Crowned by Courage: A Trans Woman’s Story of Resilience and Representation

In the corridors of Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus Campus, Niño Francis R. Bicol, also known as Francheska Rellita, has become a familiar and inspiring presence. A proud transwoman and graduating Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student, performer, leader, mentor, host, makeup artist, and academic achiever, she stands today not only as a candidate for graduation but as a symbol of resilience and representation.

Her journey, as she describes it, “was never a walk in the park.” There were moments when she questioned her path, whether teaching English was truly her calling, whether she belonged, and whether the campus was really her home. “Yet here I am,” she reflects, “standing at the peak, about to close this chapter.” Along the way, she discovered that unfamiliar paths often lead to the most meaningful growth, a lesson she now carries with pride and gratitude.

As a trans woman, her identity has profoundly shaped her experiences in school and beyond. Daily life came with challenges, misunderstandings, judgments, and moments of doubt. At times, these were overwhelming. But instead of allowing them to define her negatively, she transformed them into fuel for reflection and strength. “They shaped me into someone who reflects deeply and responds with strength,” she shares. Through adversity, she developed resilience and a deeper understanding of herself.

Her personal trials were compounded by family struggles. In 2020, she lost her father, a turning point that affected her emotionally and financially. Coming from a family that was not well-off, she realized she had to become self-reliant to finish her studies. The loss forced her to grow up quickly and shoulder responsibility. Rather than giving in to hardship, she chose to persevere. That painful chapter strengthened her independence and determination to succeed.

To make ends meet, she embraced every opportunity available. In her first year, she ventured into pageantry and was blessed to win multiple crowns, using her prizes to support her education. She hosted school and community events, bringing confidence and charisma to every stage she stepped on. She worked as a hair and makeup artist for students and teachers and even served as a judge in pageants. Each sideline was more than a source of income; it was a platform for growth. Balancing academics with multiple responsibilities was demanding, but it honed her resilience, confidence, and gratitude.

Beyond the spotlight, her leadership flourished in academic and cultural organizations. She became an active member of the Sundayag Theater Arts Group, eventually serving as its President. Within the English Circle, she rose from Public Information Officer to Vice President and ultimately President. This year, she also leads as President of the Cultural Performing Arts Guild. Her passion for the arts translated into competitive success; her team placed second in the Short and Sweet Play during the PASUC Regional Culture and the Arts Festival in 2023, held at Visayas State University, and in 2025, her team secured first place in Radio Drama at the PASUC Regional Culture and the Arts Festival. This year, she is one of the delegates from Southern Leyte State University who will represent the university at the PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF) in Iloilo City, carrying with her not only talent but the pride of her community.

Her involvement in radio drama extends beyond competition. She has mentored radio broadcasting students, guiding them through scripts, voice work, and performance techniques. For her, mentoring is not just about sharing knowledge; it is about listening and learning in return. “Growth is a continuous exchange,” she says, a philosophy that has shaped her as both a leader and a future educator.

During her teaching internship, she served as one of the academic leaders, a role that required balancing instructional duties with organizational responsibilities. The experience taught her discipline and accountability. “I realized that I am not perfect, but I am always open to correction and growth,” she explains. That openness to learning has become one of her defining strengths.

Her journey has not been free from discrimination. She has encountered moments when people judged her identity rather than her abilities. Instead of responding with anger, she chose education and quiet perseverance. By living her values and demonstrating competence, she challenges stereotypes and opens spaces for understanding. She believes that awareness and compassion can slowly transform perspectives.

What keeps her moving forward is a combination of family love and self-motivation. While her family remains her core source of strength, she has also learned the importance of choosing herself. Acknowledging her struggles and practicing self-care, she believes, is not selfish but necessary for growth. “By choosing myself,” she says, “I become stronger for both my family and my dreams.”

As she prepares to enter the teaching profession, her vision is clear. She aspires to be a teacher who inspires hope and embodies inclusivity. She wants her students to see in her not just an English teacher, but a living testament to resilience, courage, and authenticity. In her classroom, every learner will feel seen and accepted. She aims to teach not only grammar and literature but also values that empower students to rise above their own challenges.

To students who are struggling, especially those who see themselves in her story, she offers a message of encouragement: challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. No matter how heavy life feels, everything will pass. Stay optimistic. Keep moving forward. And instead of saying goodbye, she leaves them with a simple but powerful reminder: “Always remember to look at the bright side.”

Crowned by courage and driven by purpose, she steps into the future not just as a graduate but as a beacon of hope for the many lives she is destined to touch.