Even as star libero for both Chery Tiggo and Alas Pilipinas, Jen Nierva had to endure harsh thoughts and adversity, including almost quitting volleyball.
There will be moments in our lives when we feel like giving up on our passion is the easiest way out.
It's natural to sometimes feel down, as even Alas Pilipinas and Chery Tiggo star libero Jennifer Nierva has once considered quitting.
In her mini-vlog on TikTok, she reflected on the moments when she nearly walked away from volleyball, especially during the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament with the NU Lady Bulldogs.
“Before I posted my video during practice, because I started filming myself just to see my movements [and] the things that I needed to improve on or work on, I just wanted to share with you guys ‘yong na-feel ko while editing the video. I got so emotional. Because I remembered the lowest point of my career back in [UAAP] Season 85,” Jen narrated.
The former Lady Bulldog had to rise above the storm of bashing from people on social media, and even from the people whom she trusted during that trying season of her life.
“I thought I'd only receive serves from the opponents, but I also received so much hate and bashing from social media, people I don’t know, and people that don’t know me personally, and of course, ‘yong pinakamasakit, there are also people that I know, I love, and care about that also bashed me,” she said.
She recalled a painful memory from her volleyball career when her family had to leave the arena because they could no longer contain the hurtful words the bashers had thrown at Jen.
“That [bashing] has also affected my family and my relationship with my family. There’s one game, the championship against La Salle, and my parents heard a lot of negative comments about me. So they couldn’t handle that, so they left the game. That made me feel so sad. Naisip ko na parang, ayoko nang maglaro, ganun,” she added.
But when the brightest star is almost dimmed, it can and will find the strength to shine brighter than ever.
From thoughts of quitting, Jen turned her doubts and fears into a journey of resilience and triumph.
“Naisip ko na hindi ko hahayaang ‘yong mga taong ‘yon na nang-down sa akin, na nang-bash sa akin, pigilan ako sa pangarap ko at sa career ko,” boldly told Jen.
The 24-year-old Nierva turned adversity into fuel for inspiration. After her relentless dedication and practice, she rose to greatness and became a key player for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, and now, with the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup bronze medalist, Alas Pilipinas.
“Akala ko hindi na ako makakabangon pero pagkatayo ko, tinodo ko talaga ‘day. Ginawa ko silang lahat [bashers] na inspirasyon,” she stated.
And for those who have been going through the same situation as she did before, Jen left a heartwarming message.
“If may pinagdadaanan ka, maniwala ka sa’kin, be there. Lilipas din ang lahat; magiging okay din ang lahat. Basta ‘wag kang titigil, magdasal ka palagi kasi ‘yon din talaga ‘yong nakatulong sa’kin no’ng time na ‘yon na hirap na hirap ako."
"By the time na okay na ang lahat, masaya ka na ulit, do’n mo mare-realize kung bakit nangyari ‘yong lahat ng ‘yon. Na may purpose talaga kung bakit kailangan muna nating maghirap, bakit kailangan muna nating pagdaanan lahat ng ‘yon, lahat ng sakit, because God is preparing us for something better and something greater,” Jen declared.
Jen is included in the 17-woman stacked lineup of Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming 2024 FIVB Women's Challenger Cup on July 4–7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
We’re proud of your growth, Jen!
Watch the full videos here: