For many students who are struggling financially, a college scholarship is the golden key that would unlock the door to a better future. For SM Foundation Scholar Katherine Nguyen, aside from being given the chance to freely pursue a college degree, the scholarship also helped mold her into a better person.
“I graduated from the Asia Pacific College in 2016 with a degree in Accountancy, all because of this program–and for that, I will be forever grateful. I was raised by a single mother and this scholarship served as our ally every step of the way toward my dreams,” she shared.
“I could still recall my times as a scholar and how this program honed me to become the person I am today. This scholarship program did not only provide us with financial support for our studies but also provided us with various enrichment activities and part-time job opportunities,” she added.
For Katherine, the most memorable activity was the annual general assembly — a yearly event which brings all scholars together for a day. “I treat it as an ultimate bonding experience for us all scholars since we get to watch a movie in SM Cinema. Furthermore, we also got the opportunity to meet the members of the Sy family, especially Tatang Henry Sy Sr. and Nanang Felicidad Sy.
Cognizant of the chance that was given to her, Katherine did not rest on her laurels after getting her degree. She continued to work hard in order to show thanks to her donor and to her parents for all the help that they gave to her.
“To make my parents and donor proud, I strived hard and graduated with flying colors, got my dream job in one of the top audit firms worldwide, and finally I was also able to fulfill my dream to work abroad and provide a good life to my family, particularly my mom.
Currently, I’m working as a Senior Accountant in one of the biggest financial services group in the United Kingdom,” she said.
“Because of this program, I am now able to provide for my family a comfortable life that they deserve. Through hard work and determination, I was able to buy a house and lot in Rizal for my mom. It has always been our dream to have a home that we can call our own and now we already have one,” she added.
Katherine expressed her gratitude to the SM Foundation and the Sy family for giving thousands of scholars like her a chance for a better future. “Thank you for being a blessing and a miracle, the wind beneath the wings of your thousands of scholars, including me.
Because of your generosity and genuine care, you have allowed us to fly high and reach our dreams. I am forever blessed and grateful to be a part of SM scholarship program and all the experiences that come with it,” she said.
