Tick.. Tick.. Tick..

I was nine when I set an alarm to practice piano with my grandmother in the morning. That night never led to morning practice. Instead of waking up to music, I woke up to something that changed the way I understood life.

My grandmother was the one who recorded my piano pieces so I could perform in school. Even to this day, she was my inspiration in my love and continued passion for music. After she passed away, I began to notice something I couldn’t ignore. Music didn’t disappear, but it changed. It felt heavier now, like every note carried a piece of her with it.

I grew up in a family full of singers, and the church was the first stage I ever knew. I still remember standing under the lights during a kindergarten competition, my voice caught between fear and silence. But my mother just smiled and told me to keep trying my best. She said, “God will do the rest.” I carried those words with me, especially in moments when I doubted myself.

Throughout life, I’ve always struggled to catch up with my siblings, even as they sang. Being the youngest in a family of high achievers has shaped me in ways I am still figuring out for myself. My oldest sister studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman and once served as the University Student Council chairperson. My second sister is also at UP Diliman, pursuing a degree in Statistics while actively participating in the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus. My brother has passed the “Big 4” universities and is now choosing between Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned a full scholarship, and UP Diliman.

Surrounded by people like them, I often found myself asking where I stand. That question stayed with me longer than I wanted it to. There were times I tried to keep myself smaller, thinking it would make things easier to handle. Even the things I enjoyed started to feel like something I had to hold back from.

Music, however, became the reason that helped me not to be silent for too long. It became a place where I could step away from comparison and pressure, where I didn’t feel the need to compare myself against anyone else.

Through Himig, I finally tried singing without holding myself back. For a long time, I hesitated because I used to think that I needed to reach the same level as my older siblings before I could even try to. Over time, I learned that my voice did not need to match anyone else’s to be worth hearing.

Playing the guitar also gave me a different kind of calm. When things felt overwhelming, I would just sit with my guitar and play without thinking too much. The simple act of going through the chords helped me calm down and clear my head. On days when singing felt difficult, playing the guitar gave me another way to stay connected to music in a way that didn’t feel forced.

As I continue my journey, I’m learning that my story doesn’t have to look like theirs to matter. The pressure I once carried is slowly turning into something that pushes me forward instead of holding me back.

Joining other clubs, such as an environmental organization like the YES-O Club became another turning point for me. Serving as an officer taught me how to take on responsibility beyond myself, how to be patient when things do not go as planned, and how to step up even in moments of uncertainty.

There are still moments of exhaustion, but I keep going. Like a vocalist carrying a song to its final note, I am learning to move through both struggle and growth without stopping halfway, trusting that my voice, though different, is still my own.

Outside school, life also taught me lessons I didn’t expect.

My mom and I used to run around the UP Oval while waiting for my sister’s class to end. But everything changed the moment we learned about the tumor in her spine. The doctors said that surgery could help remove the tumor, but we chose alternative solutions, both for her fear of surgery and because the alternative treatment was the best we could afford.

From that point on, even ordinary things became heavier. We are a family of six, and my father is the only one working, so school expenses, commuting, and daily needs quickly became difficult to manage. Much of what we have now goes toward my mother’s treatment, and there are times when we are forced to choose what we can afford to prioritize. Even though times are hard, my parents taught me to never be afraid of who I am, and that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.

Their example reminds me that “the show must go on.” Because of them, I learned that staying strong is its own kind of performance and loving people so much that you never give up on them. These experiences shaped what I want to become. The ANI Scholarship helps ease my family’s hardships by providing financial support. It’s a chance to ease my parents’ burden. More importantly, it’s a chance to continue my education without holding back the dreams they sacrificed so much for.

My favorite character, Winnie the Pooh, once said, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” I carry this reminder as I move from the
stage of the church that I once sang on to the laboratories I hope to enter someday. It reminds me that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to continue despite it.

“Ano to-do list natin?”
“Paano ‘to?”
“Puwede patulong?”

I hear these kinds of questions frequently in school. Most of the time, I end up being the one people approach when something is unclear or when they need help catching up. Over time, I noticed that I naturally study a bit earlier and organize my notes properly, not only because I wanted to give my best in class participation, but also because I know someone might need help understanding topics later. It became less of a choice and more of a habit. I’m not usually the one in front of the class or the one that stands out, but I’m always involved somewhere in the process of learning.

