Cordillera - Kassy Yana Passiwen, known to many as Yana, is a shining
example of perseverance and dedication. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Louis University, Baguio City,
Yana has always demonstrated academic excellence. Her journey reached a new
pinnacle when she secured the 9th spot in the August 2024 Psychometrician
Licensure Examination, achieving an impressive passing rate of 85.60%.
Yana's journey to success, however, was far from smooth. As the firstborn
of Dr. Teresita Pasiwen, the Municipal Health Officer of LGU Conner, and
PCol. Reynaldo Pasiwen, Yana grew up in a household that valued service to
others. Yet, her path took an unexpected turn during her second year of
college when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. This news deeply
affected Yana, who immediately took on the responsibility of rearranging her
schedule to accompany her mother to chemotherapy sessions every
Thursday.
Reflecting on this period, Yana recalls the profound sadness that enveloped
her family. “It was heartbreaking for me and everyone around her. I remember
crying a lot in church when she announced it. But my mom is a fighter; even
with that diagnosis, she was determined to stay physically and mentally
strong, continuing to work at the RHU between treatments. Her strength
inspired us all,” Yana shared.
As Yana navigated her studies and cared for her ailing mother, she often
felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. Watching her peers fully
focus on their reviews, celebrate their graduations, and enjoy the
festivities that came with it, Yana couldn't help but feel envious. “Taking
care of your ailing mother is usually expected during middle adulthood, not
in one’s emerging adulthood years. I learned to accept the situation and
worked with it,” she reflected.
The challenges intensified as the board exams approached. On June 25, 2024,
just 47 days before the exam, Yana's mother was admitted to the hospital for
severe headaches, the same day her grandmother passed away. Despite the
emotional turmoil, Yana continued her review, even studying outside the ICU
where her mother was confined. Just 34 days before the exam, her mother fell
into a coma, yet Yana persisted, balancing her studies with the heavy
reality she faced.
“It was physically, mentally, and emotionally draining,” Yana admitted.
There were moments of doubt when she considered not taking the exam, but the
encouragement from her family, especially her mother, kept her going. She
pushed herself to finish one core book per week, even amid tears and
anxiety.
Yana's resilience paid off. She not only passed the board exam but
excelled, securing a place among the top 10. “Excelling in the examination
is not only my success but also my family’s and relatives’ who gave a
helping hand,” she said with gratitude.
Today, Yana dedicates her success to her loved ones, especially her mother,
who recently underwent brain surgery and remains in recovery at Baguio
General Hospital. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance,
love, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
source || Kassy Yana Pasiwen