Application Essay

When I was in 2nd grade, buying candies as most kids do, I came across the biggest tarpaulin posted on our school gate. Written on it was “Congratulations to all passers of the entrance exam in Quezon City Science High School!” with pictures of my senior schoolmates below. Looking back, I was amazed and inspired to be like them and promised myself to be like them. Little Elsiah dreamed of becoming a “Scientian”, and making her family proud. Little did she know, her dream school would shape her not just as a student, but also as a better individual.

At a young age, I learned to dream big for myself. I never felt happier when I got high marks and joined various competitions- all in pursuit of my dream school. When the time came, I did my best during the entrance exam and interview. When I passed, I thought that was where my restlessness would end. Entering QCSHS, I felt at ease and happy, knowing I had achieved my dream- until reality hit me. Waking up before five in the morning, racing against other commuters so I wouldn’t be late, and handling school requirements waiting for me was overwhelming. It was an endless cycle and it became tiring. There were days that I felt like giving up and as I kept asking myself, “What’s the purpose of all this?.” But then I would always remember my mother, who is my biggest motivation.

When I was just six-months old, my father left us. Since then, my mother raised me on her own. She worked hard to provide the best for me, both financially and emotionally. That’s why every time I struggle, I reflect on what I’m going through. It’s nothing compared to what my mother has endured for me. Everyday I’m grateful that my mom always has my back, and to return her sacrifices, I will achieve my dream. As she always tells me, “Your dream is my dream.” And if I give up now, I would be breaking that promise, not just to her, but also for myself. That’s why I need to keep going. I will dream big, for me and my family. I will take every opportunity that I encounter. And if I was given an opportunity like ANI, I will proudly show them my dedication and hardwork.

I believe ANI can help turn my dreams into reality. ANI will not just assist me, but moreover, it will lessen the burden on my mother’s shoulders. With all this support, I will be able to push myself harder to become the person I aspire to be. Dreaming big is not enough unless you do something about it. This path may be difficult, but it brings me closer to the future I’ve always wanted. I dedicate all my efforts to my mother, who loves and supports me endlessly, and to the little girl who once stood in front of her school gate, dreaming of becoming part of QCSHS.

Exit Essay – Dear Titos and Titas

Please bear with me, Titos and Titas! I’m not great at writing letters, but I’m doing my best to make this one special, as I share what’s in my heart.

I would like to start my letter by thanking Tita Tere, Tito Dodo, and Tito Phil for allowing me to be part of this community. Through ANI, I haven’t just found three amazing sponsors but also a second Titos and Titas! Your words of encouragement and advice helped me in so many ways, especially as I prepare to face the realities of college life this year.

Don’t worry, Titos and Titas, I promise my studies will always be my top priority, and I’ll pass my requirements on time, and reply to every important message, just as you always say! I will truly miss our dinners together. I look forward to the day we can all gather again with the other alumni and scholars.

I also want to thank Rhycka for introducing me to this scholarship. It means so much that she saw my potential through my academic performance and believed in my strengths enough to refer me. Her helping hand has made a world of difference – with this opportunity, I’ve been able to help my mother by easing the weight of our financial struggles.

After six years, I finally made it!

Back in 6th grade, I saw myself as part of this school of Kisay. I already claimed myself as a Scientian in my mind before I arrived. But I never anticipated that the intensity of reality would be on such a different level. Standing with almost 300 minds is truly humbling. It taught me that the lesson here isn’t just about the textbook, it’s about discovering how much room I have to grow as a person.

Kisay became my second home throughout high school. I found my people who can understand and share their struggles and joys with me. It’s hard to imagine not being a Scientian anymore. I will deeply miss my friends, my teachers, and the unique vibes of this school. I am forever grateful for every memory, both the triumphs and the hardships, because they made me exactly who I am today.

To Titos and Titas, I am grateful to ANI! It made my Scientian journey truly memorable. It was never just about the 1,500-peso monthly stipend; it was about the life lessons I’ve gained and the mindset of seizing every opportunity to reach my goals.

Today, I leave Kisay not just with a diploma, but with honors and the Work Immersion Award in hand. Securing a partial scholarship to UE Caloocan. I am more determined than ever, and I promise to keep striving.

To my 2nd-grade self, we did it! From dreaming about Kisay to graduating with honors! Take a moment to be proud of how far we’ve climbed, then get ready, because we’re just getting started. The world is even bigger than we imagined.

I leave this second home as a better version of the person who entered it, humbled, honored, and hopeful. I will always carry the Scientian name with pride as I step into my future.

