Simone Gabrielle Balaba, a native student from Lapu-Lapu City, aced her scholarship application to international colleges as she received not just one, but ten scholarship grants from different universities in the United States.

On April 1, Balaba shared on her Facebook account screenshots of the results of the international universities that she had applied to for her upcoming college year.

In the said post, she told the story behind her hard work in achieving her dream to have a college degree abroad, especially since she lived in a remote area and is currently taking humanities and social sciences for her senior high school year.

“My school is a small public school in a small city, and my dreams of studying abroad seemed too far-fetched for a student that not only was not in a STEM-centered and business class but was neither too involved in Science and Mathematics,” Balaba said.

Hence, this does not stop her from taking a chance to pass applications to different universities in the United States, as her family has also motivated her to achieve her dream ever since.

“My dream to study abroad was growing larger day by day. […] I wanted to study abroad, it was the first time I felt that I wanted something so badly,” she said.

Balaba disclosed that it was not an easy step for her to take as her family also faced financial problems and the universities were strict with their deadlines.

As the scholarship results were announced, Balaba expressed her gratitude not only to the people who supported her but also to herself for not giving up on her dreams.

“This incredible opportunity is a testament to the hard work and support of so many people in my life, and I am truly humbled by the faith that these colleges have placed in me,” Balaba said.

Balaba has received scholarships from ten universities in the United States, namely: Hollins University, Augustana College, University of La Verne, Fisher College, Hawai’i Pacific University, DePaul University, Knox College, Xavier University, Whitworth University, and the University of Akron.

Each university offered different benefits to Balaba, such as housing grants and a work-study budget that also let her apply for jobs on campus.

Being grateful and overwhelmed by the received results, Balaba also took the chance to ask for additional sponsorships for her to study abroad.

“While I am fortunate to have received generous scholarships and financial aid packages (more than PHP 56 Million), there are still other expenses such as textbooks, room and board, and transportation that will require additional support,” she said.

Balaba’s post brought attention to many, not only because they are also celebrating her success but also because it became an inspiration for them to pursue their dreams despite the hindrances in life.

Photo Credit:
https://www.facebook.com/simone.balaba