by Ana Jhalrem Paunil
“Gikapoy nako,” “Daghana’g buhatunon oy,” “Ting exam nasad, tas wala pa ko kabayad”
— these are words often voiced by Teknoys after another grueling day of classes and schoolworks. Especially during exam weeks, the pressure of unpaid tuition fees and academic expectations weigh heavily in their minds. Often, the weight of it all is enough to overwhelm and bring even the most diligent of students to the brink of exhaustion.more
But for CIT-U’s non-academic scholars, the struggle goes beyond the norm as they juggle the responsibilities and expectations of personal life, academics, and working for the university. These unsung heroes are the dedicated individuals seen in the frontlines of assisting students with their queries and managing office tasks to ensure the university’s performance.
“Adtoa lang didto, naay NAS muassist nimo,” a common Teknoy line equivalent to a reminder that help is always available from the tireless efforts of dedicated scholars.
Meet Brad Matthew Dormile, Luna Acosta, and Earl Dela Victoria—three students who defied the odds and found their unique way to thrive at CIT-U by hustling with the Non-Academic Scholarship (NAS) Program towards a better life.
Top to bottom: Brad Matthew Dormile, Luna Acosta, and Earl Dela Victoria.
Brad’s Determination
Brad’s journey to CIT-U was filled with unexpected turns. He was a senior high school student at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) when the pandemic hit, throwing his plans for college into a tailspin. He felt stuck, unsure of what to do next.
“It was a mutual decision for me to stop going to college for my first year. I was also dealing with a lot at home. It was a tough time,” Brad said.
His family life was far from picture-perfect as he felt left behind due to personal family dynamics, constantly battling the feeling of being an outsider. However, he used his difficulties to motivate his decisions in life.
“I wanted them to fight for me, but it never happened that way. I was the one who had to figure things out.”
So, Brad took a leap of faith and entered the workforce, landing a job as a customer representative in a call center company. He worked hard, but it was a far cry from his dream of attending college.
Reflecting a determination that belied in his struggles, Brad said,
“I had two choices: I could either excel in my job and forget about college, or I could find a way to make it work.”
Brad eventually chose the latter. He knew he wanted to attend college, but he also knew he needed to be smart about it. He chose CIT-U because of its lower tuition fees and applied for the NAS Program, hoping for a chance to prove himself. His interview with Engr. Anna Marie Granaderos, the Assistant Head of the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, was a pivotal moment for him.
“I was so nervous, but I think she saw something in me. She saw my potential,” said Brad as he reminisced on the moment that made him realize his dreams of attending university.
Brad thrives in his role as a non-academic scholar in the Human Resource Department. As a psychology major, he is particularly drawn to the recruitment and selection process, finding satisfaction in connecting with potential employees and guiding them through the interview process.
As a young adult who had to fight for opportunities to realize his dreams, Brad must have found fulfillment in providing opportunities for others too, as that was the pipeline that led him to eventually enter college.
Luna’s Mission
Luna had been searching for a way to go to college, and when she was accepted into CIT-U, she felt like it was meant to be. Her interview with the NAS Program Coordinator was a turning point, and she felt a sense of belonging.
“It was like it was meant to be. I had been looking for a way to go to college and this opportunity just fell into my lap,” said Luna.
But Luna’s journey wasn’t without its challenges as she experienced the loss of her father and the struggles of making ends meet. Consequently, she had to juggle her studies as an AB Communication student with her responsibilities as the President of the Society of Non-Academic Scholars, a role that demanded a lot of her time and energy.
According to her, “It wasn’t easy. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I always reminded myself why I was doing this. I wanted to make a difference, to create a positive environment for my fellow NAS students.”
Reflecting on her mental struggles as she faced the turbulences of life, she said,
“There were times when I felt like giving up, but I always went back to the reason why I entered the NAS Program. It was a chance to make a better life for myself, to prove that I could achieve my dreams.”
Beyond her presidency, Luna found a sense of purpose in her role as a scholar assigned to the library. She enjoys helping students with library resources, may it be books or research databases. It is a quiet but meaningful way to contribute to the academic community, a passion that fueled her dedication to the NAS Program.
Earl’s Growth
Earl, CIT-U’s online video correspondent known for starring in the university’s marketing videos, joined the NAS Program because he needed a part-time job. He was drawn to the opportunity because it allowed him to work and study, along with a much-needed financial boost.
His experience in the NAS Program has given him valuable exposure to the marketing field, a field he is exploring as a multimedia arts student.
“It’s not easy. You’re pressured, but you learn to adapt,” he said.
With this, Earl shared his struggle of balancing work and school. He misses the freedom of being a full-time student and yearns for the days when he could fully immerse himself in the usual college life experience.
“I want to go back to my student life. I want to be able to enjoy my time in college, to focus on my studies and my personal life.”
Despite his internal conflict, Earl remains appreciative of the opportunities the NAS Program has provided him. He finds fulfillment in the knowledge he’s gaining, the connections he’s making, and the chance he’s been given to contribute to the marketing office while applying his knowledge in a real-world setting.
Non-Academic Success
Through the challenges, they have found a sense of purpose and fulfillment as they learned valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and leadership. They have discovered that they are capable of achieving great things, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
When asked about what message they can offer to their past selves, Brad replied, “I know you’re having second thoughts, but go for it. You’re strong. You can do it.”
Luna expressed her wish to stay grounded and focus on the present, “Don’t worry too much about the future. Be present-minded, improve, and be happy in the moment. Life is full of challenges, but it’s also full of happiness.”
Lastly, Earl’s message is a reminder to embrace the uncertainty of life, “Always take time for the things that give you joy in life.”
Being a non-academic scholar has provided Luna, Brad, and Earl with opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Brad values the chance to gain practical experience in the human resources field for his future career; Luna emphasizes the chance to develop her leadership skills to make a positive impact on her fellow students; and Earl appreciates the exposure to the marketing field and the chance to learn from professionals.
The life stories of CIT-U’s NAS students are a testament to the power of scholarship programs that don’t just offer financial aid but also a chance for students to embrace their potential. By expanding access to programs like NAS, institutions can offer more opportunities for students, affirming education as a basic right for all rather than a selective privilege.
Brad, Luna, and Earl are reminders that success comes in all shapes and sizes, and the path to achieving your dreams is often paved with unexpected detours and challenges. But with determination, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, anything is possible. And, sometimes, the biggest victories come from the most unexpected places, proving that even when life throws you a curveball, you can still hit a home run.
wow
so non sequitur