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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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