Gian Francis Linga
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom
This quote reminds me that worrying about the future does not solve problems; it only weakens the present.
Life is full of challenges, and I learned early on that focusing on what I can do today is the key to overcoming tomorrow.
When I entered Kisay, I quickly realized it was no easy journey. Stress, anxiety, and heavy workloads were constant companions.. but the financial burden my family carried added another layer of challenge.
I remember a science project where I had to create a diorama to explain the carbon cycle. At the same time, my MAPEH teacher asked us to create a decorative base, and other subjects required additional materials. Suddenly, budgeting wasn’t just a skill.. it was a necessity.
At 14, I learned to manage money carefully. I survived three years of school expenses on a tight budget, even sometimes skipping lunch to make ends meet. Living on 75 pesos a day for meals was tough, and having three full meals was only a dream. Yet, this experience taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of planning ahead lessons that go beyond the classroom.
These challenges were my Goliaths. But they did not stop me from dreaming of becoming a business manager or an astronaut. I realized that, like stars that can only be seen in darkness, our greatest goals often require us to go through hardships first.
I believe that with perseverance, hard work, and courage, I can achieve my dreams. Every obstacle I’ve faced has prepared me to seize the opportunities ahead. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also bring me closer to turning my dreams into reality, allowing me to give back to my family and community.
Receiving the Ani Scholarship Program would be a turning point in my journey. It would not only ease the financial burden that my family has carried for years but also allow me to focus more on my studies without the constant worry of daily expenses. With this support, I would no longer have to sacrifice basic needs, like meals, just to meet academic requirements. Instead, I could invest my full energy into learning, growing, and striving for excellence.
The scholarship would also empower me to pursue my dreams with greater confidence. Whether I choose the path of a business manager or an astronaut, having access to quality education and resources is essential. It would serve as a bridge between my current struggles and my future aspirations, giving me the opportunity to develop my skills and unlock my full potential.
More importantly, this scholarship would not only benefit me but also my family and community. It would inspire me to give back, to uplift others facing similar challenges, and to prove that perseverance, when supported by opportunity, can lead to meaningful success.
That is why I am thankful for this opportunity that has given to me, and I hope that it would also help other people like me who struggle daily basic needs.
