Photo credit: Awra Briguela

After years of stepping away from formal education, Awra Briguela is back—and this time, with a diploma in hand.

The young actor and content creator has officially graduated from Senior High School at the University of the East (UE), marking a deeply personal milestone after facing numerous setbacks and self-doubt. In a heartfelt post on social media, Awra opened up about the long and difficult journey back to the classroom—and the determination it took to finish what was once paused.

“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa lahat ng taong naniwala at nagtiwala sa akin,” Awra shared. “Lalo na sa sarili kong minsang inakala na hindi ko kaya.”

Awra recalled how the pandemic forced a near five-year break from school. Returning wasn’t easy—not just emotionally, but also academically. Awra entered the school year almost two months late and had to catch up on all the requirements her classmates had already been working on. But instead of giving in to fear, she chose to fight through it.

“Pinatunayan ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko, at ang pagdududa lang talaga ang kalaban,” she said.

There were also social hurdles. Reintegrating into a group of classmates who had already formed friendships and routines was intimidating at first. But over time, she found not just acceptance—but real connection.

“Ngayon, ang mga taong ’yon, maituturing ko nang tunay na mga kaibigan na kasama kong nagsumikap, lumaban, at ngayon, kasama ko ring magtatapos.”

Awra also expressed deep gratitude to school officials, particularly Principal Venturina and Assistant Principal Almeyda, who encouraged her to push through and gave her the space to catch up. “Isa sila sa mga unang naniwala na kaya ko,” she said.

One name stood out in her message: Vice Ganda. Awra publicly thanked the comedian and TV host for unwavering support—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually.

“Kung hindi niyo po siguro sinabi na naniniwala kayo sa akin, baka hindi rin ako naniwala sa sarili ko na kaya ko,” she wrote.

In an earlier post, Awra shared a photo of herself showing her grades to Vice Ganda, captioned with a moving message:

“There’s a different kind of fulfillment when you get to show your grades to the person who sent you to school—the one who never stopped believing in you, even in moments you doubted yourself. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, and even prouder knowing that I made her proud. This is all for you.”

Awra also made sure to honor her family—their unending support, patience, and understanding throughout her personal struggles.

“Hindi niyo ako iniwan, kahit sa mga panahong ako na mismo ang gustong sumuko… Alam n’yo naman na lahat ng ginagawa ko, para sa inyo.”

She ended her message with a lesson not only for herself, but for others walking a similar path:

“Kahit gaano pa karaming tao ang gustong tumulong sa’yo, kung hindi mo tutulungan ang sarili mo, wala ring mangyayari.”

Now with a renewed mindset and clearer purpose, Awra is setting her sights on college, committed to doing even better.

“Ang dating mindset na ‘okay na basta makapasa,’ hindi na pwede ngayon,” she said. “Sipag at tiwala sa sarili lang ulit—at alam kong magagawa ko ulit ’to.”

From being left behind to leading her own comeback, Awra Briguela’s graduation is more than just a personal win—it’s a reminder that with enough courage and the right support, it’s never too late to rise.