“There are people that are willing to help and provide you with opportunities that will help you succeed in life, you just have to work hard and keep a strong faith.”
This is one of the life lessons Marlon De Guzman Wijangco learned. Marlon finished a double degree program, BS Accountancy & BS in Financial Management Accounting, at the Holy Angel University in Angeles, Pampanga with the help of a scholarship grant from the SM Foundation.
“The SM scholarship helped me focus on my studies because if it were not for it, I would surely be a working student, dividing my time between studies and work. SM Foundation did not only provide for the tuition fees but we are also enjoined to take part in extra-curricular activities.
“One of the many things that I learned from the Foundation’s enrichment activities is that when a team works on a project as one unit, the sense of accomplishment we experience expands beyond our individual achievements. This is the reason why I always guide and help my teammates in our department, since aside from being the most tenured in our group, I really value the importance of working as a team” He added.
When asked about his most unforgettable experience as an SM Scholar, Marlon shared “meeting the SM founder Mr. Henry Sy, Sr. in person during the recognition of scholar graduates at Megamall was an unforgettable experience. Not only that, he personally handed his gift, a Timex watch with my name engraved in it. It is a gift I treasure up to this day.”
After passing the CPA board examinations in October 2006, he got employed as financial analyst at a known corporation that offers total consultancy and advisory services for packaging of new and existing products. “In the past 15 years, I have handled almost all the finance and accounting functions, from general accounting to financial reporting and audit, “Marlon shared.
Whenever he encounters students who want to finish their studies but are lacking in finances, he motivates and encourages them to apply for scholarship grants like the SM College Scholarship. “I also share how the foundation was able to help me not just financially but also in shaping my character through my encounter with my co-scholars and the people behind the foundation. I am always proud to say that I am an SM Scholar,” Marlon concluded.
