JILLIAN WARD is truly a good role model for young people, whether in showbiz or out of showbiz.
She just graduated from senior high school at Homeschool of Asia Pacific, an affiliate of Sanston Academy based in Texas, USA.
And not only that, she finished high school with highest honors at that.
“All the hard work paid off,” she said. “Lahat ng puyat at pagod sa magdamagang tapings, tapos, studies pa, I’m glad with the Lord’s help and guidance, nagbunga naman nang maayos.
"I’d like to quote a line from a popular Japanese anime, ‘Full Metal Alchemist’. AA lesson without pain is meaningless.
"That’s because no one can gain without sacrificing something—but by enduring that pain and overcoming it, you shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart.’
"In my experience, napatunayan kong this is so true. If you want to achieve something, kailangang pagsikapan mo, paghirapan mo talaga. Salamat kay Lord sa lahat ng tulong Niya sa naging struggles ko.”
Jillian also triumphed in the recent GMA Gala 2023. She took home two awards no less: the Premier Star of the Night award and The Sparkling Smile of the Night award.
“Sobrang symbolic nga po e,” she adds. “Nagka-award ako sa GMA Gala na hindi ko ine-expect, tapos graduation ko pa.
"So I really feel super blessed kasi na-balance ko din po ‘yung school and ‘yung work.”
Jillian has a meaningful message to all working students like her.
“Basta fight, fight, fight lang ng fight po tayo and lagi n’yo lang ilagay sa isip nyo kung ano ba ‘yung nagbibigay sa inyo ng drive, ng inspiration to go on.
"Kung minsan pagod na kayo or tinatamad na kayo, tandaan n’yo lang kung ano ‘yung nagpapa-inspire sa inyo.
"Kasi ako, ang nagpapa-inspire sa akin sina mama at papa ko, so lagi kong ginagalingan talaga sa work and pati na rin sa studies ko, tuloy sikap lang, para naman maabot ko lahat ‘yung mga pangarap ko.”
Incidentally, Jillian’s blockbuster afternoon show, “Abot Kamay na Pangarap”, continues to garner astronomical ratings in GMA’s Afternoon Prime. It’s so successful that it’s been extended a lot of times.
It started airing in September last year, so this coming September, it will be celebrating its first anniversary on the air. Viewers just cannot get enough in following the joys and pain and trials that Jillian as Analyn and her mom, Carmina Villaroel as Lyneth, are experiencing every afternoon.
“Sobrang nagpapasalamat po kaming lahat sa show, including our director, L.A. Madridejos for the warm support of our loyal viewers who continue to watch ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap’.
"So tutok lang po kayo sa showe every afternoon dahil marami pang mga pasabog na mangyayari in each episode sa darating na mga linggo.”
So what does she intend to do now that she has finished high school? Will she go on to college?
“Yes, balak ko po sana, maging kagaya ng character ko sa ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap’, si Analyn, who is a young doctor.
"Pero mahirap yatang bunuin yun kasi nine years siya at hindi puedeng online lang.
"So kung hindi puede, baka I might take up a business course. Bahala na po si Lord kung saan Niya ako dadalhin. I trust Him completely.”
