“Hmp, maalaka kad’ met?” [You think you’ll be picked?]
Kaye Ann Domingsil’s family had reason to doubt she would pass the exams for the Sirib Young Leadership Scholarship. With about 200 applicants and only 31 slots available, her chances seemed slim, as she had never been a scholar during her high school years.
So when the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office—formerly called the Sirib Youth Office—informed her that she was to be a beneficiary of the program, the Domingsils were overjoyed.
“Naragsakanda met kasi daydiay ngarud, napagasatannak… adu met iti nag-apply’ak a scholarship’ en, saannak a naala [They were happy because I was blessed to qualify this time. I’ve applied to many scholarships but was not selected],” Kaye Ann said in her native Ilocano.
Nineteen-year-old Domingsil revealed that at the time, in her second semester of her freshman year in college, she had been worried about failing and struggling to maintain her grades. “But now, I am in my third year, and thank God I have maintained my scholarship.”
Financially, her scholarship at Northwestern University is a great help to the Domingsils, as her father Alex works both in construction and on a farm, while her mother Lerma mans a convenience store at their home. She has one sibling in second year college at the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades.
SYL scholars are also required to exercise a leadership position, whether at school, in the community, or at church. Domingsil thus holds the external vice presidency of the Philippine Association of Students in Office Administration-NWU Chapter, and serves as the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson in Barangay 20-Cabisuculan of Vintar, her hometown.
“It’s not enough that you have a position to write below your name. [The INYDO] also requires photo documentation to prove that you are an active leader,” Domingsil shared.
All INYDO scholars are also required to render 50 hours of community service, which can range from helping in distribution of the “Paspas Dur-as!” provincial newsletter to assisting media coverage teams during events like the “Himala sa Buhangin!” Arts and Music Festival and other volunteer activities under the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
Her strong extracurricular record and exceptional grades earned her four awards during the NWU College of Business Education Recognition Day last year: The Leadership Award, Service Award, Stags Spirit Award, and Best in Stenography.
Through her community service, “I meet many people, I go to many places, and even refer other students to become scholars (with INYDO),” she said. “I could see the ones with potential, and bring them into the scholarship program so we all benefit.”