Rabiya Mateo finally puts doctor dream first after years as breadwinner

Photo from The Varsitarian

Rabiya Mateo is finally turning her attention to a long-held dream of becoming a doctor after years of prioritizing her family.

The 29-year-old beauty queen and actress said returning to school became possible after fulfilling key responsibilities as her family’s breadwinner.

“I decided to go back to my studies simply because I think I’m done with my responsibility as the breadwinner of my family,” Rabiya told UST student publication The Flame.

Photo from The Varsitarian 

She said she had already helped her brother finish school and bought a house for her mother.

“I already bought my mama a house so now I think I have all the time to focus on my goal and my dream of becoming a doctor.”

Rabiya, who graduated cum laude with a degree in Physical Therapy from Iloilo Doctors’ College in 2018, is now studying medicine at the University of Santo Tomas.

“At 29, I feel like I’m a kid fulfilling her dreams and this is an opportunity for me to have a round two for my studies and this time just like in my pre-med taking up Physical Therapy, I’m really gonna give my best.” — Jasper Valdez