Juggling the demands of school, personal life, and social commitments can feel like an impossible high-wire act for many students. The fear of asking for help often leads to a crushing sense of isolation. This was the reality for Dallas Del Mar, a student navigating the intense pressures of academic and personal life at Abellana National School.
The Tightrope Walk of Student Life
For Dallas, each day presented a delicate balance. The weight of excelling in her studies under the Special Program in Journalism, maintaining friendships, and handling personal responsibilities created a perfect storm of stress. She found herself at one of her lowest points when friendships dissolved, schoolwork became overwhelming, and her commitments piled up, leaving her directionless. Born into a broken family and raised by her grandparents, Dallas had always strived for excellence, driven by a deep-seated desire to be seen by her absent parents.
Finding Strength in Faith and Perspective
Amidst the struggle, a guiding principle kept her anchored: the biblical verse "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). She held onto this belief, praying for guidance through every obstacle. Dallas reflects that life's challenges often make one question its worth. "It's not always about the rewards," she says, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the struggles faced, the support received, and the gratitude owed for divine guidance.
Her early potential was undeniable, marked by her achievement of fifth place in Copyreading and Headline Writing at the elementary level. Yet, the path was not linear. The very obstacles that seemed to derail her became the foundation of her character.
Transforming Self-Doubt into Empowerment
Dallas's journey is one of profound transformation. She evolved from someone afraid to try into a young woman who confronts challenges directly. She began to see every setback as a necessary step toward growth, uncovering her own resilience and strength in the process. "These obstacles that I've been through shaped me who I am right now," Dallas states, adding that she wouldn't change her past because it forged her present self.
Through reflection, she recognized that her perseverance, creativity, and resilience were instrumental in her success. This realization turned self-doubt into confidence and empowerment. The key lesson she learned was to trust in herself and never allow others to diminish her self-belief. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of enduring life's ups and downs with faith and a determined spirit.
