Scholars’ Life in the Pandemic
PAG-ASA SCHOLARS, PART 2
Making Both Ends Meet
IN response to the assistance they received as scholars of the Pag-asa ng Pamilya Scholarship Foundation, the grantees shared their experiences especially studying in the midst of the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic, during the Zoom meeting on September 11, 2021, where they were presented as the new batch of Pag-asa scholars.
JELLY CORDOTO: I am a fourth-year student at the from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta Mesa Manila, working on a degree as Bachelor of Business Technology and Livelihood Education, major in Home Economics.
My father died before I was born. My mother lives in another house. So, I take care of my younger siblings.
How have I been coping during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic?
As is often said, if you get only lemons, make lemonade. Meaning, make the most of what you’ve got despite the crisis.
My teacher hired me to help her with her household chores. And my earnings have been a big help for my family to make both ends meet.
Now, I attend online classes. At the same time, I work as a tutor-from-home. My deepest gratitude to Pag-asa ng Pamilya which has been giving me financial assistance, practically seeing me through college.Thank you, thank you for everything!
MARVIN MALINAW: I am one of the Pag-asa scholars from Antipolo Institute of Technology.
This Pag-asa scholarship has unlocked many opportunities in my life.
Because of financial problems, I almost was not able to go to college.
Now, I am already in fourth year, working on a degree as Bachelor of Ethical-Teacher Education at the Marikina Polytechnic College.
Because of the Pag-asa financial assistance, I have been able to buy things I need in my Drafting Tech course.
My father bought me a second-hand laptop and with the money from Pag-asa, I was able to have the laptop repaired.
Since my laptop is now in good condition, I am able to work as freelance multimedia artist. I earn money making videos and editing drafts. Also, with my laptop, I am able to attend online classes. The money I earn freelancing I use to buy equipment I need for my online classes. My course requires me to do demo-teaching – so these gadgets will come handy for this requirement.
Thank you very much, Pag-asa trustees and officers. Hindi ko po kayo bibiguin. I will not disappoint you. I am sure I will finish college and I can pay back
the assistance you granted me by serving as a teacher.
MARY CHRIS BARBACIAS: I am in fourth year, graduating student at the Antipolo Institute of Technology.
I feel very blessed to be one of the Pag-asa scholars. My mother died when I was only 12 years old. So, only my father took care of us five children. I am now the only one studying. My elder sister helps my father pay for my needs.
There are times my father and sister worry that they might not afford to help me finish college. But I tell them I have the Pag-asa scholarship.
Because of the financial assistance, I’ve been able to save money I used to buy a laptop, which I so need in my studies.
I feel so privileged and honored to be a Pag-asa scholar. I now have to tackle only two more semesters as a Pag-asa scholar. Promise, you will not regret granting me the scholarship.
MORE NEXT WEEK
