Application Essay – “How can I help?”

“Willron, patulong naman dito sa misa.”

“Willron, can you do the varsity forms?”

“Willron, you’ll be the reporter.”

Over and over again, I’ve heard my name—not to simply get my attention, but to ask for help or favors. And yet, I never get tired of hearing it. I’ll always be there to answer and to help.

That simple question—“How can I help?”—has quietly guided many of my choices. Whether I’m reporting for our school’s broadcast team, leading committees in our Campus Ministry, or organizing activities in the Badminton Club, I’ve always gravitated toward roles that let me serve—roles that require dedication even if they don’t come with much recognition. And when people call out to me, I hear my name: “Willron!” It reminds me that I’m seen not just for my presence, but for what I choose to stand for.

Over the past two years, I’ve poured time and effort into leadership and service. I’ve worked as a field reporter in school-wide events like the Research Fair and Alumni Homecoming, helped with tournaments and outreach programs, and served as Secretary of our school’s Badminton Club. I also lead in two committees under the Campus Ministry, handling events like Friday Masses and Liturgical celebrations. On top of these, I push myself to maintain high academic standing, aiming for High Honors, because I see it not just as a goal, but as a gateway to scholarship opportunities that could help ease my family’s financial burden. Though my father earns a decent income, it’s mostly just enough to cover daily expenses, bills, and the loans we’re still paying off. With my older brother now entering college,

our family’s finances are stretched even thinner. This scholarship would provide me with the support to focus on my studies and prepare for college admission tests without the burden of financial worry.

I’ve been honored with awards like 1st Place Overall and Best Script in TV Broadcasting at the District Schools Press Conference and recognized as Best Presenter in our school’s Science and Technology Fair 2024. But more than those achievements, what I carry most is a strong sense of purpose. With this scholarship, I can continue to grow as a student and a leader—someone ready to serve, to achieve, and to give back.

No matter what I do, I always return to the same question: ‘How can I help?’ This time, I hope your support will help me answer it.

Exit Essay

I would like to begin my essay with a heartfelt thank you to my dear Tito Phil, Tita Tere, Tito Dodo, and the ANI Scholarship for supporting me during my final year in Kisay.

When I first learned about ANI, I was scared and nervous. I didn’t have enough confidence to apply, but I eventually mustered the courage—and here I am now. ANI became the first stepping stone in building my confidence. It gave me the assurance that there are people who believe in me and see my potential.

Because of that support, I was able to achieve things I never thought possible. I even passed the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College Admission Test (PLMCAT), something I never expected. With your encouraging words and guidance, you helped me grow and truly shine.

I am deeply grateful to the ANI Scholarship and to my dear titos and titas who supported me every step of the way. As I graduate from Kisay with honors, I look back at the start of Grade 12 and remember asking myself: Will I survive? Will I pass any college admission test? Now, here I am—graduated and ready for college.

I will never forget the ANI dinners and the financial support you have given me. I promise that in the future, I will give back tenfold and, hopefully, meet future ANI scholars as a (Hopefully) Future ANI sponsor myself.

To my dear titos and titas, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Application Essay

Growing up as a child, I’ve been interested in various things—from dancing to competing in contests to writing poetry. Choosing a job that I aspired to be changed countless times since people started to ask me. That’s because I’ve always thought of the world as a train track with no definite rails—I have the freedom to choose whatever I do every now and then, so why should I not try everything? However, when I started to gain enough experience to form a “self”, I started to realize that I’ve always been interested in two things—mathematics and the Filipino language. Since then, I aspired to be a civil engineer—since that was what my parents had been telling me, given that I love mathematics and that they feel like I could make it.

In order to get to that one train station, I needed to take my first trip—I went to Quezon City Science High School. With a heart full of passion and determination, I tested the challenges of being a scientian, striving for the best awards and honors I could get to have my train set to that station. With the resources I only had with me, I brought myself—with the help of many other people, too, of course—to where I am now. I wasn’t the kid that had access to everything I needed, so I had to make resourceful ways to keep up with everyone. I thrived as a student from things that are easily accessible. Sometimes, I think that I might have attained transcendence, but further experience thinks otherwise.

With the approaching college admission tests—remarkably UPCAT—this scholarship program would be able to aid me in securing that train station, even though I changed it into being a specialist in computer programming. Moreover, this coming academic year also comes with numerous projects that would greatly benefit from financial help (e.g., entrepreneurship fair, capstone research project). Having support in these areas in the academy would help me greatly in worrying less about finance and being able to focus more on being a student with grades that are commendable, especially as there are universities and scholarships that are aiming to help students with that kind of trait.

