Procrastination, for many students is an obstacle that constantly gets in the way of achieving their goals. For Trisha Abalos, it was the very mountain she needed to climb. But through discipline, the right support system, and a firm belief that she could finish what she started, she turned cramming from a weakness into a powerful lesson in growth.
At 21 years old, Trisha is the youngest of five siblings and a graduating student from Laguna State Polytechnic University in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. On June 27, she walked the stage with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a dream she chased despite the many distractions, doubts, and detours along the way.
Her interest in the field began during high school days when she joined a competition on Electrical Installation and Maintenance. That experience lit a spark in her. However, the path wasn’t easy. “Cramming was part of the routine,” she said with a smile. “But every time I pushed through the pressure, I reminded myself that this is what I wanted—to become an engineer.”
Her mother has been a LIGHT Partner-Client since 2010, and Trisha became a LIGHT scholar in 2019. The scholarship provided not just financial support but a deep sense of belongingness and encouragement. “I learned to center my life around God through LIGHT,” she shared. “Every forum or event I participated reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.”
Trisha’s academic years were far from smooth. The pandemic disrupted her studies, forcing her to adapt to online classes—something she wasn’t used to. But instead of giving up, she learned to embrace new tools and skills like AutoCAD, online platforms, and digital creativity. Her love for reading became a small refuge from the stress.
There were seasons when her tuition and allowance had to be put on hold so her older brother could complete his thesis. Her mother, who managed a small ice cream business, often struggled to meet financial obligations. But through it all, Trisha kept going.
Her most memorable experience was during her OJT (On-the-Job Training) at Fuji-Haya Electric, where she was immersed in real work—thermal scanning, panel installation, and system layouts. “That was the moment I felt closest to my dream,” she recalled. “They started calling me ‘Engineer’—and it hit me; I was almost there.”
Despite the pressure of managing shifting schedules and mounting deadlines, Trisha never stopped pushing. “There were times I could’ve dropped everything, but I knew my family was counting on me. I knew God was with me.”
Today, Trisha is proud to say she’s just steps away from becoming a full-fledged engineer. Her advice to students who feel overwhelmed or stuck in cycles of cramming? “Wag kayong sumuko. Tapusin niyo ang sinimulan niyo. Hindi lang ito para sa inyo—ito ay para rin sa mga sumusuporta sa inyo at para kay Lord.”
To LIGHT Microfinance Inc., she offers deep gratitude: “Thank you for being with me through the cramming, the crying, and the finishing. You helped me keep going.”
In Trisha’s story, cramming wasn’t just about deadlines—it was about holding on to the dream even when time runs short, and knowing that with the right support, even the most last-minute efforts can lead to lasting success.