Looking back I believe this started early. In Grade 2, I was awarded “Most Responsible.” At that time, I didn’t think much of it. I just did what I was supposed to do: to follow instructions, to help when I could, and to finish tasks properly. It felt normal to me back then, like something I did without overthinking.

As I entered high school, that “normal” became more visible in my daily life. As a class officer, I often helped clarify instructions for classmates or assisted in completing tasks when things got confusing. Teachers would assign work, and I made sure to finish them as soon as possible. Even in extracurricular activities like volleyball, I learned consistency. When we were given conditioning exercises to do at home, I followed them regularly because I knew that progress only happens when you actually do the work, even on ordinary days.

At home, responsibility was something I also grew into. Both my parents were working as they taught me household chores when I was younger—guiding me until I did them right. As I grew older, my responsibilities at home also increased. When my younger siblings were born, our situation drastically changed. We found out that my middle sibling has autism and needs continuous care, and it became for one person alone to handle everything at home. So, my mother stopped working for a while to take care of them, while my father continued working to support our needs.

Because of this, I also started helping more at home by taking care of my siblings when needed, assisting in daily routines, while making sure I still kept up with school. It was never easy balancing academics, duties at home, and extracurricular activities—but somehow, I always find a way to survive. I set aside enough time to prepare for exams and aim for good results because I have a goal of maintaining a high academic standing to support my future scholarship opportunities in college. More than grades, I try to understand my lessons properly, especially since I know that higher levels of education require depth, and not just memorization. Education is a privilege, and I want to utilize it wisely—not only for myself, but also for my family’s future.

Not that I am entering Grade 12, I see this year as an important “transition”. This will be the stage where I prepare for college entrance exams and decide the direction I will take next. However, this also comes with financial challenges. With my siblings’ needs, especially the middle child’s therapy and schooling, and with the youngest starting school soon, our family expenses continue to grow. Prices continue to rise, and my father’s income is carefully divided to cover essentials, along with school and transportation costs that require planning.

But I believe the ANI scholarship will ease that pressure during my final year in high school. This would allow me to focus more on my studies and preparation for college without adding to the financial pressure on my family. I have grown used to being someone who stays committed to their responsibilities where I can—may it be at school or at home. As I prepare for the next stage of my education, I want to continue doing the same in a way that helps me build my future. I may not always be the most visible in recognition, but I have learned that consistency and effort still matter. And if given this opportunity, I will continue to carry that same mindset into my studies and make the most of the education I am given.

In a community once known for its challenges and tragedies, I was raised with a strong determination to rise above difficulties and achieve success. My name is Jaylord Kriestoff T. Narte, an eighth-grade student currently residing in Payatas, Quezon City. Growing up in an environment where opportunities can be limited has shaped my perspective in life and strengthened my resolve to pursue my dreams. At a young age, I learned that success is not easily given—it is earned through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination. Although my dreams may seem distant at times, I firmly believe that through continuous effort and with the support of your scholarship program, I will be able to turn them into reality.

My greatest aspiration is to become an engineer. I have always been fascinated by how structures are built and how innovation can improve people’s lives. More importantly, I want to pursue this path so I can help my family overcome financial challenges and provide them with a better future. My parents have worked tirelessly to support my education despite our limited means, and their sacrifices inspire me every day to strive harder and do better. I dream of the day when I can give back to them by providing a stable, comfortable, and dignified life—one that reflects the love and effort they have given me.

Beyond my personal goals, I also aspire to study in a prestigious college where I can further develop my knowledge, skills, and character. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for change, not only for individuals but also for communities. Through education, I hope to gain the competence and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to society. I am particularly interested in engaging in research and projects that can address real-world problems and improve the quality of life for others, especially those coming from underserved communities like mine.

Your scholarship program would play a vital role in helping me achieve these aspirations. Financial limitations often create barriers that make it difficult for students like me to fully focus on our education. With your support, I would be able to meet my academic needs, including school supplies, project materials, and other educational expenses. More than the financial assistance, this scholarship would serve as a source of motivation and encouragement. It would remind me that there are people and institutions who believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my future. This belief would push me to work even harder, maintain strong academic performance, and continuously strive for excellence.