Exit Essay

A statue is nothing but an amalgamation of chips that, by itself, is seen as a flaw. We are mere effigies defined by our defects, carved by our respective experiences, or even by ourselves. The thing about defects is that it is seen through a lens of scrutiny, never through individuality and expressiveness. Some cuts run so deep and long that they essentially become the focal point of the figure, while others could be as simple as a scratch—hard to see, but appreciated by the right pair of eyes. The presence of hollow spaces is also not impossible, events that shaved away a part of us, but do not express prominence.

Art is never finished; it is rather abandoned. We are masterpieces passed on to different hands, each leaving us with a new finish from time to time. I made my first footsteps in kisay—well, digitally—as a block with nothing but a spirit that burns with curiosity and passion, eager to see blocks of a similar kind. I initially thought I had to mold myself into something I am unfamiliar with, but to my surprise, the first few people I was able to connect with were barely different from me (well, most of them). In here, I was able to express myself freely, free from the judgment I used to bear—they get how I talk and joke. They, the Scientian community, grew closer to me, and I grew closer to them, that I started to see them as my people. They made me feel compassion like no other group of people did. We shaped each other in intricate ways, so complicated that I cannot even think of a word to describe it.

It is funny how it has been almost a month since I graduated, and I just wrote this essay today. I just cannot let go of Kisay that easily. I have grown very attached to it, and it is just sad that I took every moment I had with it for granted. 6 years was not so long after all, but I can still recall myself that one morning, during the first orientation for the online setup of Kisay, things about students in grade 11 were being discussed, and the only thing that I could think of was, “Ang layo pa naman niyan, ‘di na ‘ko makikinig,” but here, as I am typing this, I am already an alumnus—I have to remind myself that, by the way. I still have not grasped the fact I am an alumnus already, just like how I still need to remind myself that I am 18, too. How I wish I could relive the last 6 years and do things I regret not doing, and not do things I regret doing.

I am deeply grateful to the artisans who sculpted the very me I am today: my family, my friends, my teachers, my advisers, Kisay’s staff, and people that supported me in their own ways. We must remember that every detail of our figure is chiseled not to perfection, but to who we are destined to be.

Application Essay

“Tell me more about yourself,” a question I both like and hate. As someone who is still in the journey of learning about myself, I often find myself lost. Sometimes I want to pick up from an old hobby such as musical instruments or digital art and sometimes I want to just refine mathematical skills people praise me for. But either path I took I always found financial challenges and difficulties along the way.

All throughout my years in Junior High School I have been afraid to try new things fearing it might be only a burden to my single-mother who is raising me alongside my older siblings who failed to finish college due to our financial hardships. One day, I obtained the motivation to try participating in an international math competition only to go home and hear another fight due to disagreements in money.

At the start of my Grade 11, I was determined to finally discover my potential with my mother reassuring me about the expenses. I still had my doubts that eventually set me back. Even though she gave me reassurance I still could see her being more frequently sick, our sari-sari store having fewer products, and debts that started to pile up. With a registration fee that is equivalent to her monthly income, with my wavering mind still unsure if I would like to take a STEM-related college course, I wonder can it really be worth it?

My participation only led to failures, heartbreaks, and disappointment to myself back then. While trying my best to focus I still kept pondering the problems and stress that arise when going through the application process. Seeing the results with only “merit award” instead of any medal brought me down. And after a while, I realized that I want my career to be an artist. So I wondered again, was the money only wasted for a selfish reason?

Even after that I did not lose hope. Thinking back on the events in that academic year, I am an honor student, I handled my heaviest public speaking activity in my life, I did well on my first time being a leader in a research project, I found the goal I want to achieve, and I am still me. Instead of shrinking to despair thinking I became a burden to my family, I just tried to learn from it as an experience.

I believe that receiving financial support from the ANI Scholarship would open up more opportunities for my future. As I approach the college entrance examinations in Grade 12, I hope to ease the financial burden on my family and help reduce the stress we currently face. This support would not only allow me to focus more on my academic goals, but also give me the freedom to further explore and develop my artistic potential without restraint. our household. I would also like to remove my restraints on my artistic side, developing myself even further.

Exit Essay

I still remember the day my friend Abi recommended applying for ANI Scholarship, I was sighing while looking at my phone again seeing another registration for a math competition. In that time the sigh carried the financial burden I felt knowing the cost of training and registrations. The pressure from myself built up and eventually the burnout already became hard to ignore. I finally let go of my obsession with mathematics and decided to pursue my dream in creation and craft, in arts.

When I applied for the scholarship, doubts creeped into me as I believed I could no longer be the “best version” of myself. I abandoned my passion when I was still a kid thinking I’m not good
enough for it and I have been known all throughout my life as the math genius. This thinking was a bad habit of mine almost my entire high school, I always believed people had high expectations from me. I did research in solo during grade 11 and 12, I do not share struggles with people until I get over it, and I even don’t ask sometimes for extra money from my mother when needed, I just skip lunch to save all of this so as to not disappoint anyone having me in their lives. However ANI still welcomed me with open arms giving me support I would always be grateful for.

During the dinner with the other scholars, Tito Phil asked each of us what course we would be getting in college. In that room filled with future engineers and doctors, I reluctantly replied “fine arts” and instead of the usual unimpressed and shocked faces, I received enthusiasm and encouragement from everyone. I felt weight on my shoulders slowly being removed and that going for what I really love will be worth it. For me, ANI became more than a monetary aid but a community that will push me to be what I dream to be.

I know some wounds are still yet to heal and some up and downs are yet to come but I would like to show my appreciation to this trust given to me. Being given such help was not only an opportunity but a responsibility. A responsibility to grow, a responsibility to reach countless potentials. To be part of this wonderful community will be forever part of me that I will always look back to in the future and I will always find way to pay forward the push it gave me.

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!

Application Essay

At five years old, I stood on a broken cabinet door, pretending it was a stage. A comb in my hand became a microphone, my stuffed toys were my audience, and melodies poured straight from my heart. Then suddenly—CRKKK! The cabinet gave way beneath me. Yet even then, all that mattered was the dream of performing at church like my parents did. I wanted to feel their pride, hear the cheers, and make them proud. I guess I consider that experience as my first performance, and that I haven’t stopped since.

From my elementary school music club to high school, I’ve always seen performing as part of who I am. Performance has never been limited to singing; I’ve realized that I perform in different ways, whether it be through music or academics. Along the way, I’ve also learned that true performance requires discipline, resilience, and giving your best even through challenges. At the same time, I worked hard to excel in my academics, striving for high grades while balancing my other commitments. There were restless nights and times when I wanted to give up, but I realized that, like a song, life has highs and lows, and every note is worth finishing.

My growth also continued through my involvement in Himig Scientia and the Science Club. Serving as an officer in Himig taught me leadership, patience, and the importance of supporting others. I realized that I don’t always need to be in the spotlight to perform; sometimes, performing means stepping back, being the foundation for harmony, and helping the team succeed on the sidelines. All of my experiences have reshaped the way I view both performance and responsibility.

To me, the ANI scholarship is more than financial support; it is also a chance to pursue my dreams while honoring the values my parents and experiences have instilled in me: perseverance, humility, and dedication. Shakespeare once said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” I’ve embraced my role not as someone who has it all, but as someone who makes the most of what life gives.

I am still performing, just like that five-year-old with a comb for a microphone, only now, life itself is my audience.

Exit Essay

Perhaps in every high school journey, every student faces a major hurdle, whether it is academic struggles, personal relationships, or financial instability. But despite all of those hurdles, everyone finds a way to move forward and carry on. My personal high school journey has been riddled with unexpected challenges. From losing my grandmother weeks after receiving the news that I got into Kisay, to dealing with unemployment and debt during the Pandemic. My story in Kisay hasn’t been the smoothest nor the easiest, but I’m glad I was able to survive it despite it all.

I still remember the first few months of returning to face-to-face classes back in the 9th Grade. It was the first time I had ever stepped outside of home and experienced actually going to the campus I’ve only seen in pictures. There were times when we had to wait until 7 pm just to have my father pick us up, to save on expenses. My father had been unemployed and had faced short job stints even after the pandemic. My parents have always tried their best to sustain our needs through various buy-and-sell businesses and “rackets”. But I often felt that we were living on the edge, barely surviving. My siblings and I faced many ups and downs together in Kisay, but we persevered and got the best grades we could.

When I first learned of the ANI Scholarship when Rhycka recruited me, I realized this could be the opportunity for me to ease my family’s burden and gain more freedom when it came to handling my academics. Beginning last July 2025, the ANI Scholarship has been more than just financial aid; it has become an opportunity for me to continue my studies without thinking of how I’ll be able to go home every day. There were also times when I didn’t have to worry about what to eat when I was in school, or how I could catch up with my friends’ activities, all thanks to the ANI scholarship.

