𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝗧𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵: 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

They say diamonds form when they persevere amidst the pressure upon which they are forced to be in. And when they shine, they don't forget the toughness, they carry it within them. This truth resonated deeply during the Values Build Up Program held on January 24, 2026, at AVR 2, UM Matina Campus. Guided by the theme “Values guide every number we stand by,” the program centered on perseverance and a growth mindset, reminding students that life’s pressures are not meant to break them, but to shape them. The session was led by Ms. Maricel Fuentes Felix, CPA, MBA, whose talk went beyond motivation and into lived experience. Progress, not perfection, was underscored as the real goal. According to Ms. Felix, perseverance means continuing even when motivation fades, staying committed to goals, trying again after failure, and believing that consistent effort leads to consistent improvement. She highlighted that a person with perseverance does not quit easily. Instead, they work hard even when things become uncomfortable, accept setbacks as part of the journey, and understand that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. Challenges, therefore, are not obstacles to fear, but opportunities to grow. This mindset was further reinforced through the idea of a growth mindset—the belief that skills and abilities can be developed over time. CAE students were reminded to “bloom where you are planted,” to embrace their current situation rather than waiting for ideal circumstances. The message was simple but powerful: do not give up. Growth requires discomfort, and there is no gain without pain. One of the most impactful moments of the program came when Ms. Felix shared her personal journey. At 17, life was already difficult. Before entering college, she made a promise to herself: even if it took ten years to graduate, her life would not remain the same. However, she clarified that while stories can inspire, they must always be applied within one’s own context. It is important to reflect on which principles apply to you before acting on them. Despite hardships, she expressed deep gratitude for her life and for the people who supported her throughout her college journey. Sometimes, perseverance is not driven by money or material success, but by community. She shared that people who have come far often fear going back, but her mindset was different—having survived difficult conditions before, she learned not to fear hardship. There were moments when she questioned if continuing was worth it. In those times, she thought of her parents and what her perseverance would mean to them. That thought alone often gave her the strength to keep going—extra batteries when she felt drained. Learning, she said, often happens along the way. Information today is easily accessible, but the real question is whether we are ready to absorb it. She shared how she initially did not like accounting, yet eventually learned to love it. Though her dream was to become a lawyer, she chose accountancy after her sister advised her to pursue a course that would provide a stable career and help finance law school. The lesson was clear: not everyone does what they love, but many learn to love what they do, by being present and committed. Ms. Felix also pointed out how modern society has grown impatient, craving fast results and instant success. However, the most meaningful change often comes slowly, so slowly that we only realize it once growth has already taken place. Everything we build today becomes part of who we are, our joy, and our story. She ended the talk with a deeply personal reminder. Life is hard. Insecurities linger, emotions resurface, and past experiences can still trigger us. But perseverance means choosing to stand up every time we fall. It means letting our will become stronger than our emotions and recognizing that some pursuits in life are worth fighting for. “Effort plus patience plus determination—it takes time,” she said. “You have to be the one to adjust because the world won’t adjust for you. And if there is one thing I want you to never forget, it is this: never give up. Even when your worst enemy is yourself. Because when you don’t give up, there is hope.” The values highlighted in the program align strongly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities. It equips students with the values and mindset necessary to navigate real-life challenges. In the end, the message is: it is either you make life impossible, or you do everything in your power to make it possible. Like diamonds formed under pressure, we are reminded that perseverance does not erase hardship. And in choosing not to give up, you choose growth, hope, and a future worth building. 🖋️ Joseph Niño Estrella 📷 Carrol Aliexei Malimbag & Cas Alexis 💻 Carmella Kaye Alave