Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
SM Group's commitment to serving and empowering its youth through education remains unwavering. Through its social good arm, SM Foundation (SMFI), they have been helping aspiring students achieve their dreams by providing them access to higher education.
In an exclusive interview with The Manila Times, the new breed of SMFI scholars – John Misael Bacaron, Jhoanna Dungca, and Cheryl Timbancaya Villamor. They shared how SMFI college scholarships opened limitless possibilities in various facets of their lives – from family and personal development to career.
Hope for a change
One of the things that pushed Bacaron through life was education. He has always known that the platform, skills, and expertise that he will gain in college would boost his future and unlock the change he long hoped for in his family.
When he learned that he passed the SM Scholarship, he knew that his dreams had now taken flight amidst his initial financial worries: "I may have stopped and left my dream of enhancing my knowledge as a programmer, but they gave me a chance. The SM college scholarship showed me that financial problems cannot hold me back from my goals and dreams as a college student. I have learned that there are no boundaries that will stop us if we are willing to take the risk and become hard-working."
He remains optimistic that these skills will help him navigate his journey in college: "I will continue to focus on the good things today and the opportunities of tomorrow. I'll pursue my dreams even in the face of challenges because there is always a way to success. Lastly, I will always look back at how I managed to be here. I'll remind myself that success is progress and it takes time."
Sharing the grit of Bacaron is fellow scholar Dungca. Her mother works as a palamig vendor while his father is an electrician. Despite this, the family's hard-earned money was barely enough for daily essentials.
As a dreamer, this didn't stop Jhoanna from finding a way to break the shackles weighing down her family. It only made her want to chase her aspirations in life whenever she felt a pang of happiness, especially when seeing the precise 2D and 3D drawings of his uncle, who's an engineer.
"I saw a lot of students who are their scholars and because of SM Foundation's help, their lives have changed, allowing them to reach their dreams," she shared.
She applied for the SM scholarship, knowing the benefits and opportunities it offers, such as enjoying the full tuition and getting a part-time job during academic breaks, would be a big help.
"Because of this, we don't need to worry about where to get my tuition payment for college as it will be provided by SM. All I need to do is study hard so I can uplift my family and give back to others," she noted.
Now that limitless possibilities are within her midst, Dungca advised young students like her to believe in their capabilities, "You must believe that you can do it; you will get what you desire if you persevere. "
Reaching for highest aspirations
Once walking the path of Bacaron and Dungca is SMFI scholar alumna Villamor.
Villamor recently finished a degree in education and is reviewing for the licensure examination for teachers. While it has been years since she first became a scholar, her memories remain vivid.
In school, she was dubbed "Ms. Trying Hard," for trying anything and everything that would serve as her stepping stone to honing her abilities and helping her family.
"Despite the challenges, I pushed myself to get higher grades. I never gave up. I participated in various competitions to enhance my skills. I applied for the SM college scholarships that will assist me in my studies until I graduate. I capitalized on being known as the "Ms. Trying Hard." I persevered, time and time again," Villamor recalled, saying that she banked off this instead of seeing it as an insult.
Proud of her journey as an SM scholar, she recalled: "SMFI went beyond the financial support and providing tools, such as the tablet given for online learning during the pandemic. Through the SM College Scholarship program, I also gained friends and mentors who helped me to be more motivated to study well and be strong despite the challenges of life."
This further fueled her dream of becoming a teacher as it helped her see that everyone can learn, they just need the right teacher who will be there for them – to love and motivate them.
To break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, Villamor studied hard as she saw the importance of education. To further develop her skills and provide for her family, she worked in between her studies and got hosting, writing, and tutorial part-time jobs.
"But I know that hard work is not the only solution, but I try my best to think progressively and learn things that will meet the demand of the current market," she added.
Given the chance to speak to her fellow scholars: "Always remember the "Bakit" (Why); do not allow setbacks and failures to hinder your progress toward achieving your goals – just keep going. Our potential for achievement knows no bounds. We can reach our dreams if we work hard. We need to explore new possibilities, push our boundaries, and reach for our highest aspirations."
Just like Tatang, she hopes to have a scholar even if it's just one student. "It is important to me to give back to those who have assisted me in my educational journey by providing the same opportunity to someone else."
September 2 at 2 p.m. is the scheduled live stream of the awarding ceremony for the SM college scholarship. This year's theme, "Limitless," is a fitting symbol for the immense potential these new SMFI scholars possess as they embark on their academic journeys.
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