A moment that changed lives
Some moments fade with time, certain experiences leave an
indelible mark, shaping not just our paths but our very identities. For Atty.
Marmie Deniega and Amanda Hora, the SM scholarship application wasn't just a
gateway to education; it was the moment that shaped the life they live today.
The first to obtain a degree in the family
A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree.
Amanda’s unforgettable story as an SM scholar began when she
stumbled upon a Facebook post about the SM scholarship application.
“It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education
without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior
High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue
my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship.
That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be
accepted,” she said.
In the quiet hours of the night several years back, an email
from the SM Foundation lit up her phone’s screen, informing her that she had
been selected for their scholarship program.
The acceptance was a mark that she was a few steps away from
fulfilling another goal: “I pursued college because I wanted to become the
first in our family to get a college degree.”
“My parents did not finish their studies due to financial
difficulties, but they’ve always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations.
Also, I believe in the importance of quality education. It is something that
nobody can take away,” she added.
Amanda snaps a photo with her family as she graduated cum laude
with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023.
The scholarship opened doors throughout her college years.
Beyond the academic realm, she had the opportunities to join competitions,
intern at prestigious firms, and build a network that extended far beyond the
classroom.
She shared: “As a scholar, the foundation’s programs and
webinars allowed me to hear inspiring stories from other scholars, mentoring
and motivating us to pursue our goals. When COVID-19 affected the country and
whenever there were calamities, the SM Foundation looked after us. They
provided us with tools that are essential for remote learning. It made me feel
that I am part of a bigger family and that I am not alone in this journey.”
These experiences paved academic and personal growth. As she
graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023, she aims to
contribute to the community by creating a ripple effect of kindness.
“I would use my knowledge to find ways to provide livelihood
programs, especially in areas or communities where it is much needed. I would
also advocate for financial literacy to help people effectively manage their
finances and build resilience, especially during unpredictable life events. I
would also use my story to inspire the youth, especially the current and future
scholars, and remind them to never give up on their dreams,” she shared.
Scholar makes an impact on the community
Atty. Marmie Deniega (fifth from left) with her colleagues from
IBP-Cebu Chapter.
Much like Amanda is CPA-lawyer Marmie Dyan Deniega.
Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit
of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a
TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.
Recalling vividly the moment, she shares: “My mother and I were
watching the television. The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the
application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on
that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM
Mall."
The scholarship became the cornerstone of Marmie's academic
success. She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University
of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only
financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies.
The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also
fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law
degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.
Now successful in her field, Atty. Marmie travels and enjoys
various leisure activities. Beyond this, she is thankful to have the capability
to support her family.
Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business
Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to
her community's development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role
in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more
accessible to constituents.
As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the
education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects.
She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics,
such as the Anti-Bullying Law.
Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with
Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and
Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding
light on the intricacies of VAWC.
In the confines of her office, clients naturally turn to her for
legal advice, seeking guidance on various matters: “It cannot be helped that
clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help
them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law."
Amanda and Marmie's stories are not just individual triumphs but
testaments to the impact of education. Each year, countless dreamers like them
are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations and chart their paths to
success through the SM College Scholarship Program.
As the application for the SM College Scholarship Program opens
from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024, countless more lives stand to be touched.
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