The Call to Serve and Discover: A Communication Research Student’s Journey to Crafting Her Own Destiny
Beneath the ever-changing currents of life, an empowered woman and youth leader has found herself going with the flow of dreams and aspirations as a graduating Communication Research student. Ezekhyna Naval perseveres from the streets of Nagcarlan, Laguna to the hustles of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as she takes a leap of faith in crafting her life course through all of its ebbs and flows.
Igniting the Burning Passion to Serve
Growing up to her family’s political legacy, Ezekhyna’s sense of leadership has been awakened at an early age by the influences of her environment. She ultimately felt a spark of inspiration as she watched her uncle, a former chairperson of Barangay Poblacion I in Nagcarlan Laguna, lead with dedication and commitment.
In immersing herself within the community, the lack of youth participation and engagement in public service concerned her. This realization dawned upon her with greater clarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period in her life where everything stood still.
As the world grappled post-pandemic, she felt an undeniable urge to contribute meaningfully to her community. It was during this time that she decided to run for a position in their local Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), driven by a burning passion for service and her long-term vision of making a difference.
In a community where male leadership was more common, alongside her position as the unica hija in the family, she had always felt the need to keep up with the men around her. Her father recognized the weight of her decision to serve and encouraged her to consider her faith carefully before committing to this new path. This guidance resonated with her as she realized the importance of grounding her aspirations in a strong moral foundation.
Now elected as SK Kagawad in their barangay, all while being involved in other local organizations and church fellowship, she continues to be a catalyst for change. She proudly notes the progress of youth involvement within Barangay Poblacion I despite the challenges of limited resources in a second-class municipality. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, Ezekhyna found a purpose as she followed her heart’s calling for public service.
Embracing Faith-Driven Decisions
Like many students facing crises in their early college days, Ezekhyna also battled uncertainties. Coming from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand, she was unable to secure admission to her dream course, which was engineering, at any of the schools she applied to. Instead, she qualified for other programs, including Communication Research. During this time, she felt lost and unsure of her next steps.
However, Ezekhyna and her resiliency refused to let these challenges overshadow her path to college. She viewed this setback as a redirection and found a new purpose. By delving deeper into Communication Research, she developed a keen interest in the field and embraced her new academic journey.
She looked back and navigated her interests, realizing research is one of her passions. She has always loved discovering and researching. It was indeed a long process for her to take, filled with doubts about whether she was making the right choice. The only thing she was sure of is, she had God in her heart while making one of the most important decisions in her college life.
“Bago ko pinili ‘to, nagdasal talaga ako. After ng dasal ko, parang dito talaga ako pinatungo. Maganda pala ‘yong napili ko. Sa pagpili ko, nakasama ko pala ang Diyos.”
[Before I made this choice, I really prayed. After my prayer, it felt like this was where I was meant to be. It turns out I made a good choice. In my decision, it seems I was guided by God.”]
Stream of Knowledge
In Ezekhyna’s journey through Communication Research, she has come to understand that learning extends far beyond the field of academics and the confinements of traditional science. Four years dedicated to this program had provided her invaluable experiences that deepened her understanding of the research’s role in society.
Initially drawn to the field by her intellectual curiosity, she quickly became enamored with the breadth and depth of Communication Research. Her interest was piqued by the program’s emphasis on exploring diverse aspects of communication and its potential in addressing social issues and providing data-driven insights to people.
Continuing in Communication Research, Ezekhyna’s dedication is rooted in three key inspirations drawn from her personal experiences. Her area of research interests collectively shapes her commitment to using research for tangible societal improvements.
Observing her parents’ occupation as market vendors firsthand has sparked her interest in studying the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Her younger brother’s diagnosis with mild autism motivated her to explore inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces. Lastly, her involvement with youth organizations highlighted the importance of effective knowledge management and leadership in community development.
