For many Filipinos, education is not just a personal pursuit but a lifelong promise to family and community. This holds true for Kris Marianne Collado-Galapia, a 26-year-old Filipina who recently graduated with Summa Cum Laude honours from York University in Canada.

Hailing from the small town of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, her story is one of determination, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to her roots.

Kris Marianne’s academic journey began in the Philippines. She had just finished her second year of high school when her family migrated to Canada. It was 2014, and the Philippines was still in the process of implementing the K-12 curriculum. Belonging to one of the last batches under the four-year high school system, she found herself facing a completely new environment abroad.

“At 14, I wasn’t dreaming of studying in Canada,” Kris admits. “I was patriotic in a way and wanted to stay in the Philippines to contribute back. But my family’s migration changed everything. What never changed was my dream to finish my studies, not just for myself but also as a promise to my grandmother who raised me.”

Her grandmother, whom she lovingly refers to as her “mom,” became her lifelong source of inspiration. That promise to complete her education, no matter how long or difficult, became the driving force of her success.

Like many young students, Kris’s journey was not linear. After finishing high school in Canada, she initially enrolled in a different program at York University but quickly realized it wasn’t for her. She later took a short program in Law Clerk to realign her goals.

“The urge to finish university was always there,” she recalls. “I wanted to keep my promise to my grandma. But then the pandemic hit, and I wasn’t sure which path to take. I applied to different schools and programs, and I prayed for guidance. When York University admitted me into the Honours Political Science program, I took it as a sign.”

This “lottery-like” decision turned out to be life-changing. After four years of consistent discipline and hard work, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Specialized Honours in Political Science, graduating in June 2025 with Summa Cum Laude honours.

Life as an international student was never easy. Kris had to juggle part-time jobs while keeping her academics a priority. Language barriers, cultural differences, and financial struggles became part of her daily life.

“Work and study consumed most of my time. I didn’t really have a social life during the semester,” she says. “But I disciplined myself. Sundays were my reading and catch-up days. I scheduled assignments weeks ahead of deadlines. I never compromised my schoolwork for anything else.”

Homesickness was another hurdle she carried for over a decade. Despite spending 13 years in Canada, Kris admits she still longs for home. Her coping mechanism was simple but powerful—maintaining close ties with family and frequently visiting Sanchez Mira to recharge.

“I always keep my core and values intact,” she shares. “The Filipino saying ‘lumingon sa pinanggalingan’ (look back to where you came from) keeps me grounded. Even when homesick, I know I’m doing this for the people I love.”

Kris attributes her academic success not to natural brilliance but to her work ethic and discipline. She carefully balanced her job and studies, never hesitating to take time off work when major academic deadlines approached.

“I don’t consider myself naturally smart, but I believe anyone can excel with hard work,” she emphasizes.

Her grandmother remained her biggest inspiration, while her professors also played a vital role. She recalls the encouragement of Professor Chin, whose success as an Asian academic in Canada motivated her to believe that boundaries can be broken.

“He saw potential in me and inspired me to keep going. His humility and brilliance showed me the kind of person I wanted to be—an inspiration to others,” she says.

Among her proudest moments was maintaining a scholarship throughout her stay at York and proving that a non-native English speaker, who also worked while studying, could still achieve the highest academic distinction.

Kris believes her Filipino upbringing gave her a unique edge. Growing up with the belief that education is something no one can take away, she treated her degree as both a personal milestone and a legacy for her family. “Filipinos are known for their dedication and hard work,” she explains. “That value became my strength. My promise to my grandmother, my perseverance, and my faith in God carried me through the toughest times.”

Prayer and faith became her anchors during moments of burnout and self-doubt.

“Whenever I felt like giving up, I prayed: ‘Father God, ikaw na bahala.’ That reminder of faith gave me strength.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kris highlights three values: goal setting, perseverance, and discipline.

“To young Filipinos, especially those who dream of studying abroad—if I can, someone from a small town in Cagayan, then you can too. It’s not easy. You will face hardships, you will feel like you have to keep proving yourself, but with hard work and faith, you will get there.”

She also addresses those who feel constrained by age or circumstances: “I graduated at 26, and some of my classmates back home think that’s too late. But education has no age limit. As we grow older, we grow wiser. The possibilities remain endless.”

Kris’s story doesn’t end with her graduation. She now works as a research assistant at York University, focusing on maternal health, well-being, and the impacts of climate change. Though the project is based in Guatemala, she sees its relevance for the Philippines, a country vulnerable to natural disasters and climate challenges.

“This research is meaningful to me because it’s community-based. It can eventually help inform policies in countries like the Philippines, where climate change directly affects health and livelihoods,” she explains.

Long-term, Kris envisions herself in public administration or government service, either in Canada or the Philippines. She hopes to use her education not only to help her community in Sanchez Mira but also to inspire other Filipinos to pursue their goals relentlessly.

“My education is not just for me,” she says. “It is hope for those who think their dreams are impossible. It is proof that with perseverance, faith, and discipline, even a small-town girl can achieve great things.”

From a small town in northern Luzon to the bustling academic halls of York University, Kris Marianne Collado-Galapia’s journey embodies the resilience of the Filipino spirit. Her story reminds us that education is more than an individual achievement—it is a promise, a legacy, and a pathway to inspire change.

As Kris steps into the next chapter of her life, she carries with her the same values that brought her success: faith, discipline, and an unyielding love for her family and homeland. (By MARK BALMORES)