MANILA, Philippines – A teenager from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, is just a few steps away from achieving her dream of studying abroad. The next big thing for her to do is to choose a university or college to attend. This is not an easy choice, as she has been accepted by not two, not five, but ten of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the United States.
Simone Gabrielle Balaba, a student at the Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, has received the opportunity of a lifetime. She was accepted to ten of the twelve universities in the United States to which she applied.
The schools that accepted her were Hollins University, Augustana College, the University of La Verne, Fisher College, Hawai’i Pacific University, DePaul University, Knox College, Xavier University, Whitworth University, the University of Akron, and Augustana College.
In a post on Facebook, Simone shared her journey of dreaming, applying, and finally achieving her goal to study abroad. According to her, her dream seems far-fetched for an “island girl” like her who had limited opportunities. She wrote, “I am not looking down at myself, but simply stating the truth about the scarce opportunities students like me have. Yes, hard work can get you anywhere, but with such few opportunities, it is difficult to have that driving force.”
Simone looked up to Amanda, her older sister who is already a student at Illinois Wesleyan University. Her sister's success motivated her to chase after her own goals. She wrote, “My dream to study abroad was growing larger day by day, as my sister told me how great it was and how her scope of opportunities was so wide. I wanted to study abroad; it was the first time I felt that I wanted something so badly.”
While they encouraged her to apply, they also reminded her that nothing could be guaranteed. They also couldn't afford to help finance her education abroad because of the high costs involved. But Simone dared to reach for the stars, and it was all worthwhile!
According to her, her journey was challenging, but she was thankful to be “stubborn enough” to hold on to her dream. She added, “This incredible opportunity is a testament to the hard work and support of so many people in my life, and I am truly humbled by the faith that these colleges have placed in me.”
Now, Simone is seeking the help and assistance of generous people who are willing to help support her dreams. Despite being offered over P55 million worth of scholarships and aid, she still needs additional financial support for her other expenses, such as transportation, accommodation, textbooks, and more.
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Annabeth Cuizon has already promised to assist Simone in her search for more benefactors and to seek the assistance of Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan if the local government can also assist.
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Simone Gabrielle Balaba got accepted to 10 US universities and colleges. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Simone Gabrielle Balaba |
Simone Gabrielle Balaba, a student at the Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, has received the opportunity of a lifetime. She was accepted to ten of the twelve universities in the United States to which she applied.
The schools that accepted her were Hollins University, Augustana College, the University of La Verne, Fisher College, Hawai’i Pacific University, DePaul University, Knox College, Xavier University, Whitworth University, the University of Akron, and Augustana College.
In a post on Facebook, Simone shared her journey of dreaming, applying, and finally achieving her goal to study abroad. According to her, her dream seems far-fetched for an “island girl” like her who had limited opportunities. She wrote, “I am not looking down at myself, but simply stating the truth about the scarce opportunities students like me have. Yes, hard work can get you anywhere, but with such few opportunities, it is difficult to have that driving force.”
Long Post Ahead! :> "AN ISLAND GIRL'S JOURNEY TO US COLLEGE APPLICATIONS" I dreamed, I applied, and I passed....
Posted by Simone Gabrielle Balaba on Friday, March 31, 2023
Simone looked up to Amanda, her older sister who is already a student at Illinois Wesleyan University. Her sister's success motivated her to chase after her own goals. She wrote, “My dream to study abroad was growing larger day by day, as my sister told me how great it was and how her scope of opportunities was so wide. I wanted to study abroad; it was the first time I felt that I wanted something so badly.”
While they encouraged her to apply, they also reminded her that nothing could be guaranteed. They also couldn't afford to help finance her education abroad because of the high costs involved. But Simone dared to reach for the stars, and it was all worthwhile!
According to her, her journey was challenging, but she was thankful to be “stubborn enough” to hold on to her dream. She added, “This incredible opportunity is a testament to the hard work and support of so many people in my life, and I am truly humbled by the faith that these colleges have placed in me.”
Now, Simone is seeking the help and assistance of generous people who are willing to help support her dreams. Despite being offered over P55 million worth of scholarships and aid, she still needs additional financial support for her other expenses, such as transportation, accommodation, textbooks, and more.
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Annabeth Cuizon has already promised to assist Simone in her search for more benefactors and to seek the assistance of Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan if the local government can also assist.
— Sally, The Summit Express
"Top" is a bit of a stretch.
ReplyDeletenot just a bit
DeleteMay I know where to apply for scholarship to study abroad.
ReplyDelete