Can you tell me your full name and when/where you were born?
My name is Anaflor Catayas Pagpaguitan. I was born on October 27, 2002, in Osoa, San Juan,
Southern Leyte.
Do you know any story behind your name?
Yes, there is a story behind my name. My grandmother’s name is Flora, which is why my name
ends with Flor. Many of my aunts also have Flor in their names, such as Florita and Florencia. I
believe it is a way of continuing a family tradition and honoring the women on my mother’s
side. It makes me feel connected to my family’s roots, and I am proud to carry that part of our
identity.
Can you describe your childhood?
My childhood was simple and meaningful. There were times when we faced challenges, and
there were moments when I felt different from others. However, as I look back now, I realize
that those experiences helped shape me into the person I am today. I may have overthought
things before, but I learned to appreciate the small joys in life and to face difficulties with
understanding and strength.
What was your family like growing up?
I grew up in a supportive and loving family. My parents always made sure that we had what we
needed, especially in terms of our essentials and education. Even if we did not have everything
we wanted, we always had enough. They guided us to become respectful, responsible, and
morally upright individuals. Their values and teachings have helped shape our character as we
grew older.
Who influenced you the most in your early life?
The people who influenced me the most were my grandparents. I spent most of my childhood
with them, and they taught me the importance of discipline, responsibility, and respect. Our
Nanay was strict but very loving, and she made sure we learned essential life skills that
prepared us for the future. I am truly grateful for the way they raised me because their lessons
helped me understand the real meaning of care, patience, and hard work.
Education
Where did you go to school?
During my elementary years, I studied at San Juan Central Elementary School, where I
graduated with honors and belonged to the homogeneous class. In high school, I was again
placed in a homogeneous class under the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) program
at San Juan National High School. I continued my senior high school journey in the same
institution, taking the STEM strand, which aligned well with my interests and specialization.
Because of my academic performance, I was granted a CHED Full Merit Scholarship, which
greatly helped me throughout college. I completed my higher education at Southern Leyte
State University – San Juan Campus, earning a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education,
Major in General Science as a Full Merit CHED Scholar.
What was your favorite subject and why?
My favorite subject has always been Science. I find it fascinating because it goes beyond what
we simply see or hear. Science encourages us to search for evidence, to understand the “why”
and “how” behind everything, and to think critically about the world around us. It is not only a
subject of facts but also a way of discovering truth through curiosity and observation.
Did you have a favorite teacher who inspired you?
I do not consider having one favorite teacher because I believe that all teachers have their own
strengths and weaknesses. Each of them contributes something unique to their students’
learning. I truly admire how dedicated teachers are to their work — how they impart
knowledge, inspire growth, and shape the minds of the young. Their collective passion for
teaching is what truly inspires me.
What challenges did you face in your studies?
One of the challenges I faced was laziness and distraction, especially due to digital devices and
social media. Like many young people, I sometimes found it hard to stay focused. However, I
learned the importance of discipline and perseverance. During my internship as a student-
teacher, I realized that the topics I used to fear or dislike eventually became my favorites. This
happened because I faced them, studied them deeply, and conquered my doubts. In learning,
nothing is truly lost; every challenge becomes a valuable lesson and a treasure that stays with us
forever.
Career / Achievements
What was your first job?
For now, I am a fresh graduate, so I do not yet have a regular job. However, I currently work as a
part-time tutor in my local area. This experience allows me to apply what I have learned in
college, especially in teaching and guiding students to understand their lessons better.
What made you choose your career path?
Honestly, my first dream was to become a nurse. However, life led me to the path of teaching,
and I have come to believe that it was not just a coincidence but a calling. Over time, I realized
that teaching is a noble profession that allows me to touch lives and make a difference. Maybe I
was truly destined to become a teacher, and I have learned to embrace it wholeheartedly.
What do you consider your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far is graduating as a Full Merit CHED Scholar. I received almost
₱80,000 worth of scholarship benefits each semester, which covered my studies and motivated
me to excel academically. I also graduated with honors and earned several medals in recognition
of my hard work and dedication. For some, grades may just be numbers, but for me, they
represent the fruit of effort, sacrifice, and sleepless nights spent studying to pass exams and
meet expectations. Those achievements remind me that perseverance always pays off.
Did you have any struggles before reaching success?
I cannot say that I am already successful since I am still at the beginning of my professional
journey. However, I believe that no success comes without challenges. Life is full of risks, and
every step is a gamble — sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. What matters is the
courage to try, because you will never know the outcome unless you take the risk. Every
difficulty I faced has taught me resilience, patience, and faith in myself.
Personal Life
What hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I consider myself a simple and home-loving person. One of my greatest passions is drawing and
art. Art has been a part of my life since I was young. Whenever I create something, it helps me
relax and express my emotions. It allows me to show what I feel inside and serves as my form of
self-expression.
What values are most important to you?
The values that matter most to me are kindness, respect, humility, and good character. I believe
that it does not matter how professional or accomplished a person is if these values are not
present. Being kind and respectful reflects the true essence of one’s personality and humanity.
Who are the people closest to you?
The people closest to me are my family and a small circle of true friends. I do not have a large
group of friends because I value sincerity more than quantity. As I grow older, I have realized
that adulthood is not about how many people you know but how many of them are genuine. I
am thankful for the few real friends I have who accept and support me for who I am.
What role do family and friends play in your life?
My family and friends play a very important role in my life. They are my source of strength,
comfort, and inspiration. My life revolves around them because they have shaped me into the
person I am today. I prefer spending time with them rather than being with people I barely
know. I may be quiet at times, but I value meaningful relationships deeply. I believe that who we
are today is influenced by the people we grow up with and the environment we are exposed to.
Life Challenges
What was the hardest experience you have faced?
For me, one of the hardest experiences I have faced is maintaining my mental stability.
Sometimes, the biggest challenge does not come from other people but from within ourselves.
Dealing with self-doubt, overthinking, and feelings of regret can be very difficult. I learned that
appreciating myself and acknowledging my worth are very important steps toward healing and
peace of mind.
How did you overcome it?
I overcame it by choosing to trust God and allowing Him to guide me on the right path. I learned
to let go of things I could not control and to trust the process of life. I also reminded myself to
avoid overthinking and to stay positive no matter what happens. Taking risks and facing
challenges helped me grow. Even when I failed, I chose to see every experience as a lesson that
made me stronger and wiser.
What lessons did you learn from those struggles?
From those struggles, I learned to be more resilient, strong, and understanding. I realized that
making mistakes is not something to be afraid of because they are part of the journey toward
success. Fear is normal, but giving up should never be an option. Every mistake is a stepping
stone that leads to growth and achievement. I learned that failures do not define us; instead,
they prepare us to become better and more determined individuals in reaching our dreams.