Bone deformity no deterrent to Tarlac accounting graduate

Norynne Shane Yiu, 20, finished Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology. She was among the 707 graduates during the 30th Commencement Exercises of Tarlac State University. (Photo by Maria Adelaida Calayag)

TARLAC CITY — Norynne Shane Yiu, 20, did not let her condition become a hindrance to reach for her dreams.

Yiu has achondroplasia or a bone growth disorder, which she said caused her to be bullied while in college.

But on Friday, the accounting technology student of Tarlac State University received her college diploma during the school’s 30th Commencement Exercises.

With her height of 3 feet 10 inches, she said she would often receive “hurtful comments” from people around her but she had learned to ignore these.

Yiu joined 706 other students during the graduation rites.

Norynne Shane Yiu, 20, receives her diploma during the graduation rites of Tarlac State University on Friday. (Photo by Ma. Teresa Madriaga)

She also encouraged people with a similar condition to “shrug off negative thoughts.”

“Wag nilang isipin na maliit sila, na may pagkukulang sa kanila, go lang sa buhay. Huwag indahin yung sinasabi ng iba…,” Yiu told the Inquirer.

(They should not think that they are small, that they are lacking in anything. Just go on with their lives. Don’t mind what others are saying …)

She plans to pursue post-graduate studies and take the licensure examination for accounting technician graduates. /lzb