LOOK: Alexa Ilacad graduates from high school

High school is tough enough on its own — and actress Alexa Ilacad knows how doubly hard it is to finish one’s studies when showbiz commitments get thrown into the mix.

Ilacad proudly announced on Instagram that she has finished senior high school, then opened up about the hardships she faced.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BitiET_BkLp/?taken-by=alexailacad

“During my senior high journey, there were so many nights when I wanted to go crazy and give up. I’d come home drained from taping at 5 a.m. then head to class at 9 a.m. with my hair still curled, looking like a zombie and ending up frustrated because my brain couldn’t absorb anything even though I tried my hardest,” she revealed.

The stress of work and school took its toll on her physically, mentally and emotionally, that she would be in tears: “I felt like such a failure and disappointment because I wasn’t able to reach the standards I set for myself at the beginning of senior high. I started getting so stressed over the smallest tasks because I felt so dumb.”

“I’d come to school to take four exams (which I only reviewed for the night before) all in one day then rush to an event after,” said Ilacad, who added that more often than not, she had to miss school because of her hectic schedule.

Ilacad has grown up onscreen, rising to fame through the kiddie gag show “Goin Bulilit”. As a teen, she starred in the sitcom “Luv U” and joined “The Good Son” in 2017, which means that taping schedules have been nonstop for her.

Her story thankfully has a happy ending: “I proudly graduated senior high school at Treston International College, completing all my requirements, and passing them all with flying colors.”

She thanked her supportive parents “who never pressured me about grades,” teachers, school administrators, classmates and her dog Blush “who is the absolute best stress reliever.”

Her mom Dina shared that she too learned from the difficult process: “I used to say follow your passion, whether it be singing, acting or vlogging. But now, we both learned that following your passion is not the key to real success & happiness.”

Image: Instagram/@alexailacad

“Because whatever it is you dream to be, it’s God’s purpose that will prevail,” she said.

The proud mom reassured her daughter that she did well to persevere. She wrote, “You have always been a responsible and determined student who knows her priorities. I admire you for being strong and not letting distractions get in the way.”

“This is the best Mother’s Day gift,” the proud mom said. JB

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