Living the DREAM for low-income Grade 6 Students

Before I became a scholar of the Gawad Pangarap Foundation, I was just a timid girl with a small dream, a girl who was afraid to enter a new chapter in her life. The idea of going to a new school and starting a new journey as a high school student on my own scared me a lot. Being unfamiliar with the environment and surrounded by people I wasn't familiar with added to my anxiety. But all of that changed over time.

This is a recount of my high school journey and how Gawad Pangarap Foundation drastically changed my life. During the enrollment period for grade seven at Tagudin National High School, my cousin and I participated in an exam for special Science class. After we finished the exam, we were informed that there was an essay writing exam for a scholarship being held in the same building. So, my cousin and I took the chance to participate in the essay writing exam with the hopes of getting a Scholarship.

I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the people they would interview for the scholarship. My mother accompanied me on the day of the interview and waited with me for my turn. When it was my turn, I entered the room with sweaty hands due to nervousness. Overwhelmed by my nervousness and fear of communicating with new people, they had to call my mom to answer questions on my behalf. The interview ended with me barely saying anything throughout. After that, a lot of things happened, and I was delighted when I found out that I was accepted as a scholar of Gawad Pangarap Foundation.

Starting from grade seven, I strived to give my best in my studies to not lose my scholarship. Despite having a hard time adjusting to the new environment I'm in, I was able to keep going. During grades 8 and 9, the pandemic started, and we were in lockdown. Going to school was prohibited, and modular learning became the only way for us to continue our studies. I found it hard to learn on my own, relying solely on the modules they provided. However, with the help of my older cousin, who taught me topics I couldn't understand, and watching YouTube discussion videos, I was able to get through it all.

 In grade 10, face-to-face classes resumed. I was eager to prove that I could make the honor roll, whether through modular learning or not. I did my best in studying, and I was able to reach my goal. I completed my junior high school with honors. During grade 10, I was also able to make friends and was no longer afraid to socialize with new people.

 The Gawad Pangarap Foundation helped me overcome my fear of socializing with new people through their encouraging words and support during our gatherings. They boosted my confidence, and I'm very grateful for their help.

 Senior high school was way harder than junior high. Getting into the honor roll became an impossible goal for me. Despite overcoming my fear of socializing, I still carry the fear of starting a new chapter of my life, knowing that it's full of uncertainties and there is no guarantee that I'll be able to survive this new chapter. Even though I was carrying such fear, I still strived to give my best in my studies. Regardless of giving it my all, I still found myself struggling and having breakdowns because of low scores and not being able to reach my goal. However, those struggles gave me the strength to strive more, knowing that even if I didn't reach my goal, I had given it my all, and that was enough.

 So, I continued my senior high school journey, giving my best in my studies and still enjoying it. It's true that senior high school is hard and requires great effort, but it's all worth it when you finish it. Despite not being able to graduate with honors, I can still say that I deserve my Gawad Pangarap Foundation medal and diploma, because I know, and the people who believe in me know that I did my best and gave it all.

 The Gawad Pangarap Foundation didn't only help us financially; they also helped us grow as better people. They helped us overcome our fears, nurture our skills and talents, and supported us throughout our journey. I'm forever grateful for all the help and kindness they showed us.

Here is another inspiring story of one of our HS graduate Scholar. Hope you continue to support us with achieving their DREAMS. Here is the link to donate: http://goto.gg/38937.  Thank you to our Donors and Supporters for the continuous financial assistance and believing in our endeavor. 

Respectfully,

Grace Apusen and the Gawad Pangarap Team