To thee we pledged our loyal heart and soul.

Elsiah Habungan, signing off.

Sincerely,
Elsiah

Application Essay – Crescendoing Potential

“Every song, just like every person, has a story.” This quote by Chris Fabry resonates deeply with me. The fact that every person’s story is sort of like a musical composition is wonderful to me because it means that one person may have a pop song as their song, while another may have jazz. Mine, however, is a symphony, specifically, Guillermo Tell. This piece represents my fast, but careful approach to anything I do–and in my symphony, it’s about to reach its crescendo.

I’m Allan Jurelle R. Saldua, but everyone calls me ‘Arelle’. I am an avid music lover with the confidence to host even school-wide events, while remaining kind, gentle, and lively to everyone who crosses my path. I am like an unfinished composition, waiting for my potential to be fully realized, and I believe my potential lies in becoming a pediatrician, my dream. Why a pediatrician? I aspire to pursue a profession that can provide me with the knowledge and experience because I plan on becoming a loving father for my future children. With such, I’ll be able to help parents address their children’s medical needs while also helping them understand and manage their behavior. To achieve this dream, however, my goal is to either get into a pre-med course (preferably nursing), or ideally, get into any accelerated program, either UP’s Intarmed, PLM’s EMed, or UST’s LeapMed.

However, becoming a pediatrician isn’t easy, especially financially. My family will need to spend a lot of money to afford the materials and equipment, while being frugal with daily necessities. It’s the harsh reality of not having the resources to achieve a dream. This situation reminds me of the dissonances in music that keep me on the edge of my seat. With that said, this is where ANI comes in.

If I were to receive this scholarship, not only would it help us financially, but it would also help us mentally. We worry about finances, and although our parents always tell us not to worry about those sorts of things, I still do, because we’re all in it together. Just as instruments crescendo into forte, ANI will let my symphony reach its climax, transforming my passion for caring into a purpose that resounds in the lives of the children and families I hope to serve.

Exit Essay – The Mind, a Fire to be Kindled

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled,” and our education is our journey to hone that flame and pass it on to others. For some, they aspire to be public figures that can change the world—for others, they guide the next generation, lighting a fire in their hearts. As for me, I am striving to become a doctor—a doctor that relights people’s flames when even they think theirs will fizzle out. One step that I have to take to achieve my goal is to study well. As luck may have it, I got the chance to study in one of the most prestigious science high schools in the Philippines–Quezon City Science High School.

From the 7th to 8th grades, every person in the world had to stay home due to a worldwide pandemic named COVID-19–a deadly virus that took the lives of millions of people–including my grandparents. I still remember suddenly waking up to my father–who was taking care of my quarantined grandfather–wailing next to his father’s lifeless body still infected with the virus, my mother crying her heart out due to not being able to talk to her father–in-law for the last time, my sister cooped up in another room mourning the death of her grandfather, and there was me, distracting my little brother from the chaos, while trying to calm myself down.

From there, things calmed down from the 9th grade onwards since the pandemic finally ended and we could be free from our homes and socialize with others and pursue passions that we never thought of pursuing. Personally, I pursued the art of music not only due to my intrinsic talent of perfect pitch, but also due to the sheer complexity that intrigued me so much.

This passion went on until the 12th grade. I was elected to be Himig Scientia’s Club President, wherein I led my choir members with the utmost patience with a balance of strictness, ensuring that no one is left behind in learning a song. At the same time, I joke around with them outside of practice, giving us a connection stronger than blood. We have also participated in many events, most notably receiving the 1st runner-up award in a chorale competition named “Himig ng Pag-ibig”. This only proves not only my passion for leading the choir, but the connection I have built with the members that I truly cherish.

While I was leading Himig Scientia, I got the opportunity to become an OJT at the Novaliches District Hospital for two weeks as per a requirement for our subject, “Work Immersion”. I was assigned to do work at the reception area of the Emergency Room. I was tasked with transferring patient data from doctors’ sheets into logbooks—a manual process where I used my analytical skills to ensure data integrity and optimize tracking efficiency. Witnessing the high-stakes environment of the ER, I realized that every second saved in administrative workflow ultimately serves the patients. There were many patient cases that I had to log, but I felt devastated for two of them.

One ER death, and one DOA.

It must’ve been very difficult for the families who lost their loved ones and I always gave them my silent condolences. I thought about it for a little while–the hardships of losing a loved one was heartbreakingly similar to the experience I had years ago. But I also remembered the frontliners that risked their lives while experiencing the death of others. It’s the agonizing truth of working in the medical field–that death was inevitable. But that lit a fire in me–a fire that would keep burning to this day–to save as many people as possible, while minimizing their deaths such that they wouldn’t experience the same thing I did.

