When aspiring youth, especially from those low-income households, are given the chance to stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they can cultivate their dreams and aspirations.
One testament to this is Jonnah Jane Sacamay, an SM scholar alumna who grew up in a family where stability is dependent on selling flowers. Years back, her family's source of income is flower farming. But this is not stable for the family because the demand for flowers is seasonal. There's also the weather to contend with.
But even if life was hard for them before, her parents instilled in her the importance of having a good education.
"Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured," said Jonnah.
To help her family, Jonnah studied hard especially when she learned about the SM College Scholarship Program. With eyes set on that goal, she graduated class valedictorian in high school and immediately applied for the SM scholarship.
"I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was lifted off my parents' shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university."
Through the scholarship offered by the SM group through SM Foundation, Jonnah was able to focus on the development of her skills and knowledge not only in accountancy but especially in life. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.
"The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family," explained Jonnah. "My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way."
Jonnah is currently the Senior Accounting Manager at SM Store, Cebu. Aside from having financial security, she takes care of her parent's medical expenses and lets them enjoy life after retiring from flower farming.
"Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their medical expenses. Aside from providing me with scholarship grant, working in SM has provided a sense of security for me and my family."
SM Foundation made it its goal to help create an environment where low-income families can thrive and achieve stability, just like how the SM College Scholarship Program paved ways for Jonnah and her family.
For school year 2023-2024, the application period is from February 1- March 31, 2023. Selected scholars may specialize in accounting, information technology, engineering, and education with full tuition and monthly allowance, including enrichment programs and activities.
Visit: SM College Scholarship for more information.
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