“Harris has never let us down.”

Just like the millions of senior high school graduates in the country, Diana Mae Salonoy had only one dream in life—to pursue a college education at a reputable university and finish a degree. She knew that a good education is key to one’s road to success and a means to take her family out of a difficult life.

Little did she know that that dream of hers would become a reality.

Now, Diana is not far from her dream of a good life. She can pursue a college degree at one of the most prestigious universities in the country – Ateneo de Manila University.

Diana knew it would be hard, if not impossible to pursue a college education given their current financial situation. “Our family is not financially stable, but today I can finally secure my college years without giving them much burden,” she explained.

The 17-year-old could not contain her joy. “I was so happy when I learned that I got my dream scholarship and university,” she replied when asked about her reaction.

As an Ateneo scholar, Diana is entitled to a hundred percent free tuition, something that other students could only dream of. In addition, she will be given free books and transportation allowance. This is more than what she expected.

For this, the HUMSS track graduate is grateful to her alma mater. “Harris has never let us down, especially on the tedious admission process,” she said in an email interview. She vividly recalls how she was being assisted by Harris personnel in the application process, to the point that she does not remember having a Christmas break just so she could comply with the requirements.

“I hurdled my Ateneo application…during Christmas break, the (Harris) administration was there…we crammed for recommendation letters days before deadline,” she said, adding that her teachers were also there supporting her.

More than anything, Diana is grateful for the brand of education afforded her by Harris.  “I would like to thank the Harrisian community for helping me get my scholarships. What I’ve thought of as impossible became a reality because of their support.” According to Diana, her academic family was “one of the reasons why today, I am one step closer towards achieving my dreams.”

Has it not for this training both in academics and character, she would not have been able to reach this far and be ready for the tertiary level.  The teenager from Barangay San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal credits Harris for having “shaped us to survive the [coming] college life.”

Aside from the Ateneo scholarship, this Harris SHS alumna also made it in the DOST scholarship program. (RIS)