The journey to this point was not easy. We witnessed a world-wide pandemic which altered our perception of normal life, had to consequently adjust once more after the pandemic had ended, and adjust while commencing the Science and Mathematics heavy curriculum that the school had to offer.

Apart from that, my family had suffered financial burdens during my time in Quezon City Science High School. We needed financial help the most at those times of our lives. However, ANI was a great help for our burdens financially. They provided me not only with the finances for my studies, but also with a community. I am truly grateful for the titos and titas of ANI that have been the kindest people I have met, the other scholars of ANI–especially Abi who introduced me to ANI in the first place, and the memories of all our dinners together where we talked, laughed, and enjoyed the meals we were given. As I leave Quezon City Science High School and open the next chapter of my life, I will fondly remember ANI as the institution that helped me. Thank you very much for your unyielding support to us students whom you found potential in, may God bless you every day of your lives and may you live forever prosperously.

Application Essay – My Final Metamorphosis

Graduating class of 2026! As a member of the unfortunate batch who had to begin in QueSci — not actually in QueSci, I’ve been a subject to the ever-so evolving stages included in being here. With the last one upcoming, I choose to reach for this step to transition into what I really have to be.

The so-called “transition” to being a senior, takes me back to when the word defined our freshman year. The world transitioned to a “new normal” way of schooling, while I transitioned into studying here. My transition from a private Catholic school to a regional Science High School, yearning for an advancement in my knowledge, and a decrease in our expenses. Having to adapt to a lifestyle, toned down from the leisure I’ve had before, which now inflated to a luxury. Since the money had to be spent on our late grandfather’s piling hospital fees from stroke, and to aid my grandmother’s pulmonary heart disease of which she’s still fighting. The money which was provided by only my father, money whose amount gradually decreased. Though I’m thankful to have enough resources to survive and carry on, it’s still not enough to lift off the weight from our crushing debt.

But, my financial problems are also not enough to suppress me from soaring into what I aim to be. For I’m esteemed with my goals and dreams in transitioning to be a better student. Consistently, I’ve strived in order to always be included in the honors list, and even to top in specific subject areas. I’ve also made myself useful in different organizations in our school, but I know I could only be better. There’s still so much left for me to do, even with just a year left. So, I aspire to leap into more opportunities I could get, and be of service in future roles I have to fulfill. I will be more diligent and insightful in cooperative works, allowing myself to exhibit my skills. I will take on more leadership roles, to practice my authority, and learn even further how to work with people. Most importantly, I aim to attain a higher acclamation in my academic performance, pushing myself to work even harder. I’ve watched myself change and improve from the clueless student I was from the past, and I only wish to grow bigger.

With the last transition I have to go through, I am ascertained that with ANI’s Scholarship Program, it won’t be as unfortunate anymore. My years of perseverance will finally be compensated, and I will be freed from the financial burdens that held me back. And I will only prove myself more and more how deserving I am, for this scholarship is what’ll get me out of my cocoon, and let me fly to the highest peaks.

Exit Essay – One Foot Forward

I’ve always been told to put “one foot forward in front of the other”. Keep moving forward and keep on going—until you get to where you should be! What I thought would just be a light stroll along the street, quickly became a race towards a distance I couldn’t fathom.

To put it lightly, that was exactly how senior year played out to me. We couldn’t even let it begin without the thought of college already chasing after us. It was all about where to apply, where to review, how to apply, how to review? We all strung far as we prepared for the year ahead, forgetting we still have THIS year to deal with.

I took the stride way too hastily that I tripped along the way. Which is something I could also say literally as I tripped around some time in January and acquired an injury. Though that one might’ve just been a foolish accident, it wasn’t far off from what was also happening with me. As much as I cared for my future, I also owed it to myself to savor the present and experience all that I’ve missed out on the former years.

I have slowly become the things I never thought I could be. Becoming more proactive and outspoken, becoming more present with my friends, becoming more generous—becoming more of what I wanted to be. I opened myself to so much more opportunities, including being in ANI. It hasn’t only helped me financially, but opened me to meaningful connections and provided me with so much knowledge from my Titos and Titas. Even with the occasional dinners and messages, they’ve taught and inspired me in a lot. I have never expected to gain even more aspirational and caring figures in my life.

