One of our successful SIFI scholars today is Friday Ann Montanez, a Magna Cum Laude Graduate from Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Ann hails from the VICMICO Planters’ Association. She is one of the scholars who dreamed big in order to give back to her parents and her family. As she testifies her blessings in life, hear out her journey.
“I was knocked by failures several times throughout my journey in College. I have crossed many challenges, disappointments and even trials that truly tested my ability in all aspects. I am more about focusing myself in my studies and I have God who always reminds me that I have a family who trust and believe in me all the time which indeed leads me to become a family-centered person. I studied in NONESCOST at Escalante City as a scholar of VICMICO PA with full thanks to SIFI for giving me the chance to have a slot in their Assistanceship Program and proceed with my college life. And it was not that easy to adapt to the life there and learn their dialect. But since I needed to become independent wherein no one else would teach me what I’m supposed to do, I surpassed everything with faith.”
“If teachers are educators, WE AGRICULTURISTS are farmers. And just like them, we are precisely eager to appreciate things especially food. And due to financial misfortune, both my parents worked in the sugarcane field while my sister looked for a job to support my schooling after she graduated in high school at the age of 16. Because of my family’s life situation, it has always been my utmost concern.”
“It’s right to say that the hardship of being a student cannot be compared. How much more for us who don’t take self-breaks for a long time because of the grades that we have to maintain? We even go to school sometimes without time to take a full bath and go to sleep late at night and then wake up at dawn. Well, the secrets are probably as follows: PATIENCE, FAITHFULNESS, DEDICATION, COMPASSION and always bring the quote “FAMILY IS ALWAYS A PRIORITY”. So when my graduation came, holding my diploma was like a dream come true. But having a medal was more than enough to release the stress that I’ve been holding for a long time. Yes, I did not fall into my chosen course or my chosen school, but I think EVERYTHING fell into places where I was truly meant to be.”
“In June 2018, I was blessed to become the Officer-In-Charge of MCR Agri-Venture Corporation at Cadiz City up to the present while my sister is schooling in Bacolod City and is currently a VPA scholar. I am really looking forward to becoming a licensed agriculturist helping our economy to become more alleviated. Thanks be to God!”
