad driver, hollowblock maker, and on-call carpenter, while her mother balanced her roles as a housewife, labandera, and vendor. Despite these difficulties, Rhea's story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of education.

Reflecting on her journey, Rhea admits that she never imagined she could reach such heights. "If I were to reflect on my past experiences as a student, I would never have imagined that I can make it this far," she shares. Her determination was fueled by the hardships she witnessed and experienced, which gave her the willpower to pursue her education relentlessly.

Rhea's academic path was not easy. To support her studies, she applied for multiple scholarship programs and successfully maintained three scholarships. She became a working student at La Salle University (LSU), benefiting from scholarships from LSU, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TES), and the ASA Philippines Scholarship Program. These scholarships were vital in helping her achieve her goals, but financial challenges persisted. "Despite having three grants, my allowance was still insufficient because I had to rent a place to live and send monetary support to my siblings," Rhea recalls.

However, the support from ASA Philippines Foundation played a crucial role in her success. "Having my scholarship grants made me believe that I can make it all the way to the finish line," she says. Rhea's gratitude towards ASA Philippines Foundation is profound, as their support not only facilitated her academic endeavors but also assisted her siblings' schooling.

Rhea's hard work and determination paid off when she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Financial Management, earning the honor of Cum Laude. Her academic achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for her family and community. Today, Rhea is employed at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dumingag as a Mayor’s Office Staff, a role that allows her to start creating the life she dreamed of.

"Glory to God," Rhea exclaims, reflecting on her journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Rhea Mae Besabes stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when one dares to dream and works tirelessly to make those dreams a reality.