Hi everyone,

We are very happy to introduce to you our newest scholar!

Her name is Marianeth Mendoza, 17 years old, from Tagum City, Philippines. She is enrolled in a technical vocational school in her hometown as a Grade 11 Senior High School student majoring in Cookery.

We were moved by her story and how she was able to overcome all the challenges in her life. Her positive attributes gave her a spot in our scholarship program.

Life has not been easy for our scholar, even at an early age. She lost her mother when she was only 10 years old. It was her first heartbreak. But, she was able to endure the pain of losing and was able to move forward.

Her father, being a solo parent, had a difficult time supporting her and her siblings. So, as early as 13 years old she started working to support her studies. She became a waitress, a dishwasher, a house helper, and has also accepted other jobs, no matter how difficult, just to earn a few peso.

Her determination and persevarance helped her finish her Junior high school, and that made us really proud of this lady.

Right now, she is already in 11th grade, under the advisory of Hive account@chinitacharmer. Currently, she works part time at her school's canteen as a cook, together with her best friend (also a student of our teacher). She comes to school as early as 4AM and starts cooking. Then, at 7AM her class starts. This routine has been endured by her because of her great desire to finish school.

We saw her dedication and commitment, hence, we want to help her reach her dreams.

Our lovely scholar is not only hardworking but also smart, responsible, and very generous.

As a matter of fact, she is the vice president of her class and one of the most trusted students of her adviser.

She is also a consistent honor student and she has a special skill -- she knows American Sign Language. She sometimes serves as one of the interpreters of her subject teachers for her deaf and mute classmates.

_{Marianeth, together with her hearing impaired classmates and teachers. This was taken after they performed a doxology during their club day.}

In addition, she has the kindest heart. Despite having a few, she did not hesitate to share her stipend to her bestfriend who didn't have any money to pay for their NC II (assessment fee for a national certification). Indeed, a beautiful act of kindness from someone who also has so little!

_{Marianeth, together with her best friend who is also self-supporting, Lyn.}

To know more about Marianeth, read her thoughts and aspirations below:

Why do you want to be part of Scholarsph?

I want to be a part of Scholarsph so I can help my father to have a lesser obligation for my schooling. Instead of supporting me in school, his salarary will be used for our daily household needs like food and utilities.

The work of my father is a bus dispatcher and his salary is not enough for all our needs. Because of that, I need to work several jobs such as a dishwasher and a waitress in a carinderia (a small restaurant) ever since I was in 8th grade until now that I am a Senior High School student. So, this scholarship will really help me a lot in terms of supporting myself to school.

What is your dream in life?

For now I really want to finish Senior High School and proceed to college. I want to become a successful and great teacher someday, just like my adviser, Ma'am Maine.

What are the things that you do to achieve your goals?

Aside from working part-time jobs during my free time, I work hard as a student by studying my lessons well, and being always responsible especially when submitting requirements. In order to achieve my goals, I know that I should possess good characteristics such as being hardworking, studious, patient, persistent, industrious, and resourceful.