An Ilongga from Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City, Lorraine Joy Zaragoza Bales, has achieved remarkable academic success, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Ateneo De Manila University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
According to a Panay News article, Lorraine’s impressive educational journey also includes being the valedictorian in both elementary at Pauline Grade School and high school at Iloilo National High School (INHS).
Bales is notably the first graduate from INHS to achieve the distinction of With Highest Honors. Despite being nicknamed “Ms. Perfect” or “God’s favorite” due to her academic accomplishments, Lorraine has faced significant personal challenges.
“Each year tested my resolve, but perhaps the toughest blow came during my second year when my cardiologist advised me to give up my dreams of achieving laude and my organizational and extracurricular involvements due to my heart disease,” Lorraine shared. Her parents’ separation, her aunt’s migration to the US, the death of her godfather, and her heart disease diagnosis have all been significant hurdles.
Nevertheless, Lorraine chose to persevere. “I have learned that true favor from God is not about a life without challenges but finding strength and purpose through adversity and using those experiences to inspire and help others,” she said.