A testimony by Michelle Angelica Yesha S. Gatchalian, BSED English | Rotary Scholar, 2025-2026
The Rotary Scholarship helped me in so many ways. It allowed me to pay for my tuition fees and support my expenses during my final demonstration teaching, especially in preparing instructional materials and other school requirements. Because of this assistance, I no longer had to constantly worry about where I would get money for my academic needs. More than the financial support, the scholarship also gave me peace of mind. It lessened the stress and overthinking that I carried every day because I knew that I had support that I could rely on during difficult times.
Growing up as the eldest child in our family, I have always been aware of the sacrifices and hardships my parents face just to support our needs. Financial difficulties became one of my biggest concerns throughout my studies, especially in this digital age where educational expenses continue to increase. During my early years in college, I worked part-time jobs to earn extra allowance, buy school necessities, and even provide for the gadgets and materials I needed for my studies. I learned early on that if I wanted to continue pursuing my dreams, I had to work hard for them.
As the eldest child, I never wanted all the responsibilities and financial burden to fall entirely on my parents. I also have a younger sibling who is still studying and needs support for her education. At the same time, my father’s work was unstable, making it difficult for our family to rely on a consistent source of income. Although my mother works abroad as an OFW to support our family, she also carries the responsibility of helping her own mother, who has been sick. Seeing all of their sacrifices motivated me to do everything I could to help ease our family’s struggles.
To support my studies and lessen our expenses, I saved my allowances, accepted part-time jobs, and applied to different educational assistance programs. However, balancing school, work, and responsibilities at home was never easy. When I reached fourth year college, academic demands became more challenging because I had to focus on my internship, final demonstration teaching, and other requirements. At the same time, I also became like a second mother in our household, which made it even more difficult to continue working while managing my responsibilities as a student teacher.
That is why when Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, the Dean of STELA, through Dr. Dahlia D. Soriano, the BSED Program Chair, informed us about the Rotary Scholarship offered to fourth year students, I immediately grabbed the opportunity and applied with hope and determination. Receiving the scholarship became one of the greatest blessings during the most crucial year of my college journey.
Being one of the scholarship grantees made me feel seen, supported, and motivated to continue striving for my goals. It reminded me that there are people and organizations willing to help students who are determined to finish their studies despite life’s challenges.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Baguio Summer Capital, led by its president, Mr. Paraiso R. Bautista, together with the other board members, for formally extending financial assistance to selected student teachers like me. Your generosity and willingness to support aspiring educators greatly helped lessen the financial burden that many students silently carry. I am also deeply thankful to Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag and Dr. Dahlia D. Soriano, for introducing this opportunity to me and to Mr. Jumel Oliver Salva for warmly accommodating and assisting me throughout the process. Finally, to Ms. Gloria Nacua for patiently reminding me to submit the requirements on time. Your kindness, trust, and support became a source of motivation for me to continue pursuing my studies despite the challenges.
This scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and faith can open doors to opportunities that change lives. I will always carry this experience with gratitude in my heart, and I hope to one day give back and become a blessing to others just as the Rotary Club became a blessing to me.