As the year has ended, and as a new one will start. In my dream university that I’ve mentioned in our first dinner. I’ll forever cherish what this year has given and how it helped me get to where I am; and how it’ll continuously help me into the greater distances I still have to reach.

Application Essay – Reaching Farther Distances

Hello! I am Amor Eli Estrada, welcoming my sixth and final year in Quezon City Science High School. I reside in a small subdivision in Rodriguez, Rizal. I spent most of my childhood attending a local elementary school that was a two-minute walk from home. However, everything changed when I was accepted into Quezon City Science High School. Suddenly, the short walk to school turned to an hour and a half commute; I found myself in a completely new environment with different people, challenges, and opportunities.

Despite these changes, my main goal throughout High school has remained the same: to focus on my studies and apply my learnings not only in answering tests, but in real life. As my mother always says, “Aanhin mo ang pagiging Scientian kung hindi mo ia-apply ang mga natutunan mo sa mga praktikal na bagay?” She taught me not to aim for “better grades” in general, but for a deeper understanding of what I learn, and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.

With that in mind I have been focusing my efforts in preparing for my dream of studying Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship at UPLB. I envision a future where I can create and promote healthy agricultural products, and even collaborate with local farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to conduct research to help improve our agricultural systems and practices.

However, many hurdles lie in front of that dream, and that includes financial problems. My mother, who is the only breadwinner; works an online job to keep up with expenses. Meanwhile, my father is busy renovating our house by himself. Apart from our daily expenses and house renovation costs, another big drainer of my family’s monthly budget is my school commute. I spend approximately 300 pesos a day just to get to school, excluding lunch money; that’s about 6K per month. Another strain in our budget are medical expenses. My mother has been taking maintenance medication and check-ups to prevent the recurrence of her breast cancer. Additionally, my family is also supporting my grandmother’s schizophrenia medication.

It seems that with every new chapter of my education, I move farther away from home. From a two-minute walk in elementary school, to a two-hour commute in high school, and possibly, to living four hours away in Los Baños for college. My world continues to expand; but so do the costs and responsibilities that come with reaching my dreams.

But with ANI, the seemingly distant future I’m aiming for can get closer. It would greatly ease the financial burden on my mother, and allow my family to start saving up for my college education. With your support, I can keep moving forward, reach farther distances, and contribute to more people.

Thank you!

Exit Essay – The Journey’s Harvest

After six years of failures, triumphs, and the lessons that come along with them, I proudly announce that I am officially an alumna of Quezon City Science High School! I am excited to see how God’s will will shape my future as I embark on the journey of higher education. However, this also marks the end of my journey in QueSci, and I can’t help but feel a mixture of emotions.

Of course, I am overjoyed to have overcome what once felt like never-ending responsibilities and obstacles. Im glad to have survived all the group projects, research defenses, tests, and of course, the notorious full-length plays that make us jokingly call QueSci “Quezon City Performance High School” instead. It feels fulfilling to see my endeavors come into fruition. Even if there were many moments of frustration, helplessness, and stress, I am glad I pushed through and reaped the fruits of resilience along the way.

With that said, it also saddens me to say goodbye to my alma mater, along with beloved peers I grew, laughed, and cried with, and the caring mentors who taught me the value not only of scientia, but also virtus. I will definitely miss the wonderful community of QueSci, as they have shaped my identity, my values, and my dreams. These people made all hardships tolerable and even when we’ll be taking our separate paths, the moments we shared and the wisdom I’ve learned from them will forever remain in my heart.

And above all, I feel immense gratitude for everyone who has helped me throughout this journey. Especially to God, for His divine guidance that made this milestone possible; to my parents, for their love, support, and their hardwork to ensure my education; to my teachers, for their dedication in sharing both academic and life teachings; and to my friends, for staying with me through tears and laughter.

And of course, I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the people behind ANI, especially to Tito Philip, Tito Arnaldo, and Tita Tere, for easing the financial burden of my education. Thanks to the ANI scholarship, my parents were able to save more and invest in my future education.

With ANI’s help, I stand here today with a fruitful harvest, not only of medals and certificates, but also of cherished memories, irreplaceable friendships, and life-changing learnings.

Once again, thank you ANI!

I realized that the gap between my love for natural sciences and social sciences was bridged by becoming a medical doctor. Though I am still unsure if this is final, one thing is certain: my heart lies in serving the public in pursuit of science.

“I believe that with the ANI scholarship program’s backing, I will have the chance to better and further pursue my academics with comfort and confidence.”

“I wish that someday I too can help those who need assistance and give voice to the voiceless…”