SM Foundation holds 1st college, tech-voc scholars joint general assembly
SM Foundation gathered some 1,200 current SM scholars from the National Capital Region and other parts of Luzon for its first college and technical-vocational (tech-voc) joint general assembly last Oct. 6 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
In his speech, SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) executive director Harley Sy expressed his gratitude to all the attendees and highlighted the importance of having a positive outlook in life to enable them to reach their goals.
“One of the things I’d like to suggest to all of you is to plan well and then work hard for it. Take your time, do not be in a hurry. Focus so you can achieve what you want in life,” Sy said. “Napakasimple ’yung salitang maabilidad. In real life, when you encounter a problem, look for a solution. Don’t lose hope,” he added.
SM Foundation executive director for education Linda Atayde also addressed scholar attendees and partner school representatives present at the event. She reminded the scholars of the life principles of the late SM patriarch Henry Sy Sr., who is fondly called “Tatang.”
“Work hard. Study hard. We have to be very dedicated to what we have planned. So we are all here as one in order for you to realize your dreams,” Atayde said.
The foundation also invited some of its SM scholar-alumni to share their inspiring stories before the current SM college and tech-voc scholars.
One of them was Nikki Sotelo, a graduate of Punlaan School (Batch 2016) who now works as a sales executive in Marquis Events Place at Bonifacio Global City. Aside from having a stable job a few years after graduation, she now has her own condo unit and is currently investing at the stock market.
Sotelo now gives support to her parents and siblings.
“None of these things would have been possible if I did not experience hardships in life. But despite these tribulations, you will find someone along the way who will give you support and the proper gear to set you up in life. I will be forever grateful that I am a product of SM Foundation,” she said.
Marc Rodolf Arca, a 2012 accountancy graduate (summa cum laude) from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila placed fourth in the board exam for certified public accountants in the same year. Arca has been with SGV for seven years now and is currently the director in the assurance practice.
“Everything I have now is a result of the fact that I was able to graduate from college with the help of SM Foundation – the foundation that Tatang built. The person I am right now has been greatly influenced by the experiences I had during my SM Scholarship days,” he said.
SM matriarch Felicidad Sy, SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy, SMIC vice president for sustainability Koleen Palaganas, assistant vice president for education Eleanor Lan sang, SMIC AVP for corporate affairs Victor Chan, and other officials and representatives from the SM Group also graced the event.
Aside at from SMX the Mall General of Asia, Assembly scholars from other provinces also had their general assembly at the following SM Malls: SM Seaside Cebu last Oct. 13 and SM Iloilo last Oct. 20.