As we start another year, let’s meet some of the scholars of Pag-asa ng Pamilya Foundation, one of the mercy ministries of the Light of Jesus Family. They’re off to reach greater heights this year after they graduated from college, thanks to the help of generous people who support the ministry. Here they are:
Dreams Come True
Diana Q. Bernardo had always wanted to go to college when she was growing up. But because of their family’s financial crisis, she doubted if it would ever happen. Thankfully, God has a way of turning things around. With fervent prayers, she was able to get a scholarship from Pag-asa ng Pamilya. She didn’t give up on her dream. She persevered, studied, and did her best to prove to herself that she can do it. And with God’s grace, she made it. For her and her family, it was worth the wait. Prayers and patience all paid off in the end. Because last year, Diana graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Santo Tomas with high marks. “I accomplished what I wanted to do, and this is my dream come true,” she said after the graduation ceremony. Diana also offered a few words of advice to the younger generations: “Don’t give up. Don’t let anybody discourage you. Say that, ‘I’m going to do it,’ and do it yourself.” God indeed provides. And yes, dreams do come true.
Proud and Thankful
Years ago, when her friends mentioned that they were already graduating from college, Emanuelle Rose S. Amparo felt that she still got a long way to go. Emanuelle Rose or Ella took up B.S. Information Technology in Systems Technology Institute (STI). Being a scholar of Pag-asa ng Pamilya was really a blessing for Ella and her family. She wouldn’t have made it through college without the help of the foundation. It was God’s grace. Four years of hard work and perseverance, starting and ending relationships, ups and downs made Ella who she is right now— stronger and wiser.
Blessed Beyond Measure
College can be the best four years of your life, but not without a whole lot of support, guidance, and balance from the family. Ara Mae Garcia, one of the students of University of Rizal System, just graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Major in Operating Management. For her, finishing college is an answered prayer and being one of the Pag-asa scholars is a big blessing. Despite the challenges her family was facing, she managed to finish high school and college with good grades. “Graduation is the culmination of our hard work. Studying at University of Rizal System was definitely a right decision as the support I received and experienced will enable me to apply the skills I’ve learned in my future career,” she shared.
Forever Grateful
Jerome Jay V. Dael finished Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Manila. For him, graduation is a transition. There are times when it is a loss that needs to be grieved; you are saying goodbye to what has been your life for the last fourplus years. Graduation also means moving to a new place to start a job or enter graduate school. The last few months at school may involve completing your job search, polishing up your resume, or sharpening your interview skills. And Jerome is grateful for the blessings that he received, most especially as one of the scholars of Pag-asa ng Pamilya. According to him, he couldn’t ever replace all the things that he received from the foundation. “What an experience!” Jerome quipped. “Hard work plus patience will surely bring you success. And I really thank God for being with me all throughout.” Through the generosity and support of our mercy ministry donors, our dear scholars will continue to be a symbol of hope to young dreamers that a brighter future always awaits. This year, will you say yes to an opportunity to make more dreams come true?
Emphasized Text:
“Don’t give up. Don’t let anybody discourage you.”
“Hard work plus patience will surely bring you success.”
Source: Kerigma Magazine January 2018
