Strength in tenacity: SM scholars-graduates of 2022 brave the challenges ahead
(Conclusion, continued from yesterday)
As he looked back on the most formidable time of his life, 23-year-old SM scholar Harvey Diño noted how SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) helped influence his success. “SMFI taught us, scholars, to have grit or combine passion and perseverance in any endeavor we wish to pursue,” he said.
“To my Mama, my Papa in heaven, my brother, family, friends, and most especially, my SM family, thank you for believing in me during my college journey. I could not have made this academic success without your help. I am so grateful to have you as my support system,” he said.
Paying it forward
Sharing the journey of Diño is Cryzel Inovero, a student also hailing from Mindanao.
The limited internet bandwidth, and unfavorable study environment during the pandemic did not hinder her from graduating cum laude from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.
As her parents are still working despite their declining years, it has become one of her life missions to help them and her older sister send her other siblings to school.
“After I take the CPALE and become a full-fledged accountant, I will strive and save up. I aim to start my own business so I can sustain our family’s needs and support my siblings,” she shared.
“Becoming an SM scholar has made me fully see that while helping one person might not change the world, it could change the world for one person. And now, helping my family achieve our collective dreams and helping my siblings achieve theirs has become my ultimate dream,” she added.
For Cryzel, her life experiences and learnings as an SM scholar shaped who she is today and will influence who she wants to become tomorrow.
“While I’m still young, I am thankful to have had these valuable life experiences. But I will surely carry with me as I go on: I must go beyond my comfort zone, seek resources and solutions, ask for help, and extend a helping hand. With all these, I am truly honored to have been part of SM’s fulfillment of its mission of giving deserving students access to quality higher education to uplift the Filipino youth and their families,” she shared.
Rising to greatness
Cryzel’s and Harvey’s inspiring stories to greatness are just two of the many that will be shared during the SM Foundation’s Rise to Greatness, the presentation of the SM College Scholar Graduates, on October 22, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, via Facebook live. Over 300 scholar-graduates of 2021-2022 will be honored for their persistence and determination amidst the pandemic.
In this year’s roster of scholars, 146 are set to graduate with honors: 24 with academic distinction, six summa cum laude, 41 magna cum laude, and 75 cum laude.
Learn more about stories of scholar-graduates or SMFI’s education initiatives today. Visit www.sm-foundation.org or follow its social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube): @SMFoundationInc