Growing up in Payatas has deeply influenced who I am today. The community where I live was once known as a dumpsite and was the site of a tragic event where a mountain of garbage collapsed, causing many injuries and loss of lives. Although I did not personally experience the event, its impact continues to be part of our community’s history. Today, that same place has been transformed into a park—a powerful symbol of recovery, resilience, and hope. This transformation serves as a constant reminder that no matter how difficult the past may be, change is always possible. It inspires me to remain strong, to persevere, and to believe that I, too, can rise above challenges and create a better future for myself and others.

In addition, I would like to respectfully mention that I was referred by Joyce Abigail O. Mendros and Maria Lorenz R. Nataño, who introduced me to your scholarship program. Their guidance and encouragement gave me the confidence to apply and take this important step toward achieving my goals.

As a student, I am committed to making the most out of every opportunity given to me. I take my studies seriously and always aim to improve myself, both academically and personally. I believe that discipline, responsibility, and a positive mindset are essential in achieving success. If I am granted this scholarship, I promise to uphold these values and to represent your program with integrity and dedication.

In conclusion, my dreams are not only for myself but also for my family and my community. I aspire to become a source of pride for my parents and a symbol of hope for others who face similar challenges. With determination in my heart and the support of your scholarship program, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a meaningful difference in the future. I sincerely hope to be given the opportunity to prove that your support can help transform not just one life, but many.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

In all the ways that I can, I have always wanted to help my family. Every time I come home to our province, I make it a point to assist my father on our farm and lend a hand in our business. Whether it is through simple chores or longer, more physically demanding days of work, I do what I can to ease their responsibilities. These experiences have deeply influenced how I view education—not merely as a personal achievement, but as a meaningful way for me to give back and build a better future for the people who have supported me all my life.

Growing up with limited financial resources has taught me to value every opportunity that comes my way. I learned early on that education is one of the most important investments I can make, not only for myself but also for my family. Because of this, I have remained committed to my studies and have consistently maintained honors since Grade 9. I strive to do well not just for recognition, but because I understand what is at stake. Every lesson I learn and every achievement I earn brings me one step closer to being able to support my family in a more meaningful and lasting way.

Beyond academics, I make a conscious effort to engage in activities that help me grow both as a student and as an individual. This year, I joined the Campus Integrity Crusaders, QUEST (our school’s research club), and the Campus Ministry, where I have learned valuable lessons in leadership, discipline, service, and ethical responsibility. Alongside these, I have been a member of the basketball club since Grade 8, which has strengthened my teamwork, perseverance, and time management skills.

I also have a strong interest in sports, including volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and basketball. Among these, cycling is what I enjoy the most, as it allows me to stay active while giving me time to think and reflect. In addition to sports, I am passionate about music. I formed a band with my former classmates, and we perform during school events—most recently at our school’s year-end concert. Through these experiences, I have developed confidence, creativity, and a deeper sense of balance between my academic responsibilities and personal interests.

One experience that stands out to me is being part of a research team that placed third in our school’s research fair in the Physical Science category. While the recognition itself was meaningful, what impacted me more was the process behind it. It taught me the importance of teamwork, patience, and perseverance. There were moments of difficulty and uncertainty, but we pushed through by supporting one another and staying focused on our goal. Through this experience, I realized that learning goes beyond the classroom—it involves applying knowledge to real-world situations and working collaboratively to solve problems. It strengthened my passion for learning and reminded me that education can lead to contributions that truly matter.

Despite my efforts and achievements, my family’s financial situation continues to be a challenge. My father works tirelessly as a farmer, while my mother dedicates her time to managing our household and caring for us full-time. With several siblings, our resources are stretched to meet our daily needs, and every expense is carefully considered. Supporting my education, especially as I prepare for higher studies, is something we all work hard to sustain, but it is not always easy. There are moments when financial limitations become a source of worry, but they also serve as motivation for me to keep striving and not take any opportunity for granted.

This is why this scholarship would mean so much to me. It would not only provide financial assistance but also give me the peace of mind to focus more on my studies without constantly worrying about expenses. It would ease the burden on my family, allowing them to allocate resources to other essential needs. More importantly, it would serve as a reminder that there are people and organizations who believe in students like me and are willing to support our dreams.

Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a degree that aligns with my interests and allows me to make a meaningful impact. I aspire to build a stable and fulfilling career that will enable me to support my family and improve our quality of life. At the same time, I want to give back to my community by using what I have learned to create opportunities for others. I believe that success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by how much we are able to help those around us.

