Those words have always been my strength and a part of who I am. I have lived by them, carried them with me, and always stood by them. But during my four years of college, I learned that perhaps, living without regrets isn't entirely possible.
Because regrets are reminders that you tried, that you learned, and that you evolved into a better version of yourself.
Now that I have finished and survived those four years, I can say that those years shaped me into someone sharper, more driven, and more focused on my goals and dreams. There were so many challenges that came my way, and looking back, I'm thankful that all of them happened because I wouldn't have become the woman standing in this picture today without them.
All those sleepless nights. Learning new things independently that I had never known before. Disciplining myself to wake up very early and stick to my schedule. And going through situations that constantly tested me.
There were times—and, honestly, I think most of the time—when I knew within myself that I could do better than what I was doing. I put so much pressure on myself. As a panganay, there were so many expectations, and a lot of them weren't created by other people, but by me.
But I learned that what matters most is the moment, and knowing within myself that I did my very best.
These four years also made me realize what matters most to me: making my family proud.
And for that, thank you.
To my family—to my Papa, who is always ready whenever I need something, no matter how far away you are or what time it is. To my younger brothers, kahit na medyo nai-stress ako sa inyo, you both became one of my biggest reasons to keep going and to strive to be a good role model for both of you. To my Lolos and Lolas, who have supported me throughout these years with your advice and guidance. To my Tita Snooky, for being my second mom and for always making me feel like my feminine self. And to my Tita Vicky, who has been one of my biggest inspirations and my strength to never give up on my dreams.
To my BFF, Dia, my number one supporter. Alam mo 'yan, Ma. We've been through thick and thin, and we've always been there for each other through our highs and lows. Thank you for growing with me and for being there through every version of me.
To my HS friends, thank you for keeping me sane during stressful exam weeks and hell weeks. Although we've taken different paths, you have never failed to be there for each other, kahit ang hirap mag-schedule sa isa't isa. I'm grateful that no matter how busy life gets, our friendship remains.
And to my college friends, who became my newfound and forever home. We have seen each other through our ups and downs—from crying because we were scared of what our grades would be like, to praying and begging in front of the church, to celebrating each other's successes.
And above all, to You, Lord. Thank You for carrying me through these four years. For every prayer You heard, even the ones I could only whisper. For every sleepless night, every moment of doubt, every disappointment, and every time I felt like I wasn't doing enough. Thank You for allowing me to experience all of it—the victories, the failures, the lessons, the tears, and the growth. Every part of this journey brought me closer to the person You wanted me to become.
We've seen each other struggle, grow, fail, and make it through.
I love you guys.
And to the version of me who started these four years ago: you made it.
And maybe that's what "to live without regrets" really means, not living a life without mistakes or things you wish you could have done differently, but living a life knowing that you gave it everything you had.
I wouldn't change a thing.
Because every sleepless night, every disappointment, every lesson, every tear, and every little victory brought me here.
A woman I am proud to be.
To live without regrets. ๐
EMERYN ROSE C. TORRIJOS
2023***64
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Batch 2026
