By Herman Lagon
An inspiring tale of unyielding tenacity and outstanding success unfolds in the classrooms and hallways of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). Here, we follow the life of Jade Lyn Buenavides, a young woman whose recent experiences have become an indelible part of ISUFST’s history.
Her hair, a cascade of glossy, dark locks, frames her face with natural grace, complementing her warm, inviting smile that lights up her features. Jade’s eyes, deep and expressive, hold the spark of determination and kindness, reflecting the depth of her character and the resilience of her journey. Her skin, a radiant glow of health and vitality, tells the story of a young woman who values self-care and inner beauty.
In her remarkable journey as the newly-crowned Ms. RASUC VI 2024 First Runner-Up and the reigning Ms. ISUFST 2024, Jade delves more deeply beyond the typical tales of beauty pageants to capture the essence of determination, perseverance, and the unwavering quest for greatness.
It was no picnic for 21-year-old Jade on her way to fame. Amidst the challenges, including the balance of academic responsibilities and pageant demands, Jade exemplified tenacity as she traversed the challenging landscape of school while still embracing the demands of beauty pageantry. “The path to the crown was filled with obstacles that challenged my determination,” she reflects on her journey. Meeting the pageant’s needs and academic obligations was an enormous undertaking. Her unfaltering purpose and robust support system from ISUFST, her family, and friends, including her coaches—pageant enthusiasts Inst. Kristine Hofileña, Prof. Rita Belicena, Prof. Flocerpeda Bela-ong—and trainers like alumnus Joenarey Alada, couturier Mr. John Lee Betita, stylist Bobby Zapanta, and makeup artist Mr. John Michael Jaranilla, drove her to accomplish excellence despite all obstacles.
Academic devotion: A queen’s foundation
With a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English degree and a height of 5 feet 5 inches, Jade’s educational experience at ISUFST has significantly impacted her overall growth. During the competition, she relied on the curriculum, which was carefully crafted to improve analytical thinking and persuasive speech. Jade says that her time at ISUFST was crucial because of the education she gained there. “It helped me feel more secure in my abilities and gave me the tools I needed to express myself clearly and passionately, which gave me an advantage during the pageant.”
Graduation is just around the corner, and Jade will be the first in her family to wear a cap and gown. This incredible feat is more than just a personal victory; it is a beacon of hope for her family in Jalaud, Barotac Nuevo, particularly for her mother, Jasmin, who is a widow and once a sugarcane worker. According to Jade, “Our circumstances do not define our destinies,” and her pursuit of a college degree is evidence of this philosophy.
“Witnessing my daughter’s achievements fills me with immense pride and gratitude—each of her successes is a testament to her pursuit of excellence, a journey we’re thankful to have divine guidance on and help from the ISUFST community,” single mom Jasmin said proudly in vernacular, adding, “We are so happy that very soon, she will finish her schooling to achieve her dreams of becoming successful and escaping poverty.”
No less than University President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. affirms Jade’s story of grit and grace, showing that everything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard enough. “Jade’s journey from aspiration to achievement embodies the spirit of ISUFST, proving that any dream can become a reality with dedication, perseverance, and the right support. Her success is a testament to the power of education in transforming lives, not just for the individual, but for the community at large.”
From challenge to triumph
Jade faced numerous obstacles throughout her journey, such as becoming an accidental expert makeup artist and juggling her academic obligations with her pageant duties. Overcoming each challenge called for a unique combination of determination, flexibility, and the constant encouragement of her school and classmates. Because of these trials, Jade is an inspiration because she overcame obstacles with composure and grace and is now a role model for others.
At the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site pageant, Jade had a breakthrough that changed the course of her life, propelling her to heights she never imagined possible. “That life-changing event broke through all the barriers I had built up inside myself, revealing my limitless potential,” Jade says, looking back. Her transformative journey allows her to reimagine what it means to be beautiful and successful, and it is a captivating story of self-discovery.
With her position’s power and background, Jade is committed to using her influence to make a difference in the ISUFST community and beyond. Jade means that the crown is more than just an accessory; it symbolizes power, an instrument of advocacy, and a driver of social transformation. She hopes to create an environment where people are more resilient by inspiring her contemporaries to see their potential and strive for excellence.
Shaping future leaders
The supportive community at ISUFST, which values diversity, inclusion, and academic achievement, has been essential to Jade’s growth and career. The school’s mission to providing a well-rounded education has inspired Jade and many others to follow their dreams, which has helped them immensely.
Optimistic about the future, Jade hopes that ISUFST will continue its tradition of graduating students prepared to lead, innovate, and accomplish greater things in the community and globally. According to Jade’s advice, future students should view their time at ISUFST as a preparatory period that will provide them with the values, knowledge, and abilities to handle the challenges of the real world.
An enduring light
In addition to her many achievements, Jade, also a student council leader, hopes to live on in ISUFST’s history books as an inspiration to future generations. She intends to contribute significantly to the university’s goals by encouraging cooperation between faculty and students.
A resounding reminder of the strength that comes from a caring community, the power of education to improve one’s life, and the power of perseverance is Jade Lyn Buenavides’s storytelling. All who hear her tale are inspired to achieve their aspirations with unyielding faith and persistence; her legacy at ISUFST is a beacon of hope, resilience, and excellence.
Jade exemplifies ISUFST’s values and the school’s mission to develop students into caring, influential leaders who can change the world through exceptional intellect and personal growth. Jade, walking proof of grateful strength, truly manifests that education transforms lives, affirming that with courage and resilience, achieving one’s dreams is not just possible but destined. (Photos by Mr. Julius Ruger Hermano and the pageant team of Ms. Jade Lyn Buenavides)
