It’s not uncommon for college students to face pressure, but few can match the resilience and ambition of Katrina Grapes M. Serilla. At just 21 years old, she’s already lived more than half her life abroad, earned her degree with First Class Honours, and collected a string of awards for her service, leadership, and academic excellence—all while navigating financial difficulties, cultural shifts, and emotional setbacks.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Katrina’s journey from Tondo, Manila to Bath Spa University RAK in the UAE is a compelling story of courage, perseverance, and purpose. More than just academic achievements, her life abroad represents growth not just in knowledge—but in character and compassion.
A fresh graduate with more than just honors
Katrina is a proud alumna of Bath Spa University in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, where she graduated with a degree in Business and Management, majoring in Marketing. What sets her apart isn’t just her academic distinction—earning First Class Honours—but the values she cultivated during her time as a student.
Throughout her college years, Katrina made it her mission to balance academic performance with community involvement. Her efforts were rewarded with multiple accolades: the Service Award, the Ambassador Award, and the Internship Award. Each one, she says, marked a different aspect of her development. “These awards reflect my dedication to learning, my passion for serving others, and my commitment to representing my university with excellence,” she shares.
But Katrina didn’t stop at the classroom. She immersed herself in student life, joining campus events and representing her school in the wider community. She took part in Freshers’ Parties, Sports Fests, Market Days, and Foundation Day celebrations. One of the highlights was being involved in the Philippine Independence Day celebrations at the Dubai World Trade Center—an experience that let her showcase Filipino culture on a broader stage.
Her exposure went beyond festive gatherings. Under the mentorship of Sir Melvin, she attended high-profile events like the Emirates Film Festival, the Migration Forum, and even a Diplomatic Reception hosted by the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. “These moments taught me how to present myself professionally, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures,” she explains.
All these experiences taught her invaluable life lessons in leadership, adaptability, and service—qualities she now carries into her future career. “Success isn’t just about what I’ve achieved—it’s also about how I can give back to others and make a difference,” Katrina reflects.
A journey rooted in sacrifice and faith
Katrina’s story took a significant turn after the passing of her grandmother in 2012. At the time, her mother was working in Dubai while Katrina and her brother remained in the Philippines. But with the loss of their family matriarch, Katrina’s mother decided to bring her daughter to Dubai to raise her under her care. “My mother wanted to guide me more closely and ensure I grew up with proper support,” Katrina explains.
That decision would shape the rest of her life. With the help of a local family who welcomed her into their home and supported her education, Katrina continued her studies in Dubai, starting at The Philippine School. It was a challenging transition. “When I moved, I couldn’t speak English well, and adjusting to a new environment wasn’t easy,” she recalls.
Prior to that, she had studied in Tondo, attending Harvester’s School for kindergarten and Francisco Benitez Elementary School up to Grade 3. The move to the UAE meant not only leaving her brother behind but also stepping into an entirely different academic system and culture. “I was a struggling student back then. My report cards were filled with 7s,” she admits candidly.
Later, when the pandemic disrupted in-person classes, Katrina and her family made a practical decision—she transferred to FEU Roosevelt in Rizal and completed senior high school entirely online. “It allowed us to save on costs and prepare financially for college,” she explains.
That preparation paid off. She took entrance exams for several universities in Dubai, and Bath Spa University offered her a scholarship that ultimately set the course for her future. “It felt like a sign that I was meant to be there,” she says.
But life as a college student wasn’t smooth sailing. To support her education, Katrina worked part-time, often traveling between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Her work shifts ran from 4 PM to 1 AM—followed by classes the next morning. “There were sleepless nights, but I just kept telling myself, ‘This is all part of the process.’”
There were emotional challenges too. Living with a local family in her earlier years meant adapting to customs that clashed with her own Filipino upbringing. “Some things we consider normal back home weren’t acceptable in the local culture, so I had to learn quickly how to adjust and respect those differences.”
High school and the pandemic years were especially tough. Isolated during lockdowns, Katrina experienced episodes of mental and emotional strain. But she clung to her faith. “Prayer and perseverance pulled me through,” she says. “I always believed things would unfold in God’s perfect time.”
She also had to come to terms with how her strong personality sometimes rubbed people the wrong way. “I wasn’t always the favorite. Some people misunderstood me. But I’ve learned not to take it personally. I just stayed focused on my goals,” she adds.
Building dreams beyond the UAE
Now that she has completed her studies, Katrina is setting her sights on even bigger goals. First on her list is securing a stable job aligned with her degree in marketing—something that will let her apply the knowledge and skills she gained during her time at university.
But her ambitions don’t stop there. She is also preparing to pursue a master’s degree next year, with the aim of further strengthening her academic and professional foundation. “Learning is a lifelong journey,” she says. “And investing in myself through education is something I believe will always yield the best returns.”
Long-term, Katrina envisions herself as an entrepreneur. She dreams of building her own business—not just to achieve personal success, but to create opportunities for others and give back to the community that helped her rise. “I want to be in a position where I can help people, especially those going through the same struggles I did. That’s the legacy I want to build,” she shares.
Katrina’s story has all the ingredients of an inspiring narrative: struggle, sacrifice, growth, and ambition. But what makes her journey even more powerful is her desire to pay it forward. Whether through future business ventures or everyday acts of kindness, she hopes to be a force for good—both for her family and for the larger community.
Her advice for other overseas Filipinos—especially students—is grounded in hard-earned wisdom. “Never give up. No matter how hard things get, be the driver of your own dreams. Don’t let emotions or other people’s opinions take the wheel,” she says. “Always seek guidance from God. You’ll be tested in ways you never imagined, but those trials are meant to shape you, not break you.”
