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
