SM Scholars Aspire to Pass on the Blessing of Education

 

"I aspire to become an educator not merely to fulfill a personal dream but also to be a source of inspiration for the next generation."

These inspiring words belong to 18-year-old Princess Eunice Motel, an SM scholar currently pursuing her education at the Philippine Normal University. She is one of two children of Hildajane, who works as an on-call factory re-packer, and Richard, a set man, both hailing from Caloocan City.

Princess' dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong aspiration, firmly embedded in her heart and mind since her early years. This calling became even more prominent when she embraced her Christian faith.

SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel

"My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God's word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation," she said.

In pursuit of her aspirations, Princess has selected a Bachelor's degree program in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream educational institution. "PNU is renowned for its ability to nurture exceptional teachers," she noted. "As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there's no better place to achieve that than at PNU"

Following in her mother's footsteps, Jhona Bolinas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major. Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, she passed entrance exams at other universities but decided to enroll at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela due to its proximity to her family.

Despite considering alternative career paths, Jhona chose the field of education, drawing inspiration from her mother, who is also an educator. "Watching, observing, and listening to her, I learned the basics," she shared. Driven by her passion for reading and writing, she also opted to specialize in English.

When asked whether she intends to pursue employment overseas after graduation, Jhona maintains a flexible stance, recognizing it as a unique opportunity. "However, at this moment, my priority is to ensure that my mother enjoys a comfortable life before making such a significant decision," she elaborated.

Another aspiring educator in the mix is Krissa May Oquindo. Her father, a cable technician, serves as the family's sole provider, while her mother dedicates her time to family care. Krissa completed her senior high school education at the Universidad de Manila. She applied to four state universities and ultimately decided to matriculate at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), known for producing graduates highly sought after by employers, according to a recent survey.

SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community.

When inquired about what drives her to pursue a teaching career, Krissa replied, "Being an educator has always been my passion. From the moment I set foot on a school campus, the idea of standing in front of students and sharing knowledge excites me" She has chosen Science as her major to delve deeper into the subject and to inspire others with its wonders.

Krissa has no intentions of pursuing a teaching career abroad. She firmly believes that, while there is a demand for educators overseas, the same holds true in the Philippines. She states, "My passion for teaching is rooted in caring for the next generation, especially for the youth of our country."

Over the years, the SM college scholarship program has empowered 3,791 graduates who have enrolled in more than 120 partner colleges and universities across the country. These scholars receive comprehensive tuition coverage, monthly stipends, opportunities for part-time employment during semestral and Christmas breaks, job offers from the SM Group upon graduation, and engaging activities and enrichment programs.

In addition, SM's technical-vocational scholarship program has produced 4,669 graduates, further contributing to the development of skilled professionals in various fields.