Kenjie Miyo
Application Essay
Like a seed planted in challenging soil, growing up in a less-privileged part of Quezon City sure was a struggle. How my childhood memories were marked by the sharp scent of cigarette smoke and the discordant sounds of midnight ‘inumans’. Far from the dream I envision myself in, far from the aromatic floral gardens one might yearn for.
Yet, even in that harsh soil, I was fortunate to have two steadfast ‘gardeners’, My hardworking parents. My father was lucky enough to work abroad, and even then only made enough for our necessities, while my mother did all she could do by being a housewife, budgeting everything and nurturing her ‘plants’, her children. Due to their hard work, we finally left our home soil and transferred to a new pot, a new home.
Our period of blooming was met with unforeseen droughts, though. The pandemic suddenly arrived, on top of the heavy cost of my older brother’s college education. It’s as if the soil we were in lost its nutrients and degraded. These deep roots have anchored me in a position full of pressure, holding on tight. As I started my journey in 2020, Quezon City Science High School has demanded endurance and excellence, pushing me to bloom despite the workloads, tears, and complaints that I often voice out.
These hardships have cultivated the strength, courage, and tools I need to thrive regardless of the season, regardless of what is to come. They have shaped me into a headstrong flower, always striving for what is right for me, and always blooming in adversities.
“Malayo ka pa, pero malayo ka na” is what I always repeat to myself when I feel down, to remind myself of the aromatic floral garden dream I have for my life. Like a Dandelion that sprouts regardless of the weed allegations, to the Lotus serenely floating in muddy waters, my experiences have taught me to not only be a flower to myself, but to be a sight to behold for others, striving for what I believe in and inspiring others through the process. The opportunity presented by ANI is the sunlight, dewdrop, and fertile ground I need to further my academic journey, and to pursue my dreams.
Exit Essay – Like Flowers In Concrete Cracks
I made my application essay all about plants in harsh environments, surviving and thriving despite their circumstances. What you may not know is that I made that my topic under the guise of my identity—being trans.
I’m still not completely out to my family. It was a long and tough journey to be here right now. Growing up in a rowdy, male-dominated household in a squatter area, I taught myself to be strong. In school, I always fought for my place, my identity, and my existence. I wanted to be seen, to be heard, and to be a beacon of light to those just like me. But in a long-rooted, traditional system that imposes gendered policies, a mere student like me with no position whatsoever could not resist that. And so I waned and just abided. This deterred my fighting spirit.
When Rhycka, a fellow scholar, provided me with this opportunity, I was ecstatic, knowing that I could finally help my family relieve some of our expenses. I started writing my essay passionately, thinking that I could express myself blatantly, but I took a step back and thought about what my image would look like. “Will they accept me?” “Would this ruin my chances?” “Is it worth it to fight for your place when they might not even let you through the door?” These thoughts led me to overhaul my essay completely.
What I didn’t expect was how much ANI made me feel like a family. When our fi rst dinner was approaching, I was so anxious about what our dear sponsors were going to think of me. To my surprise, I was even awarded ‘Best Speaker’. Nobody questioned my makeup, my mannerisms, or even my unconventional way of speaking. I truly felt seen for who I was, with no fear of being judged.
And when the second dinner came, I felt even more loved. I talked to so many people and was able to show who I was even more. ANI felt like the family I’ve always longed for. Each and every sponsor shared so much wisdom with us. I didn’t feel othered nor judged. I truly felt I belonged.
ANI gave me something beyond the stipend—it gave me a place in a community I didn’t think I belonged to, like a fl ower growing in concrete cracks. It reignited my passion to always stay true to yourself no matter where you are. I am so glad I overcame my anxiety over applying, attending dinners, and joining this wonderful community. I gained new friends, amazing advice, unforgettable memories, and what I consider second parents.
Thank you so much to the ANI community. I will forever be grateful for everything I have learned and received during my short-lived time with you. Facing college will be a little bit easier because of all the support, lessons, and love I got from this experience. May the future of ANI be even brighter and even more colorful!
