MANILA, Philippines — Another Filipina graduated summa cum laude in the United States, this time, at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
Patricia Bunda shared on her Facebook account her achievement as she finished Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Minor in Biomedical Research from UCLA.
She narrated how her dreams became a reality even though it took her seven years and three schools in two countries to get her degree.
“As a kid, one of my biggest dreams was to graduate from the best university in the Philippines, but by God’s grace and favor, today, I graduated from one of the best universities in the world. It took me 7 years, 3 schools, in 2 countries to get my degree, definitely not the traditional route. But if I were to do it again, I would not change it one bit,” she wrote.
Unlike other graduates from other countries, she plans to get her MD-PhD degree. Afterwards, she plans to return to the Philippines.
“Although it seems like this achievement is a good way to end a story, my journey as a student is far from over. I am hoping to pursue an MD-PhD degree and eventually return to my home country to help cultivate its research field. I hope that someday my story will inspire more Filipino students to pursue careers in research and realize their potential as future scientists who can make a big impact in society.”
She said each school she went to had an impact on her journey as a student and as a person.
“My 2 years in UPLB taught me the value of honor and excellence, but more importantly, it instilled in me a deep desire to make my country a better place. Spending 3 years at Palomar College taught me how to believe in myself and to not be afraid to dream big. Finally, my 2 years at UCLA taught me that with hard work, dedication, and lots of prayer, nothing is impossible.”
Patricia thanked her parents for their “unending love and support, for constantly covering me with prayers, and for giving me the confidence to pursue my passions.”
“To the rest of my family, friends, teachers, classmates, roommates, and everyone who have shared their lives with me on this journey, thank you for being a testament of God’s goodness in my life.”
She ended her post with a bible verse from Psalms 115:1: “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”