Being considered for this scholarship is more than just an opportunity—it is a chance for me to continue moving forward despite the challenges I face. It represents hope, support, and the possibility of a brighter future. I am determined to make the most of it by staying committed to my goals, working hard, and making the most out of every opportunity given to me. Through education, I hope to create a better future not only for myself, but for my family and the community that has shaped me into who I am today.

As a student at Quezon City Science High School, one of the most prestigious science high schools not just in Quezon City but in the whole National Capital Region, I often stop and think about the challenges I’ve already faced and the ones still waiting for me. Life at Kisay is tough: brutal exams, performance tasks that pile up overnight, and a pressure that feels heavier than what most high school students ever experience. Still, I wake up every day ready to face it. My dream isn’t only about making my own life better—it’s about giving my mom and grandmother a reason to smile after everything they’ve given up. That’s why I’m applying for the ANI Scholarship. I believe it can help me stay strong on the path to becoming someone who gets remembered.

My main goal right now is simple but huge: survive and graduate from all six years at QueSci. I’m not someone who gives up when things get hard. Give me a task, and I’ll do everything I can to finish it well, that’s my biggest strength, though sometimes it turns into a weakness because I push myself too far, working late and skipping rest just to prove I can do it. Deep inside, I want to be seen and respected, to feel like I truly belong among my classmates instead of like an outsider.

People who meet me often ask, “Why Kisay?” I always answer the same: “Because I want to stand among the greats.” They sometimes laugh or call it a childish dream, but I don’t let that stop me. I keep going, even when it’s hard to believe in myself.

My schedule is packed. I serve as an altar server at church, write as a campus journalist for The Electron, and act as a leader in my barangay’s youth sector. These responsibilities add a lot to my load, and there are days when it feels like too much to carry. But I don’t quit any of them. They teach me real skills, how to communicate, lead, take responsibility, and prepare me for bigger challenges later.

I grew up without a father figure. It’s always been just me and my mom against everything. She gave up so much; her job, her own plans, just to raise me right and take care of my grandmother. At first I didn’t fully understand her sacrifices, but now I see she’s been my light in the hardest times. Through her, I found God and learned to trust in faith. Prayer and my belief in Him have pulled me through stress, doubt, and exhaustion more times than I can count.

That’s why the ANI Scholarship would mean the world to me. It would lighten the financial burden on my family; we live on my lola’s small government pension, which covers the basics but leaves almost nothing for school extras like transportation, journalism supplies, or materials for future projects and research in Grades 9 and 10. The support would give me peace of mind and let me focus on studying, serving, and growing without constant worry. I’ve read stories from other ANI scholars, and their grit and determination inspire me. Seeing how they push forward despite difficulties made me feel like this scholarship was made for someone like me.

In the end, I’m just a regular kid from a middle-class Filipino home who loves learning, helping others, and staying close to God. This scholarship isn’t only about money—it’s about someone believing my dream is worth supporting. I hope one day people will remember my name not as “just a kid,” but as someone who worked hard, stayed faithful, and made it in the game called life.

“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.

A distant, yet vivid memory of mine as a little boy reminds me of when my mother and I used to dream about studying in a science high school. After I graduated as a valedictorian in pre-school, she told me, “Mas pagbutihin mo pa yung pag-aaral mo para makapasa ka sa Kisay pagdating mo ng high school”. These are words that I treasured deep in my heart, even to this day, as I am already approaching my last year in Quezon City Science High School. From the little steps I made as a pre-school student to the daring leaps I took as a high school student, my mother consistently pushed me to keep moving and to soar high for my dreams.

As a single parent, my mother provides for the financial needs of the family. My mother and father got separated before I even turned a year old and she had to be responsible for the needs of the members of our household, including my grandparents and me. Although my mother earns a decent amount, she still struggles financially. She finds it hard to juggle paying for her own maintenance medicine, my grandparents’ medical needs, and the expenses I need for school. My grandfather receives a small pension, but it usually goes to monthly medical checkups. Our household income is heavily allocated toward essential healthcare and support.

Raised as a sole child of my family, I have persistently strived to be a consistent honor roll student. I also took part in clubs like the QCSHS Science Club and the school’s official Filipino publication, Banyuhay, in order to refine my skills in leadership, communication, and writing. I believe that the skills that I will learn and the accolades I will earn in high school are crucial for my growth and these are things that will help me in college, and ultimately succeed in life in order to repay my family’s efforts to raise me into the man I am today.

