University News

This #PassionWednesday, meet Emarie, an Academic Scholar who proves that no matter our background, hard work and perseverance can lead us to the brighter future we strive to achieve. Born to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) parents, Emarie’s academic journey has always been a central part of her life. Emarie faced a major shift when she moved to the Philippines for senior high school. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new academic environment and the disruptions caused by the pandemic, her perseverance led her to graduate as the Valedictorian of her Class of 2024.

Emarie is currently, a first-year student in the Computer Science program that specializes in Game Development. She was inspired by its stability, advancements, and the opportunity to blend practicality with her passion for visual arts. Emarie aspires to work in animation, aiming for a career that balances creativity and practicality.

Being a Valedictorian Academic Scholar helped Emarie keep focused on her academics.  As the youngest daughter to retired OFW parents, the scholarship has been a big help to her family. With full coverage for her tuition and miscellaneous expenses, she expresses her gratitude to the University for the chance to pursue her college education without the stress and worry of finances.

Beyond academics, Emarie is active in organizations related to her program. She is currently the Creative Lead for the Google Developers’ Group - USLS wherein she oversees the design direction, branding, and content creation to ensure consistency with GDG’s visual brand and identity. Additionally, she is also the undersecretary for the Computer Science Society (CSS). 

Her advice to aspiring academic scholars? Work hard for yourself and your family. Emarie is quoted as saying, “Do it for yourself and do it for the future you are imagining.”