Hustle and heart: How SM Scholars are making their dreams happen
Written by: Kenneth M. del Rosario
Young people from vulnerable communities often feel their futures are predetermined—limited to a narrow set of options shaped by a lack of resources and societal expectations.
But two determined students, Carl Cayubit and Kris Gloria are defying these constraints, forging their own paths forward through determination and diskarte. Both scholars searched for ways to pursue higher education and until their learned about the SM College Scholarship Program.
Pursuing a diploma through diskarte
Freshman Cayubit, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, has always known that education is the key to a better future.
“Simula pa nung bata pa ako, na-realize ko na na hindi sasapat ang mai-poprovide sa amin ng mga magulang namin upang masuportahan kaming tuluyan na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral dahil na rin sa hirap ng buhay at liit ng sahod,” he said.
Throughout his journey, Cayubit has faced numerous challenges, from lacking school supplies to skipping meals during recess. But these hardships have only strengthened his resolve. “Sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko sa aking buhay, ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat dahil ako’y nahubog sa taong maipagmamalaki ko rin balang-araw,” Cayubit said with pride. He said that these experiences have shaped him into a resilient individual, ready to face whatever challenges come his way.
This early realization fueled his determination to seek ways to ease the financial burden on his parents. He worked part-time in a fast-food chain to continue his senior high school studies. Despite the challenge, he decided to continue this arrangement until he finished college.
It was Cayubit’s mother who first informed him about the scholarship of SM, a lifeline that he initially knew nothing about. The prospect of being an SM scholar reignited his hope of having a new experience in college.
He knew that this scholarship would be his ticket to focusing in school and breaking the cycle of poverty that had held back his family for generations.
For Cayubit, finishing college is a personal mission. “Coming from a family where a college diploma is as rare as a hen’s teeth, finishing college is one of my main goals,” he said.
Choosing accountancy as his course was a strategic decision for Carl for the broad opportunities after graduation. Beyond academics, Cayubit also seeks personal growth during his college years. He hopes to develop his analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, all of which are essential for his future career.
Moving forward with strength and flexibility
Another student from the biggest and newest batch of SM Scholars is Kris Gloria.
From a young age, Gloria understood the importance of education and the realities of life.
He was just in junior high when he realized that his family needed financial support, especially after his parents separated. Suddenly, Gloria found himself as the man of the house, responsible for his mother and sibling. This taught him to be strong and flexible and navigate life with grace.
Despite the various hurdles, Gloria never lost sight of his goals. He looked for scholarships, and pursued the SM College Scholarship: “For me, it’s more than just the support na maaari kong ma-receive from such a huge company, but I also thought about the experience, ‘What if maging SM scholar ako?’ The thought made me even more excited towards the new journey if ever I passed.”
His perseverance was fueled by his desire to give the best life for his family. “I want them to experience the luxury of going to sleep without having to think about the budget the next day,” he said.
Similar to Carl, he believes that pursuing accountancy in college is a way of ensuring a better future for his loved ones.
Choosing accountancy as his field of study was not an easy decision for Gloria, especially since mathematics wasn’t his strong suit. “Naduduling po ako every time na nakakakita ako ng equations sa board,” he admitted in jest.
But his interest in the subject grew during his time in the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand in Senior High School. “What I’m really interested in accounting is not the numbers itself, but the way you have to think more logically so you can solve things,” he said. The prospect of having a career that would support his hopes and his family’s dreams motivated him to push through with his studies.
With the support of the SM College Scholarship Program, he knew that stepping out of his comfort zone and joining extracurricular activities would help him build confidence and adaptability, traits that are essential in the real world.
“I am resilient, resilience is such a wonderful word because it encompasses being strong, sturdy, and having the never-say-die attitude,” he said. He knows that life will continue to throw challenges his way, but he is confident that he will rise above them, with his family and faith by his side.
Looking to the future, Gloria has his sights set on passing the CPA licensure examination and becoming a CPA. “I know how hard it would be to pass the exam, but I know that I will make it because I will do whatever it takes to make it happen,” he said.
He dreams of working with the SM Group and eventually starting his own business, similar to Henry Sy, Sr, the visionary behind the scholarship program. His long-term goal is to achieve financial stability, not just for himself, but for his family, and to give back to the community that has supported him.
“While others may think that diskarte is enough for a person to grow, adding education to the equation makes a huge difference,” Gloria said.
Sharing this belief, Cayubit shared: “Uso ngayon ang tanong na ‘diploma o diskarte?’ Bilang kabataan na naghahangad na makaahon sa hirap at magtagumpay, hindi masama kung papangarapin ang magkaroon ng diploma balang-araw at dumiskarte upang makamit ito. Hangga’t maaari, gawin natin ang lahat makakaya natin upang dumiskarte para makamit ng diploma.”
SM Scholars Carl and Kris are filled with trials and triumphs, but through their journey, they both hope to be a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and faith, one can move forward and broaden their horizons. They share the story of over 5,000 scholar-graduates, who are now pursuing their own paths and spreading social good.
For more information about SM Foundation’s social good programs, visit their website at www.sm-foundation.org. You may also follow them at @smfoundationinc on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by SM Foundation
