‘AKO ANG BUBUO NG PANGARAP PARA SA PAMILYA KO’
The SM Foundation, which welcomed its first batch of education scholars three decades ago, has always believed that access to quality higher education exposes Filipino youth to realms of possibilities, as they get equipped with knowledge and skills and feel empowered to strive for their stability and that of their families.
Today, thousands have been given the chance to go beyond possibilities. One of them is Junie Anne Mariano.
Junie’s family is one of the many hit hard by the pandemic. As fish vendors in Cauayan, Isabela, her parents were already finding it hard to bring home enough for a family of six, but things became tougher when their humble source of income closed down due to Covid-19.
Junie’s parents pursued farming after losing their jobs as fish vendors.
But Junie has always dreamt of something better for her family, a life where her sibling could go to school and where the family could enjoy a decent meal. She knew that equipping herself with skills through education would lift them out of the life they had always known.
The SM scholarship
Junie applied for the SM College Scholarship Program and got in. She took up Secondary Education at a university in Cauayan City, Isabela. It was the beginning of a journey that would change the course of her life.
“Hindi lang ako academically na-shape ng SM College Scholarship Program. At the back of my mind, I had set a standard for myself.
It made me stronger as I conquered challenges. I made the initiative to study harder and smarter dahil sa panahon ngayon, hindi lang hard work ang kailangan; you need to be intelligent, and you need to be the initiator of the things you want to achieve,” she said.
She also took the part-time job opportunities offered to SM scholars at The SM Store in SM City Cauayan. Beyond earning an allowance, the experience exposed her to the realm of business and honed her communication skills. The money she earned and her monthly allowance from SM Foundation also helped her support her siblings' education.
Right after college and while reviewing for the licensure examination for teachers, she got a job at a private school in their city.
Junie now teaches English at private school in Cauayan City. She is also able to support the education of her three other siblings who are currently in third-year college, grade 11 and grade 8, respectively.
New horizons
In March 2023, Junie passed the March 2023 LET. This meant new horizons to explore, because Junie now plans to pursue a master’s degree to broaden her skillset, become a more effective educator, and set an example to fellow dreamers.
“I’m just starting to live the life I’ve dreamt before,” she said. “Ako ang bubuo ng pangarap para sa pamilya ko. That’s why hindi ako titigil sa kung ano na ang naabot ko ngayon. Gusto kong mag-improve pa para sa ganoon mas marami pa akong ma-achieve. Through these achievements, I can share the blessings that I have with others, most especially my family and students.”