Looking forward to my last year in QueSci, the scholarship provided by ANI will be of great help to me. As an incoming grade twelve student, I am worried about the expenses that are yet to be spent on research and other requirements. The rising prices also bother me, as this can affect my transportation. One thing is for certain: I will not waste a single penny that will be entrusted to me. I will make sure that it will contribute not only to my success but also to the success of my family and the entirety of the Scientian community. My goal is that someday, I will be able to “pay it forward” to all the people who helped me get here, and also be able to contribute financially to students in need.

My utmost hard work and commitment are dedicated to my family. There is nothing I will not do for them. After everything that my mother went through to raise me and care for the entire family, I want to tell her someday that “it’s my turn”. I will continue to soar high and make my family’s dreams come true.

Throughout my academic career, I have consistently pursued challenges and passion. I believe that the greatest challenge is to not just face new information but to have the ability to explain to the public in a way that is clear and compelling. The cost of a high school education is a major obstacle, even if my academic record could demonstrate my potential in leading and also in having consistent grades. Given that I’m pursuing the senior year of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand, which entails expenses for research, coursework, and club-related activities, winning this scholarship would be a tremendously transformative investment. This is also a period where the theoretical foundations of the classroom meet the rigorous demands of real-world application. Despite our financial difficulties, I have completed some school projects and activities.

Over the course of my time at QUESCI, I’ve discovered that I spend the most money on research, particularly when conducting experiments in labs and even gathering money to put aside for the group. In addition to math equations and experiments. As a member of the school’s dance club (Indak Xientia), I learned that discipline, timing, and effort isn’t just applied to this club, but also remarkably similar to the process of being a student leader inside or outside the classroom. Both require patience, attention to detail, and collaborative effort. Missing or lacking one of these abilities would make an impact on the result I want to achieve. I also discovered that I had to manage my time between club activities and studying, I can’t just simply give more time to either of these.

It really took time for me to get in this position, learning to step outside of my comfort zone isn’t that bad after all, but it instead gave me more opportunities and talents or abilities that I haven’t discovered yet. If I can accomplish that, I think I’ll be able to use my scholarship to cover the necessary expenses for the school. Aside from that, I can also use this scholarship to minimize my travel and food budget that I spend for school. As a student who commutes everyday, I have to balance my ₱100 allowance everyday to my transportation, food, and costs I have to pay for school given that there are on the spot payments or expenses I need to pay.

My family has always been my greatest support system, but the cumulative costs of education, housing, and more are such a heavy burden. Despite my mother being a housewife, she also finds ways to help our family financially such as being an online seller, aside from my father who also covers our expenses. I ensure to use my full potential using this scholarship to do even better at school. This would allow me to bypass financial anxieties, motivating me to focus solely on my studies. I can dedicate my time and energy to master my strand and participate actively with my last year of high school experience before entering college if I have the opportunity to have this scholarship. This represents the freedom to pursue excellence without the weight of financial uncertainty.

I often daydream that one day my name and my life story would be one of those “rags to riches”, where I can be an inspiration to other aspiring students. I, Anjello Deñoso, the eldest son of my parents and Kuya to my younger brother, am a student of Quezon City High School—a dreamer of big dreams, and this is my story:

I am the eldest son of a motorcycle driver living in a makeshift home near a creek that often experiences flooding during heavy rains and typhoon season. Life has never been easy for me and my family financially, emotionally, and physically. Despite these challenges, with God’s guidance and our determination, we have always managed to make ends meet no matter how difficult life becomes. Being given the opportunity to study at Quezon City Science High School has been a great blessing, not only for me but also for my family. It has helped ease our financial burden while allowing me to grow academically, and it has become a source of pride for all of us.

My father spends hours on the road, whether under the heat of the sun or during heavy rain, just to provide for our daily needs. When I started attending Quezon City Science High School, my father would send me to school and pick me up after school work. A year later, I had to learn to commute so my father could spend more time taking paid rides. Most especially, now that my mother has been in and out of the hospital due to hypertension and her heart condition. This has been our solution so our family can cover the medical needs and the growing educational expenses of my brother and I.

Despite my mother’s condition, she continues to help support our family through whatever means she can provide. In her simple ways, my mother helps us financially through her small sari-sari store.

Seeing both of my parents’ sacrifices motivates me to push forward and do my best in school and in life, no matter how hard the situation may be. This is my primary motivation to finish my high school journey with honors and ultimately achieve a highest honor award.

