SM Scholarship provides fighting chance to start anew

FOR those experiencing hardships, a chance — a single spark — could be enough to show them the way to a brighter future.

The SM Foundation Scholarship Program is just that for thousands of deserving students from vulnerable communities like Fritz Mendez.

Mendez's journey to where he is today was not easy. Survival was the only thing on his mind, coming from a vulnerable community.

SM Scholarship Program alumnus Fritz Mendez takes his turn in inspiring the new generation of SM scholars. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

His mother was forced to leave her job as a domestic helper due to the war in Lebanon. With other family problems, he was forced to stop attending school, feeling that escaping poverty was an impossible dream.

«In our community, it seems expected of one not to go to college or have a degree because poverty is very rampant. I, however, had a dream… to show my community and family that I could have a college degree,» he said.

«Having an opportunity to fulfill that dream through a scholarship is indeed a blessing I prayed for. I took all the courage to apply, and SM gave me a shot,» he added.

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Starting college at 19 and being older than his peers did not stop Mendez from developing his skills and making the most of the opportunity given to him.

The program's supportive environment and involvement in church activities helped him turn his negative experiences into positive actions. He discovered his passion for writing and performing, outgoing nature, and leadership skills honed through various church and school activities.

Young as he was, he also developed practical skills like budgeting and time management, crucial for his survival and success in college and future career. These experiences boosted his confidence and expanded his horizons.

«This unleashed a new side of me. From merely thinking about survival, I developed a sense of responsibility, discipline, and an appreciation for the value of labor and money. This growth was particularly evident during my participation in the summer job program, where I learned to budget my earnings effectively. I was able to provide for our household needs while still saving enough for my allowance in the upcoming