SM scholar feature: Fulfilling one dream after another

Gloria Joyce Masiglat or Joyjoy has big dreams.

Despite being an only child, Joyjoy’s family’s expenses were greatly limited by her father’s earnings as a driver. She was even worried that her parents would not be able to support her through college.

But this didn’t deter Joyjoy’s dream of pursuing college. To lessen their expenses, Joyjoy tutors grade schoolers in Math and Science subjects. She is also active in extracurricular activities and particularly excels in public speaking. She placed third in Far Eastern University’s Impromptu Public Speaking Contest last February 2015.

“Pangarap kong maging teacher noon pero nakamit ko na ito sa pagtu-tutor ko,” Joyjoy said. “Ngayong nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral dahil sa SM Foundation, gusto ko namang makatapos ng Accounting at makapasa ng CPA exams. (I used to dream of becoming a teacher but I already accomplished it working as a tutor. Now that I am given a chance to study by SM Foundation, I want to finish Accounting and pass the CPA exams).”

Joyjoy continues to dream even bigger saying that she hopes to study law after passing the CPA exams. She is optimistic that the future holds more opportunities for her especially after being accepted as an SM scholar in April. She will be taking up Accountancy in the National University this coming school year.

For school year 2015-2016, 275 new scholars are given renewed hope by SM Foundation through its College Scholarship Program. In April, SM Foundation held its contract signing event for 145 scholars from NCR and other areas in Bulacan, Baliwag, Sta. Rosa, Calamba, San Pablo and Cavite.

Since 1993, SM Foundation has provided college scholarships to underprivileged but bright high school students. SM scholars are provided full scholarship grants with monthly allowance. They are also given the opportunity to work part-time in SM malls to get relevant work experience and help augment their allowances during Christmas and summer breaks. Upon graduation, scholars are also given the opportunity to join the SM Group through an exclusive job offer event.

To date, the program has produced over 2,160 scholar-graduates and supports 1,500 scholars in its 84 partner schools nationwide.