Michelle Angelica V. Reyes | 4th Year BS IT Student
At the start, she felt out of place. Without a background in ICT and not seeing herself as "techy," she questioned whether she had made the right choice. But as she moved forward, her perspective began to shift. Michelle discovered that technology was more than just coding; it was a space where creativity, problem-solving, and innovation could thrive. It was in UI/UX design that she found her niche, where she could merge her artistic instincts with technical skills and finally feel at home.
Rising Above Self-Doubt
Michelle's journey was not without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles she faced was self-doubt. There were moments when she believed she might not make it through the program at all. Surrounded by peers who seemed more experienced and passionate about programming, she often felt like she was falling behind.
Understanding complex lessons, managing academic responsibilities, and balancing organizational commitments with personal life added to the pressure. Yet, instead of giving up, Michelle chose to persevere. She learned to ask for help, to lean on others, and to continuously remind herself of the reason she started.
Redefining Success
Through competitions, leadership roles, and new experiences, Michelle gradually built her confidence. But for her, the true measure of success goes beyond awards and recognition. One of her proudest achievements is simply making it this far, becoming a 4th year IT student despite all the doubts she once carried. It is a quiet but powerful victory that reflects her resilience and growth.
Another turning point in her journey was joining hackathons. Initially intimidated, Michelle believed these events were only for highly skilled programmers. However, when she finally took the risk, she discovered that hackathons were not just about coding, they were about ideas, collaboration, and problem-solving. Through these experiences, she developed her pitching skills and gained the confidence to share her knowledge. Recently, she was given the opportunity to speak and inspire members of her organization by sharing her journey and insights on hackathon pitching, transforming from a hesitant beginner into a voice of inspiration for others.
A Voice of Encouragement
Michelle's story is not just about personal growth, it is also about empowering others who may feel lost or uncertain in their own journeys. She believes that no one needs to have everything figured out from the start. In a field as vast as technology, there is always space to explore and discover one's strengths. For Michelle, growth came from stepping outside her comfort zone, joining competitions, trying new experiences, and embracing challenges.
She also emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system. The encouragement and presence of friends played a vital role in helping her push beyond her limits and continue moving forward. Above all, Michelle carries a message grounded in faith, resilience, and self-belief: Trust God, trust yourself, and work smart. You'll get through it.
Shaping the Future
Michelle represents a new generation of women in tech, individuals who may not start with certainty, but who grow through courage, persistence, and openness to learning.
Her journey is a reminder that success in technology is not defined by where you begin, but by how willing you are to continue. Through her experiences, she is not only shaping her own future but also inspiring others to believe that they, too, have a place in tech.
Achievements
Michelle Angelica V. Reyes
- Champion, DOST Myth Smashers Nuclear Science Competition
- Champion, Sta. Rosa Ignite Hackathon 2025 (Government-Organized)
- Champion, FEU Create and Conquer Hackathon 2025
- 3rd Place, 5th PUP Research Pitching Competition
- Breaking Enigma 2025 National Hackathon (DTI-NDC), Sustainability Track
- TOP 10 Finalist - Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas YFI Hackathon