Dreams deferred become dreams achieved: Meet Maybelaine Hornilla
Overcoming barriers to pursue education abroad
Maybelaine Hornilla's path to NSCC wasn't a straight line, but now, she’s graduated from NSCC’s Business Administration program as Pictou Campus’s Valedictorian.
After graduating from high school in the Philippines, Maybelaine worked for two years to save money for her dream of studying in Canada. She worked tirelessly, helping manage her parents' convenience store and launching her own online clothing business by photographing and selling second-hand fashion items. "With every sale I made, I felt one step closer to my dream," Maybelaine reflects. "I wasn't just earning money; I was building my future, piece by piece."
The journey wasn't without setbacks. After being refused a study permit twice, Maybelaine began to lose hope, watching her former classmates advance in their university studies while she remained stuck. But that didn’t stop her. On her third application, she finally received approval to study in Canada, learning a valuable lesson: "Never compare your journey to others because we all have our own timing."
Academic excellence and community impact
Maybelaine has excelled in her studies at NSCC, graduating with Honours and earning the title of valedictorian for her Campus. “It feels so surreal,” she says. "Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. All the effort and dedication were worth it, and I hope my story inspires other students to keep going."
Being the recipient of multiple student awards supported and motivated Maybelaine in her journey, receiving the Make Way for Pictou Award, David Dewey Community Inspiration Award and Robert McKelvie Memorial Award. The awards allowed her to focus on her studies and remain committed to her volunteer work, to stay involved in her community rather than worrying about tuition. “I immediately shared the news with my mom and sister, who were so proud of me,” said Maybelaine, about receiving the awards. “It also inspired me to give back. While I may not be able to help others financially right now, I can contribute my time and energy.”
Maybelaine's commitment to service runs deep. Building on her extensive volunteer work in the Philippines, where she served at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Church for over six years, she continues her community involvement in Nova Scotia. She volunteers as a lector at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a cashier at the New Glasgow Farmers’ Market and assisted with the Meals-to-Go program at Pictou Campus to help students facing food insecurity. "Volunteering has always fulfilled and satisfied my heart," she explains. "By helping others, I feel connected to my community, and their joy becomes my joy too."
Building tomorrow's business leaders
NSCC's hands-on approach to learning has perfectly aligned with Maybelaine's entrepreneurial spirit. Through practical experiences like running a photobooth business for a week during Mini Ventures and organizing clothing drives for fellow students, she's developed real-world skills that complement her natural entrepreneurial spirit. Her childhood passion for selling everything from ice candy to necklaces has evolved into career-ready skills such as marketing, project management and financial analysis.
Looking ahead, Maybelaine plans to pursue a full-time marketing career while expanding her clothing business as a side venture, with aspirations to grow it into something larger in Canada. Her advice to future students is to "Trust the timing of your own life. It is never too late to start something you like."
Lastly, Maybelaine shows gratitude to those supporting students in their education, stating, “Your generosity makes a big difference in students’ lives, more than you might realize. Thank you for believing in us, supporting our dreams and helping us take a step closer to achieving them.”
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