Filipino woman excels in college in Hawaii
The Manila Times
19 June 2025
TUGUEGARAO — Twenty-four-year-old Valerie Joy Agustin has brought pride to her hometown, the capital city of Cagayan province, by graduating summa cum laude with a double degree in political science and accounting at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Hawaii.
Her journey to glory unwittingly began at age 6, when she won in an academic competition. "At first, I didn't even know it was a competition — I just thought I was reviewing math problems," she was quoted in a BYU publication. "I won the competition and people started expecting me to be good at everything — not just [in] math, but [also in] English, science, everything. And suddenly, it wasn't just about learning anymore. It was about being the best."
Valerie said she drew strength from a family rooted in public service, faith and quiet determination. Her father is a government employee, and her mother is a homemaker who engaged in a small business while raising six children, of whom Valerie is the eldest. She refers to her mom as "the soul of our home."
Budding leader
In high school at the University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao (USLT), she was a scholar and budding leader. She was elected president of the Supreme Student Council after previously serving as treasurer and NEO LMS (learning management system) ambassador — through which she helped fellow students transition to digital learning platforms at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She finished senior high school in 2018 with honors in the Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) strand, despite her being in the science curriculum.
By the time she entered BYU–Hawaii on a scholarship, Valerie's leadership skills were further honed.
She was elected president of the Professional Accounting Society, where she doubled membership and organized career-building activities, including networking events with global firms like KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler), one of the "Big Four" audit, tax advisory, and consulting firms in the world.
Time management
While pursuing her double major, she practiced time management by working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Faculty of Business and Government.
She was also a political science peer mentor, helping fellow students refine their research work, clarify academic goals, and navigate the rigors of university life.
Her own research paper on high-technology exports and political stability won first place in the political science category at BYU's Undergraduate Research Conference.
She likewise had the energy to join BYU's Polynesian Cultural Center, immersing in diverse cultures and honing her interpersonal and professional skills, and learning about cultural diplomacy.
Outside the campus, Valerie was selected as a Fellow of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC), one of the most prestigious student leadership summits in the Philippines, where she sharpened her advocacy in nation-building, sustainability and youth empowerment.
She was likewise an Official Delegate of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Leadership Program, where she underwent training in business ethics, corporate governance and strategic leadership.
Valerie's interest in religious liberty, global justice, and diplomacy brought her to the Religious Freedom Annual Review in Utah in the United States, and earned her a slot as a Fellow of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. She attended forums with international legal scholars and faith leaders.
"The fellowship broadened my perspective on constitutional rights, interfaith dialogue, and the global challenges of justice and inclusion," she said.
Full circle
Everything came full circle when her alma mater, USL-Tuguegarao, recently honored her as a model of youth leadership and academic excellence.
"Everything I do is a reflection of the people who raised me and the communities that molded me," Valerie said. "My dream is to serve, not just through titles or accolades, but by building systems and policies that empower people and promote justice."
She wants to pursue graduate studies in accounting taxation, law and international affairs. Her goal is to become an advocate for inclusive policy, social justice and ethical governance.
Inspired by her parents' example and empowered by her education, she envisions herself shaping policies and legal frameworks that uplift communities and promote peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment