Maria Lian Yalung

“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.