A Filipina student in Abu Dhabi has graduated with the highest honors from Liwa College’s Abu Dhabi campus, completing her degree in Medical Laboratory Science with a perfect GPA of 4.0 (equivalent to the Latin Honor Summa Cum Laude). This outstanding milestone establishes Trishia Zerah Corominas as one of the few Filipinos in the UAE to have achieved such academic excellence.
In an exclusive interview with The Global Filipino Magazine, Trishia shared the inspiration behind her decision to pursue Medical Laboratory Science and the challenges she overcame to reach this milestone.
From a young age, Trishia had a deep curiosity about the natural world, which fueled her desire to pursue a career in science.
“Since I was a child, I have always dreamt of becoming a scientist. I have always been fascinated by science. Whether it was conducting small experiments at home or eagerly participating in school fairs, I found joy in exploring the natural world and understanding how things work. This early curiosity laid the groundwork for my passion in healthcare, particularly in the field of medical laboratory science.”
Her interest in medical science grew stronger during high school when her brother was diagnosed with an idiopathic blood disorder, a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.
“When I was in high school, my family and I learned that my brother developed an idiopathic blood disorder that caused his spleen to enlarge. This motivated me to become a doctor, if given a chance to continue,” she said.
Achieving a perfect GPA is no easy feat, and Trishia attributes her success to her unwavering discipline and determination.
“I tried my best to fulfill my goals and dreams through hard work, resilience, passion, and faith. I pass my work on time, never late for class, and I always participate in different activities in college,” she explained.
Her journey was not without its challenges, but her strong family support helped her navigate the road to success.
“My parents supported me financially, physically, and emotionally as well as encouraged me to pursue my dream. I am thankful to them since they shaped me into the person I am now. I am also grateful for their prayers, since through God’s guidance and mercy, I am able to accomplish the impossible,” she said.
Trishia’s family played an integral role in her success. Originally from Cebu City, the Corominas family moved to the UAE when Trishia was just three years old. Her father works as an aircraft engineer for Etihad Airways, while her mother left her job at a medical institution to care for her son following his diagnosis.
With her degree now in hand and a perfect GPA to her name, Trishia is looking ahead to even bigger dreams.
“It’s a great help for me that I fulfilled this achievement. I am planning to pursue my dream to become a doctor, if it is God’s Will for me. It may be a long road ahead, but through God, nothing is impossible.”
