Ysabel Ortega, who juggled college and acting, shares lesson from 2021: ‘Remind yourself it will be worth it in the end’

Ysabel Ortega, who graduated with a political economy degree while pursuing acting, has shared an important lesson she learned in 2021.

In a media interview on Friday, the "Voltes V: Legacy" star said it's important for people to focus on their goals and not give up.

"If everything seems so overwhelming, it's good to remind yourself that it will be worth it in the end," Ysabel said.

According to the actress, even before the pandemic hit the country, she was going to face-to-face classes regularly on top of her taping schedule.

"It was a really big juggle and a big struggle to balance everything. There were times when I wanted to stop school for a while, or just focus on school only or work alone, and it was always a question of, 'can I do this?'" Ysabel said in Filipino.

"Thankfully, I was able to finish my college degree and I was able to graduate last year. It was a fulfilling part, milestone of my life. Not only did I graduate but that was a big representation of my hard work, of all the time and effort I put in for my two passions in life: studies and acting."

The actress said looking back at what she was able to overcome was a good reminder when things got difficult.

"When things get hard for me, when I get overwhelmed, I'm going to think to myself that if I was able to overcome that, then I'll be able to overcome this. I went through so much worse in the past and I was able to get through it," she said.

"I'll bring that with me this 2022, to not give up and stay focused. If you stay focused and determined, you'll reach your goal."

After four years, Ysabel graduated from University of Asia and the Pacific with a bachelor's degree in August. – RC, GMA News