Knowing full well that finishing high school with an achievement award would give a good head start for my college applications. I’m most interested in the subjects of physics, geometry, and robotics, which also reflects on my school performance. Completing a course in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is the path I’d like to pursue. The hard times I am experiencing now are not hindrances to my dreams, rather are stepping stones bringing me one step closer to achieving my dream—a better life for me and my family and a better model and inspiration to the next generation.

Learning about the ANI scholarship grant gave me additional hope that I would be able to reach my dreams. The additional assistance given by the program would provide me with peace of mind, knowing that I would not only be receiving financial assistance but also be shaped into becoming a catalyst of change for the future aspirants. This scholarship would help me concentrate more on my studies while my father’s earnings can be used for my mother’s well-being as well as the continuation of my brother’s studies.

With determination, faith, my family, and the support of this scholarship, I am committed to reaching my dreams and creating a better future not only for myself but also for the betterment of the community.

When I was younger, my grandmother—whom I fondly called Naynay—and I had a routine. We’d walk toward the gates of a nearby subdivision where “outsiders” weren’t technically allowed. But Naynay had a way with words—and perhaps a legendary level of charm—that could convince the security guard to let us in. We weren’t there to cause trouble; we were there for the blossoms of “White Angel” flowers. We’d spend afternoons picking those small, waxy petals, and I would painstakingly fashion them into rings and necklaces.

During one of these walks, Naynay looked at me and asked the question every child eventually faces: what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn’t say doctor or engineer. I looked her straight in the eye and said that I wanted to be rich. She laughed, but I was dead serious. To a child, “rich” meant no more worrying about why we couldn’t go past certain gates without permission. It meant comfort. It meant security.

The last time I spoke to her, the conversation was less poetic. She was scolding me about the state of my bed, pointing out how my bed had become a chaotic landscape of papers, books, and pens. In a fit of a child’s wit, I shot back that my bed wasn’t actually messy, but was simply the bed of a straight-A student. Those were the last words I ever said to her. She passed away shortly after. Now, looking at my bed, I realize that being a straight-A student is a much heavier mantle than I initially joked it would be.

Maintaining high grades in a competitive environment is like trying to keep a White Angel flower from wilting in the Philippine heat. It is exhausting. There have been nights where the numbers on my homework blurred into gibberish, and my back—curved by Scoliosis—ached with a dull, persistent reminder of my own physical limits. Managing a medical condition like scoliosis isn’t just a physical burden; it’s a financial one. From the looming possibility of more intensive treatments, the costs add up. In our household, the dynamic is a delicate balance: while my mother works tirelessly to provide for us, my father recently transitioned from his job to stay at home, dedicating himself to ensuring that my brother and I are fully supported and cared for in our daily lives. I see the quiet sacrifices they make—the bills they discuss in hushed tones, the way they prioritize our education over their own comforts. I’ve remained a consistent honor student not out of a desire for vanity, but out of a desperate need to not be a burden. I want to be the student I promised Naynay I was, even when the “A” feels miles away.

Writing is my sanctuary. I’ve been a member of the Campus Integrity Crusaders since Grade 8, and in Grade 9, I took a leap of faith by joining The Electron, our school’s English publication. At the time, I was the only one from my batch brave enough to join so early. As a campus journalist, I’ve learned that the truth isn’t just a concept; it’s a responsibility. As the former Managing Editor and the current Feature Editor, I strive to amplify the voices that are often muffled. This is where my childhood dream of being rich evolved.

In the Philippines, we see the stark divide between those who have and those who struggle. I still want to be rich, but the “why” has shifted. I want wealth not just for the comfort of a private subdivision, but to have the resources to address the systemic issues I write about. I want to be rich in influence to advocate for better healthcare for people with conditions like mine, and rich in capacity to support the truth in an era of misinformation.

This scholarship is the bridge between the girl making flower jewelry and the woman who wants to change her country’s narrative. Most importantly, I am someone who realized that a messy bed is just a sign of a life being lived with purpose. By awarding me this scholarship, you aren’t just funding a student; you are investing in a future where a girl from Quezon City turns her rich ambitions into a wealth of service for others. I’d like to think that if Naynay could see me now, she’d finally stop scolding me about my unmade bed—because she’d see that every crumpled paper and messy corner was just a stepping stone toward the future I promised her.