@philippinestar: Repeated rejections from the University of the Philippines (UP) did not stop a Social Sciences graduate from pursuing her dream of becoming an "Iskolar ng Bayan." Uploader Michelle Valenciano recalled being initially denied admission to UP due to her UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) results, only to be turned down again after seeking reconsideration at UP Manila, UP Los Baños, and UP Baguio. Rather than giving up, she wrote personal letters to the chancellors of UP Manila and UP Baguio to tell her story beyond the results reflected in her admission credentials. "I wouldn't let my dreams go. I couldn't. So, this is where the stubborn in me kicked in. I sent personal letters out to UP Manila and UP Baguio. I wrote a letter saying that my UPG cannot be the only thing you know about me before you reject me a gazillion times. I have a story, a story that begs to be part of the UP community," she expressed. Her persistence eventually paid off. On August 6, 2022, the UP Baguio chancellor acknowledged her appeal, and days later, she received word that she had been admitted to the university. Four years later, the once-rejected aspiring Iska persevered through the grueling journey at her dream school and graduated cum laude. "For everyone who thinks rejections are the endgame, I'm here to tell you that it's not. I am the living proof that enough stubbornness can get you what you want and what you're meant to do. In this life, I chose to be stubborn enough to get into the University of the Philippines-Baguio. I choose to be stubborn to overcome everything and achieve my dreams," she added. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Valenciano) If you have a story, picture, or video you wish to share, you may join our community page. bit.ly/3efsm3 #upbaguio #up #dream #philippinestar

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Sunday 16 August 2026 08:32:28 GMT