Through ANI, I was able to pay for coach sessions in Himig Scientia that I otherwise would have thought would have been a bother if I had asked my parents. During Campus Ministry Choir rehearsals, my sister and I would feel hungry after a long day. Because of the added support of the scholarship, I was able to go buy food at Jollibee to get us through the night. Through the coach payments that ANI paid for, I was able to lead the choir and have a victory within the QC Youth Chorale Competition, where we proudly won the 1st Runner Up title! Similarly, during the ‘TV5 Tinig ng Pasko Chorale Competition,’ the scholarship covered our transportation and rehearsal expenses, allowing us to reach the semi-finals. These opportunities helped me grow holistically, gain new perspectives, and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Thanks to the ANI scholarship, I was able to find a more stable footing handling numerous activities at once. When it came to studying for both my grades and college entrance tests, I was able to focus solely on finding the right place to learn and finding quality review materials. This school year, I was able to get a With High Honors standing, ranking 28th among my batch, getting merit awards in UCSP (Understanding Culture, Society and Politics), CPAR (Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions), EAPP (English For Academic and Professional Purposes), 21st Century Literature, and PEH (Physical Education and Health). I also received an award in Work Immersion and Leadership. Truly, I feel blessed that I was given the support to be able to do my best not just with my academics, but also with my extracurriculars.

My college application results also didn’t come short-handed; I was able to pass all of my college entrance tests, which include UP, Ateneo, DLSU, UST, and many more. I was able to secure all of my priority courses and even securing a 100% scholarship to study BS Psychology at Ateneo.

But even through all of my extracurricular and academic achievements, life has a way of challenging me even further. Recently, my mother was found to have a tumor in her spine, just right next to her spinal cord. She had been struggling to walk for a while now, and that tumor explains all the pain she’s been suffering. We were only able to pay for the treatment due to my father’s new Job having benefits, asking for donations from close friends and relatives, and, of course, what ANI was able to provide. I remember the relief our family felt when, for once, we felt that we were secure enough to handle the medical bills; all we had to really endure were the recovery treatments to follow. Currently, I’m enjoying the summer with deep contemplations about which college to attend, while also trying to take care of my mother as she deals with the complications that come with Stereotactic Radiosurgery. She hasn’t been able to move that much and needs assistance whenever she goes to the bathroom or simply switches rooms. But despite this hurdle, I know that she’ll be able to have a full recovery in time and be able to walk with me to my University, in Jesus’ name.

I doubt that all of my achievements would have been possible without ANI’s help. Thank you so much to all the Titos and Titas for your unwavering support. What I will remember the most about my experiences will be our gatherings, where I got to know more about your life during and after Kisay. As someone who has always been interested in learning about someone’s experience or the history of a place, I was fascinated when I learned that you experienced the Kisay that didn’t have buildings, and even what college was like under Martial Law.

I am motivated by my dream of one day being able to give back the generosity and the blessings I have received during my education. I will carry the life lessons that my donors have taught me and live with new perspectives in mind. I hope to achieve even more in college and eventually use my degree to serve people. Once again, I am very thankful for the support and opportunity you have offered, and I hope to see you again very soon.

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!

Application Essay

“Wait, let’s create a budget for this project.”

Hi! I’m Pauleen, and I’m often called Ate Pau despite being younger than those who call me that. This baffles me to this day. They say they like to refer to me with that nickname because they see me as more mature, a caring and dedicated leader, and at first glance, I act older than them. I beg to differ. I might be the most immature student in Quezon City Science High School, as I sometimes still engage in baby talk. I’m also immature in the sense that I shy away from opportunities, especially in leadership.

It’s not that I doubt or don’t recognize my capabilities and talents. I once volunteered to lead a class musical performance on a whim because I knew I had the heart and determination to plan, organize, prepare, and execute to make the project a success. I also ran for a student leader position in Junior High at the last minute, bringing only my hope, willingness, and desire to serve my batchmates and school.

As I’m writing this, I realize that most, if not all, of my fondest memories stem from my impulsiveness. I didn’t think much about what would happen to me with the responsibilities attached to the roles I took on. I was not shy but had an attitude of “I’m not alone in this. I have them (classmates and my family) to support me.”

