Hidilyn Diaz passes thesis defense: 'Hindi ko inakalang magagawa ko ito'
After taking home the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines and exchanging vows with the love of her life, Hidilyn Diaz has achieved another milestone: passing her thesis defense.
The gold medalist shared the good news on her Instagram account on Saturday, Nov. 12 as she posted a photo of herself wearing a modern Filipiniana blazer and white dress together with her thesis groupmates.
"Pasado sa thesis defense," she wrote in the caption.
With this achievement, the Philippines' weightlifting queen is now set to attain her business management diploma from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. The university previously granted her an athletic scholarship in recognition of her historic win at the 2021 Olympics.
In her caption, Hidilyn recounted how many seemed to discourage her from pursuing her business management course because of how difficult it was.
"Hindi ko inakala na magagawa ko ito kasi naman kaka-enrol ko palang sa Business Management marami na nagsasabi na ang hirap ng thesis diyan, maraming bumabagsak sa course na diyan (hirap daw kasi), magshift ka na ng courses at doon ka na sa ibang school na pwede kang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral by one to two years," she wrote.
But true to her hardworking nature, Hidilyn didn't entertain thoughts of giving up and continued on with her studies.
"Pinilit kong ipagpatuloy ang pagaaral sa De La Salle College of Saint Benilde dahil ang dami kong natutunan sa courses at sa mga instructor namin na mga magagaling sa field nila," she wrote.
Many showbiz personalities such as Ryan Agoncillo and Rita Daniela took the time to express their heartiest congratulations on Hidilyn's achievement. Netizens, meanwhile, commended her for being a role model for future student-athletes.
Congratulations, Hidilyn!