Meet F/Cdt Brenna Mae Stephanie Nacional, a determined young woman whose story is filled with love, sacrifice, and triumph. Raised by her grandparents, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐕𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐫. 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐄𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, she cherished the love that enveloped her. With her mother, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, who worked abroad to provide for their family, F/Cdt Nacional learned the value of perseverance at a young age. She poured her heart into her studies, driven by the desire to make her family proud. FCDT NACIONAL excelled academically and graduated 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 with a degree in 𝐁𝐒 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬, 𝐈𝐧𝐜.
Despite already being a licensed criminologist, F/Cdt Nacional embraced a new challenge by venturing into the prestigious Philippine National Police Academy. This decision marked a bold step towards a career dedicated to upholding law and order.
She came to understand that every moment was precious, especially during plebehood, where she had to balance rigorous academics and physical training. She learned to prioritize her tasks efficiently, ensuring that no time was wasted. Whether it was studying late into the night or maximizing every opportunity for training, F/Cdt Nacional recognized that every second counted towards her success.
With each step she took in her journey, F/Cdt Nacional carried the weight of her family’s hopes and dreams on her shoulders. She was determined to break the cycle of poverty and give back to those who had supported her unconditionally. Whether it was excelling in her studies or pursuing her ambitions at the academy, F/Cdt Nacional’s motivation remained steadfast: to provide a better life for her loved ones.
Surviving academy training proved tough for F/Cdt Nacional, particularly as a woman in a predominantly male environment. Despite doubts from others, she clung to one key to survival: determination. Accepting each challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger, she pressed on with unwavering resolve. Through the toughest moments, she proved to herself and others that she could succeed. Her journey underscored the power of determination in overcoming obstacles, inspiring her to persevere no matter what.
One of the greatest challenges F/Cdt Nacional faced inside the academy was when her beloved Lolo Veding passed away. Amidst the hustle and bustle of academy life, she struggled to come to terms with her loss. Yet, as the days passed, she realized that life outside the academy would continue regardless of her grief. She knew she couldn’t afford to dwell on her sorrow if she wanted to succeed. She learned to carry the memory of her Lolo Veding with her, drawing inspiration from his resilience and love. Despite the pain of his absence, she refused to let it hold her back.
Each challenge she faced served as stepping stones towards her ultimate goal. And as she stands at the summit of her achievements, she offers a message to aspiring cadets: “Keep walking”. The road to success may be tough, but with perseverance, you can reach your dreams. Keep walking, for greatness awaits beyond the valleys of struggles.
Source: Kalasag – PNPA Corps Publications
