MANILA, Philippines – A student from Laguna looked back at the struggles and challenges he went through to achieve his dream of finishing college.
All graduates have their fair share of struggles and stories of difficulties. But for a student from Colegio San Agustin-Biñan, his “nightmare” was in the form of a “life or death” situation.
Nike Strada Laderas shared on Facebook a photo of himself battered, bandaged and was clinging on for his life. The student said that the photo reminds him of the second life given to him. Laderas explained that on August 31, 2017, he met a tragic motorcycle accident. He wrote, “I was on my way home when suddenly, may nakabangaan akong kotse. It was a traumatic retention. A hell of a nightmare.”
The accident was so serious that the student fell into a comatose. Laderas said, “Fast forward, dali-dali akong dinala sa hospital, sa emergency room na walang malay - comatose; duguan at 50’50. Sabi ng doktor sa mga magulang ko, ‘kung maka survive man siya para nalang siyang isang lantang gulay.’”
Laderas was in coma for four days as his family, loved ones and school community prayed for his recovery. When he opened his eyes, he was met with tears of joy. Laderas said, “The time na pagkagising ko, nagulat ako sa mga nangyayare, ang daming tao, ang daming naghihintay, nakita ko yung mga luha at ngiti sa mga mata nila, though slightly unconscious ako that time.”
While surviving a fatal accident and waking up from a coma weren’t enough, Laderas soon realized that he has a lot of catching up to do with his studies. The determined student wanted to graduate and was willing to study and work hard for it. Laderas said he was proud of being alive and didn’t mind being in a wheel chair. He wrote, “Hindi ako nahiyang pumasok ng naka wheel chair tulak tulak ng nanay ko, proud akong bumalik sa school dahil nagbunga ang mga panalangin nila.”
The graduating student decided to cross-enroll in TRIMEX Colleges for his 3 minor subjects. Aside from recovery from the accident, he had to finish his thesis and catch up with his academic requirements. It was no easy feat but Laderas was beyond happy that he was able to survive it all. He wrote, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, sacrifices and commitment. Ang hirap sigurong paniwalaan na nakarating pa ako dito.”
The grateful graduate went on to thank everyone who helped him along the way. Aside from thanking his parents and family for their “walang sawang gabay at pagtulong,” Laderas also thanked his school community.
And because Laderas is even a proud scholar, he also thanked the City Education Office Biñan for the opportunity to finish his school. He wrote, “Tanaw po namin ang taos pusong pasasalamat sa proyektong ito. Kayo po ang isa sa mga sanhi ng tagumpay na ito.”
Alongside his “accident photo”, Laderas shared his graduation photo with him smiling. He finished a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication. The proud graduate also listed some of his accomplishments, Dean’s Honor List (A.Y 2017-2019), Outstanding Performance in Practicum, Iskolar ng Biñan and last but not the least, “Bulagta Survivor” and “2nd chance of living.”
The post has earned 2,500 reactions since posting and was filled with comments of well wishes.
— Sally, The Summit Express
All graduates have their fair share of struggles and stories of difficulties. But for a student from Colegio San Agustin-Biñan, his “nightmare” was in the form of a “life or death” situation.
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| A student in Laguna refused to give up studies even though he was recovering from a coma | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Nike Strada Laderas |
Nike Strada Laderas shared on Facebook a photo of himself battered, bandaged and was clinging on for his life. The student said that the photo reminds him of the second life given to him. Laderas explained that on August 31, 2017, he met a tragic motorcycle accident. He wrote, “I was on my way home when suddenly, may nakabangaan akong kotse. It was a traumatic retention. A hell of a nightmare.”
The accident was so serious that the student fell into a comatose. Laderas said, “Fast forward, dali-dali akong dinala sa hospital, sa emergency room na walang malay - comatose; duguan at 50’50. Sabi ng doktor sa mga magulang ko, ‘kung maka survive man siya para nalang siyang isang lantang gulay.’”
Laderas was in coma for four days as his family, loved ones and school community prayed for his recovery. When he opened his eyes, he was met with tears of joy. Laderas said, “The time na pagkagising ko, nagulat ako sa mga nangyayare, ang daming tao, ang daming naghihintay, nakita ko yung mga luha at ngiti sa mga mata nila, though slightly unconscious ako that time.”
While surviving a fatal accident and waking up from a coma weren’t enough, Laderas soon realized that he has a lot of catching up to do with his studies. The determined student wanted to graduate and was willing to study and work hard for it. Laderas said he was proud of being alive and didn’t mind being in a wheel chair. He wrote, “Hindi ako nahiyang pumasok ng naka wheel chair tulak tulak ng nanay ko, proud akong bumalik sa school dahil nagbunga ang mga panalangin nila.”
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| Nike Strada Laderas is a proud “iskolar” and survivor | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Nike Strada Laderas |
The graduating student decided to cross-enroll in TRIMEX Colleges for his 3 minor subjects. Aside from recovery from the accident, he had to finish his thesis and catch up with his academic requirements. It was no easy feat but Laderas was beyond happy that he was able to survive it all. He wrote, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, sacrifices and commitment. Ang hirap sigurong paniwalaan na nakarating pa ako dito.”
The grateful graduate went on to thank everyone who helped him along the way. Aside from thanking his parents and family for their “walang sawang gabay at pagtulong,” Laderas also thanked his school community.
And because Laderas is even a proud scholar, he also thanked the City Education Office Biñan for the opportunity to finish his school. He wrote, “Tanaw po namin ang taos pusong pasasalamat sa proyektong ito. Kayo po ang isa sa mga sanhi ng tagumpay na ito.”
Alongside his “accident photo”, Laderas shared his graduation photo with him smiling. He finished a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication. The proud graduate also listed some of his accomplishments, Dean’s Honor List (A.Y 2017-2019), Outstanding Performance in Practicum, Iskolar ng Biñan and last but not the least, “Bulagta Survivor” and “2nd chance of living.”
The post has earned 2,500 reactions since posting and was filled with comments of well wishes.
— Sally, The Summit Express
