In the bustling halls of Isabela State University Angadanan Campus, amidst the whirlwind of academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, one student shines brightly as a beacon of inspiration, empowerment, and in her own words, “defiance”. Meet Gjia Jazelle T. Ruano, a trailblazer in her own right, whose journey is not just a testament to personal triumph but also a celebration of an ISU-AC student’s resilience, talents, and unyielding determination.

In 2023, Gjia Jazelle T. Ruano proudly received her Bachelor of Secondary Education degree with a major in Mathematics at ISU-AC, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Born and raised in the vibrant province of Isabela, Gjia’s story is one of humble beginnings and boundless aspirations. From a young age, she harbored a deep-seated passion for education and a relentless drive to make a difference in the world—a drive that would ultimately propel her towards remarkable heights of success.

During her time at ISU-AC, Gjia’s journey took an unexpected yet transformative turn when she became a part of the campus publication, The Collegian Blotter. From her freshman year to her senior year, Gjia immersed herself wholeheartedly in the world of journalism, honing her writing skills, and embracing the power of storytelling as a tool for change.

Under the guidance of her mentors and the support of her peers, Gjia quickly rose through the ranks of The Collegian Blotter, ultimately securing the position of Associate Editor in English in her final year. It was here that she discovered her voice—a voice imbued with empathy, compassion, and a deep-seated desire to shed light on issues close to her heart.

Gjia’s journey took a momentous turn when she penned a poignant column piece titled “Breaking Generational Traumas,” which was published in Inquirer.net on February 5, 2024. Inspired by her own experiences and driven by a desire to spark meaningful conversations, Gjia’s article resonated deeply with readers, touching hearts and igniting minds across the nation.

Gjia shares, “Honestly, I was reflecting on my past disappointments that night, then suddenly I was motivated to write because that’s what I do when I want to pass the time. I think I chose that topic because I knew that many could relate to me through that topic.”

Gjia’s journey to publication was not without its challenges, yet her unwavering determination and steadfast resolve ultimately paid off. With courage and conviction, she reached out to the editors at Inquirer.net, taking a leap of faith and daring to dream big. The result? A resounding success and a powerful reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief.

Dr. Grace D. Ladia, the Dean of the College of Education and Gjia’s former mathematics professor recalls, “Gjia was a shy girl, but she was a talented and active member of The Collegian Blotter. She had a lot of potential as a student.” Similarly, Mr. Paulino V. Derilo, the adviser of the publication, fondly remembers Gjia as a talented and responsible student and wishes her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.

“Masaya ako bilang adviser niya dahil dala dala niya pa rin ang mga natutuhan niya bilang isang dating mamamahayag sa ating campus publication. Si Gjia ay talagang may potensiyal sa pagsusulat ng mga article, sa katunayan naging 4th place siya sa University wide search for student journalist nito lamang 2023. Ang kanyang pagiging aktibong pakikibahagi sa iba’t ibang samahan ng mamamahayag , mga seminars at training sa pahayagan ay naging pundasyon Niya kung ano ang taglay niyang kakayahan sa pagsulat. Nakatulong ang kanyang pagiging aktibo sa mga gawain na kahit na alam niyang limitado siya ay nagagawa niyang makipagsabayan,  mapalokal, regional at maging nasyonal at ito ang bunga, ang mailathala pangnasyonal ang kanyang artikulo. Sa karalangang ito , proud ako sa kanya , ang buong TCB ay saludo sa iyo, Gjia.” said Mr. Derilo.

As Gjia looks towards the future, she remains grounded in gratitude, acknowledging the unwavering support of her family, friends, mentors, and the divine blessings that have guided her every step of the way. With humility and grace, she embraces the endless possibilities that lie ahead, knowing that her journey is just beginning.

In the words of Gjia herself, “There’s no rules in dreaming, you have to always surround yourself with people that celebrate you and your small achievements. You do not need a pack of people though, you only need one.” With her unwavering spirit, compassionate heart, and unyielding determination, Gjia Jazelle T. Ruano is not just chasing her dreams—she’s inspiring others to do the same.

Her remarkable achievement stands as a shining testament to the exceptional quality of education fostered at ISU-AC, perfectly exemplifying the principles of SDG 4 – Quality Education. Through ISU-AC’s dedication to nurturing talent, fostering critical thinking, and empowering students to become agents of change, Gjia’s journey from student to published columnist showcases the transformative impact of a holistic education. Her success not only shows ISU-AC’s commitment to providing high-caliber instruction but also highlights the institution’s role in equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make meaningful contributions to society.

Read her piece here: https://opinion.inquirer.net/170566/breaking-generational-traumas