Throughout her academic career, she has remained active in various organizations within the College of Communication, including the Quadro Photography Club, UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR, and PUP Circle of Research Enthusiasts. These have been her support systems, together with professors and blockmates — instilling in her values and integrity that molds her becoming and reinforces her advocacy to mentorship.
Her dedication to giving back is evident in her active participation in local organizations and her continued support for younger students. This commitment stems from a desire to contribute to the organizations that have been integral to her personal and professional growth.
In the stream of knowledge, Ezekyna showed that the flow of our learning journey is guided not just by textbooks, but by the tides of the community where we belong.
From Trials to Triumphs
Strong soldiers are tested repeatedly. Before becoming the resilient woman she is today, Ezekhyna had to traverse rugged terrain to gain a clear vision of her purpose. One of the greatest challenges she and her family faced was the modernization of their small market — their primary source of income — during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city government demolished the area where their marketplace stood.
This upheaval profoundly impacted Ezekhyna, who was just beginning her college journey. She endured sleepless nights, overwhelmed by troubling thoughts about how they would meet their daily needs. Determined to contribute financially, she turned to her passion for design and began freelancing as a graphic designer.
Gradually, she leveraged her talent as a digital artist to help clients design logos, earning an income along the way. Refusing to dwell on her hardships, Ezekhyna continually found ways to overcome adversity, which became her defining strength. Once, she cried over the uncertainty of providing for her family; now, she tears up in gratitude for how far she has come.
Her story of triumph did not end there. Just this year, Ezekhyna participated in a logo-making contest at her church, the Laguna Churches of Christ Youth Fellowship, where she was honored as the champion and brought home a 3,000 pesos cash prize. Additionally, in 2021, Ezekhyna entered and won third place in QUADRO’s photography contest, submitting an entry that depicted the disheartening situation in their marketplace. Through her art, she conveyed the reality of her circumstances, earning well-deserved recognition.
Riding the Currents of Youth
Speaking from experience as a youth submerging in the depths of pressure, Ezekhyna advises “Give yourself a moment of silence” to young individuals facing similar challenges in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.
Amidst a busy schedule, time and time again, her experiences prove that it is necessary to pause and reflect. She believes that this silence allows us to steer clear of the struggles as we surrender all and achieve enlightenment. Introspection and personal reflection, accompanied by prayers and faith, can help the youth to see the next steps in their journey.
“Tayo rin pumipili ng tadhana natin, choices natin. If we are distracted sa mga bagay-bagay, huminto ka muna. Pagnilayan mo muna ang mga bagay na gagawin mo after this. Hindi naman masamang mag-pause at magpahinga sa (buhay).” — Ezekhyna Naval
[“We also choose our own destiny, our own choices. If we are distracted by various things, pause for a moment. Reflect first on the things you will do after this. It’s not bad to pause and rest in (life).”]
In essence, she empowers youth through simple yet profound guidance: Rest. Explore. Be curious.
She encourages the youth to balance their drive with moments of rest, allowing themselves to take their time to step back and recharge when needed. In such a way, they can find their drive to explore their thirst for curiosity — seize every opportunity, whether it is joining organizations, participating in contests, or engaging in new experiences.
Ezekhyna empowered herself and the youth through defining progress by their own terms. As she continues her involvement initiatives, she motivates the youth to take control of their destinies, embrace change, and contribute to the greater good.
Future Ventures into the Depths of Communication Research
Ezekhyna knows that life rarely goes as planned, and from her experiences, she understands the pain of missed opportunities and unfulfilled desires. After graduating from college, she aims to pursue health-related research, like at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This is where her heart leads her, and no hurdle can hold her back anymore.
Ezekhyna’s journey mirrors the essence of research — the pursuit of understanding the reality of the world we live in. She also exemplifies the qualities of a great communication researcher. By overcoming challenges and navigating life’s unexpected turns, she discovered where she truly belongs, flourishing in it. We may not know it yet, but we all have an Ezekhyna-type of strength within us. Maybe we just haven’t discovered it yet, but may her story spark the victorious part of ourselves that is hidden within us.
