Living the DREAM for low-income Grade 6 Students

"My journey as a Gawad Pangarap Scholar was full of challenges, learning, and hope. At first, I didn’t think I would be selected for this program. I had a dream of finishing my studies, but due to financial constraints, it seemed very difficult to achieve. When I became part of the Gawad Pangarap Scholars, I put in even more effort in my studies because it was a great help not only for my school needs but also for my family. But my journey was not easy. When I was in Grade 10, I failed to get into honors for entire quarters. There were times when I struggled with my studies, fell behind in passing assignments, and sometimes got stuck because of the problems I faced in life. Moving up, I failed to get into honors and my average was 89. Even so, I did not lose hope and told myself that I still had Grade 11 to make up for it. When I reached Grade 11, I still struggled, especially with subjects like Calculus and Chemistry. There were many questions to be solved and sometimes I didn't know what formula to use. Even though it was so difficult, I didn't give up. I continued to try to understand the lessons and I also continued my talent in drawing. I won first place in a drawing contest and also participated in the tuberculosis poster contest in the municipality of Tagudin where I received a consolation prize of 1,000 pesos. This was my way of helping my mother with our daily needs. When I reached Grade 12, my studies were still not easy. In the first semester and third quarter, I still didn't get into honors even though my scores were improving. All my classmates got into honors except me, so I was very sad and cried because of fatigue and staying up late. But my classmates, best friends, and especially my mother never gave up on me, who kept encouraging me. Because of this, I worked even harder and persevered. I stayed up late to finish my assignments and review. Until the day I didn't expect came, I got into honors with an average of 91. Finally, I proved to myself that I could do it. My journey didn't end there because I was able to finish my studies with the help of Gawad Pangarap Scholars and my mother. Being a Gawad Pangarap Scholar is not only financial assistance but also an inspiration to be a better student and person. I promise to improve my college studies so that one day I can also help others, like the help I received."