While I’m glad to have had that perspective when deciding to take on leadership roles and that I seized those opportunities, I want to chastise myself for making my family suffer from stress to support me, anxiety about what might unexpectedly happen, and the shame of not being able to provide the money needed to cover the expenses of my projects. I’m disappointed in myself for putting my family in those mental states just for the sake of doing what I wanted.

I really like to lead. It’s like I’m born to do it. However, I’m not born with the financial support to fulfill it. That’s why I’m thankful for the ANI scholarship. I’m currently a research leader of a very financially demanding project, and because of this scholarship, month after month, I am able to create a fund in preparation for our experiments. It eases my worries about the future, not only because of the financial help, but also because the founders are equally supportive of me in my research endeavors. They’re just one email away. They once helped me with my qualitative research by giving their thoughts on our research proposal, and I’m very grateful for their efforts.

I’m glad to have come this far. I have only months left before I graduate from Kisay. While I regret my impulsiveness, I treasure the experiences that transpired from it. But now, thanks to ANI, I have become more capable of believing in myself and knowing that I can do it.

Exit Essay – Tassel Worth the Hassle

They say, “The tassel was worth the hassle.” And while I can finally relate to that classic saying, the irony is: I lost my tassel minutes before graduation. So, like a true QueSci student, I improvised. I reached for the air on my right and swung an imaginary tassel to the left. That moment, funnily enough, might be the best summary of my six-year journey here—imperfect, but still meaningful (except for being clumsy enough to lose the tassel and occasionally losing my temper, of course).

At first, I was honestly annoyed. I wanted everything to go perfectly, especially on such a big day. But then I looked around. I saw the glowing faces of my classmates, heard their shared laughter, felt the genuineness in their congratulations to their friends… and in that moment, I forgot to be irritated. I smiled. Because beyond the tassels and the ceremony, it was really the camaraderie, the inside jokes, the quiet solidarity we built through years of chaos, that made it all worth it.

No one really sees what went into reaching this point: the all-nighters, the last-minute revisions, the rejections, the breakdowns, the overthinking. So many moments asking myself, “Is it even worth it? I’d graduate anyway…” But I kept going, quietly and very stubbornly. That quiet persistence? That’s my version of the tassel. Even if no one else sees it, even if I forget the details someday, I’ll always know what it took to get here.

I used to think graduation was just about the speeches from our teachers and representatives from the Department Office. But somewhere along the way, maybe while laughing with my classmates as we sang our Graduation Song, I realized it’s so much more than that. Graduation is really about recognizing the invisible victories. It’s about choosing to keep going with the help of others (like my family and ANI), even when nothing makes sense.

So I move forward. I picture the tassel still in my hand, and when I swing it to the left, I imagine a new path unfolding. Still uncertain. Still under construction. But mine.

They say, “The tassel was worth the hassle.” And while I can finally relate to that classic saying, the irony is: I lost my tassel minutes before graduation. So, like a true QueSci student, I improvised. I reached for the air on my right and swung an imaginary tassel to the left. That moment, funnily enough, might be the best summary of my six-year journey here—imperfect, but still meaningful (except for being clumsy enough to lose the tassel and occasionally losing my temper, of course).

At first, I was honestly annoyed. I wanted everything to go perfectly, especially on such a big day. But then I looked around. I saw the glowing faces of my classmates, heard their shared laughter, felt the genuineness in their congratulations to their friends… and in that moment, I forgot to be irritated. I smiled. Because beyond the tassels and the ceremony, it was really the camaraderie, the inside jokes, the quiet solidarity we built through years of chaos, that made it all worth it.

No one really sees what went into reaching this point: the all-nighters, the last-minute revisions, the rejections, the breakdowns, the overthinking. So many moments asking myself, “Is it even worth it? I’d graduate anyway…” But I kept going, quietly and very stubbornly. That quiet persistence? That’s my version of the tassel. Even if no one else sees it, even if I forget the details someday, I’ll always know what it took to get here.

I used to think graduation was just about the speeches from our teachers and representatives from the Department Office. But somewhere along the way, maybe while laughing with my classmates as we sang our Graduation Song, I realized it’s so much more than that. Graduation is really about recognizing the invisible victories. It’s about choosing to keep going with the help of others (like my family and ANI), even when nothing makes sense.

So I move forward. I picture the tassel still in my hand, and when I swing it to the left, I imagine a new path unfolding. Still uncertain. Still under construction. But mine.

And that, I think, is more than enough.

And that, I think, is more than enough.