OWWA scholar who only wanted to survive college earns cum laude honors

MANILA, Philippines – Reyhan Cris M. Florida entered Caraga State University (CSU) with just one goal—to survive college—but that modest ambition eventually led him to graduate Cum Laude and become the first in his family to earn Latin honors.

Photo courtesy: Reyhan Cris M. Florida

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte overcame the loss of his father, financial hardship, and academic struggles to achieve the milestone.

Reyhan was only four years old when his father, an overseas Filipino worker serving as a seafarer, passed away while working abroad, leaving his family to face an uncertain future at a very young age.

Despite the hardship, his education continued through the support of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Educational and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), where he remained a scholar for 16 years, along with the LGU Buenavista Scholarship that sustained him throughout college.

Photo courtesy: Reyhan Cris M. Florida

Designed to help qualified dependents of deceased OFWs, the OWWA ELAP ensures that the dreams of children left behind do not end with the loss of a parent working overseas.

Known for excelling in school since childhood, Reyhan entered college believing hard work would always be enough until difficult programming courses and his first grade of 3.00 changed his perspective.

"College humbled me," he recalled, saying it taught him "there is dignity in simply passing" and that growth matters more than constantly seeking academic validation.

From then on, his mission was no longer to become the best student in class but to finish every semester with perseverance, no matter how difficult the journey became.

Outside the classroom, Reyhan embraced leadership roles, community service, cultural performances, graphic design projects, and student organizations, discovering that college offered lessons far beyond textbooks and examinations.

Music became his refuge through the Kayam Ethno Band, while public service allowed him to grow as a student leader, proving that excellence can be measured not only by grades but also by character and service.

Behind every milestone stood his mother, Honey M. Florida, whose sacrifices inspired him to keep moving forward despite financial struggles.

He vividly remembers sleepless nights serving coffee to customers, selling homemade snacks, carrying heavy groceries from the market, and watching his family take loans just to ensure he could stay in school.

"I saw it all," Reyhan said before adding, "And now, I can finally say, it was all worth it."

He also credits his relatives, friends, boardmates, professors, and the Kayam Ethno Band for becoming the people who lifted him whenever life felt overwhelming.

Beyond graduating Cum Laude, Reyhan also became a Civil Service Professional passer, Youth Ambassador of Agusan del Norte, student leader, award-winning performer, and vocalist, reflecting a college life dedicated to both excellence and service.

Looking back, Reyhan believes his greatest achievement was not the medal he received on graduation day but the resilience he built through years of simply choosing not to give up.

"What was once a prayer is now a testament," he reflected, leaving behind a powerful reminder that extraordinary success often begins with the ordinary decision to keep going, one day at a time.

— The Summit Express