A Life Shaped by Struggle, Growth, and Determination

Before I was even born, my life had already begun with a story of loss and survival. My name is John Mark L. Iquin. While I was still inside my mother’s womb, my grandfather passed away in the month of March. At that time, I was only about two months old inside her. My family often tells me that his death brought great sadness to everyone, and perhaps even before I entered this world, I was already surrounded by both grief and hope. I was born in September 2005, and according to my parents, my arrival was not an easy one. ‎ ‎The story of my birth is something that has always stayed in my mind. My parents told me that when I was delivered, I did not cry. I was not breathing, and there was silence in the room where there should have been the joyful sound of a newborn’s first cry. For a moment, fear filled everyone’s hearts. My uncle quickly acted, hanging me upside down and repeatedly patting my back and striking my lower body to force air into my lungs. After several tense moments, I finally cried. That cry was the sound of life itself, the first sign that I had survived my first battle. Looking back, I realize that from the very beginning, my life was already marked by resilience

As a young child, around five to six years old, I was already known for being energetic, noisy, and mischievous. During my kindergarten years, I was far from the quiet and obedient child that teachers usually admired. Instead, I was playful, stubborn, and always full of endless energy. My parents often described me as a difficult child because of how active and troublesome I could be. At that time, I did not fully understand discipline or responsibility. I only knew how to enjoy the moment, often without considering the consequences of my actions. ‎

‎When I entered elementary school, my mischievousness grew even stronger. Those years became some of the most chaotic chapters of my life. I was known for being arrogant, competitive, and often unwilling to lose in anything. I wanted to prove myself in every situation, even if it meant causing trouble. I was often involved in fights with classmates, and there were even moments when my recklessness caused injuries to others. I remember one incident where a classmate’s nose and eye were hurt because of one of my childish actions. Looking back now, I deeply regret those moments. ‎‎

‎I was also notorious for cutting classes. There were times when I skipped school simply because I wanted freedom and excitement outside the classroom. My behavior became so serious that I was almost expelled from school because of my repeated misconduct. At that stage of my life, I was careless and lacked direction. I did not realize how much my actions could affect my future. ‎‎

‎Everything changed when I entered high school. My parents enrolled me in a private Catholic school with priests, strict rules, and an atmosphere centered on discipline and faith. At first, I felt fear. The environment was unfamiliar and demanding. But little by little, that fear transformed into respect, and that respect became discipline. ‎

‎High school became the turning point of my life. It was there that I slowly changed into a better version of myself. I became more focused on my studies and more aware of my responsibilities. The rebellious child I once was began to disappear. I learned to value education, self-discipline, and personal growth. As the years passed, I transformed into an achiever. For the first time, I felt the joy of succeeding through hard work. ‎‎

‎Senior high school became one of the happiest and most unforgettable periods of my life. It was a time filled with friendship, laughter, and growth. I built strong relationships with classmates who became some of my closest friends. I experienced school events such as our junior-senior prom, which remains one of my most cherished memories. It was during these years that I also discovered confidence in myself. ‎‎

‎I became more recognized not only for my academic abilities but also for my skills in sports, especially sepak takraw. Through sports, I learned teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. It also gave me opportunities to connect with others, and I was happy to know that some people admired me because of my talents and character. Senior high school taught me many lessons, not only from books but also from life experiences that shaped my maturity. ‎

‎As graduation approached, I knew I had to take the next step—college. I applied to Isabela State University Cauayan Campus, but the process was far from easy. There were many uncertainties during my application. I almost lost my chance because of difficulties during the interview process and because I was transferred between different course options. I felt discouraged and anxious, wondering if all my efforts would be wasted.‎‎‎

‎Thankfully, there was one professor who believed in me. That professor extended kindness, understanding, and support when I needed it most. Because of that help, I was given the opportunity.

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