A dash of hope & a sprinkle of opportunity: OASIS 2009 Scholarship Program Launch (by Jeff Quina)

2009 is the year of OASIS. A year filled with blessings, challenges, and memories which will never be forgotten. Yet one has to wonder what it really means to be a member of OASIS? Every batch that came before us had its own imprint in our institution and I tried to think, what mark did Oasis make? From my first steps in the gates of UERM until the last, I looked back and asked myself, what will OASIS be remembered for?

Then it hit me, the Oasis scholarship program actually solidifies what we are as members of Oasis. Each of us has always dreamed of achieving excellence. Being an Oasis member though has always emphasized that our striving for excellence cannot simply be for personal glory, but rather for the glory of God and others. This drives us to seek our brothers and sisters, who are all children of God.

Just this past December 4, 2009 we have formally launched our scholarship program granting to two outstanding and bright students namely Ms. Ira Nadine Bustillos of Aeolus 2010, and Ms. Denise Michelle Mulles of Altairs 2011. These two young and competent students truly have what it takes to excel not only in their studies but also in the field of nursing and leadership as well. Highly recommended by the scholarship committee, Ms. Bustillos and Ms. Mulles proved to me why they deserve to be granted the scholarship. During their interview, I asked to describe themselves in one word.

Ira Bustillios: “Independent”
Denise Mulles: “Passionate”

With the Christmas season only a few days away and 2009 coming to an end, the granting of scholarship is the perfect gift to symbolize the season of giving done through sharing our blessings as what Christ did. “Pay it forward”, building dreams, that’s what OASIS and the OASIS 2009 scholarship program is all about. To our two wonderful scholars, we wish you all the best and hope that our help could further propel you in achieving your dreams of excellence.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Here are their stories...

Ira Nadine M. Bustillio (Fourth year student, Aeolus 2010) For Ira, the eldest of four children tragedy struck early. Her parents separated when she was still in grade school and she had a difficult time coping with it. Relying on the income of her father who works as a seaman Ira had a difficult time getting in school since her father left thme. Because her mother earns a very little from her work, it came to a point wherein they had to sell the house they live in and look for another place to stay. In spite of her exemplary intellectual and leadership skills, Ira’s education hung in the balance. With only a few more months before graduation and board exams, things didn’t look well for Ira entering 4th year, 2nd semester. One thing about Ira though is that’s she’s a fighter and a positive thinker. Wanting to graduate and finish her studies as a Nurse, Ira prayed. Lo and behold, her prayers were answered. Ira found a second family in the OASIS community. Thankfully, with the financial support of the OASIS 2009 Scholarship fund, Ira found a way to finish her studies. As her way of expressing her gratitude and sharing her blessings, Ira involves herself in different activities such as being a member of the Nursing Student Council as the NSC Auditor, a member of the Nursing Ensemble, and constantly helps in voluntary work whether in school or in her community.

Denise Michelle S. Mulles (Third year student, Altairs 2011) Denise’s family depended on the meager income his father earned from a small-scale computer shop. With her mother not working because she wasn’t able to finish college, the family’s financial struggle continues up to now. Being the eldest in her family, Denise vowed to excel in everything she did and do it with passion. She got a 99% in the National Career Achievement Exam and finished her high school with honors. Upon entering college, it was Denise’s dream to be an IT computer programmer. However this dream never became a reality since her relatives were the ones who would pay for her tuition and they wanted Denise to study nursing. Before enrolling in the course, she knew she would have a difficult time coping since she’s not comfortable seeing blood and sick people. Rather than being disheartened by the situation, Denise took it as a challenge since she wanted what’s best for her family. In her first 2 years in UERM, Denise was a Dean’s Lister and excelled academically obtaining high grades. Although help from relatives were coming in, Denise’s family knew that expenses for education were still too big to sustain, especially since Denise and her siblings are all still of school age. Believing in her tremendous potential, the scholarship committee recommended her as a candidate for the OASIS 2009 Scholarship Program. Today, she is thankful to the scholarship committee who believed in and dreamed with her, and the OASIS community who will help continuously nurture in her the heart of serving and giving.

Through the generosity of each member of OASIS 2009, these two young students will continue to be formed in the UERM tradition of excellence and service. We hope that you continue to participate in the OASIS 2009 Scholarship Program. INVEST in the FUTURE of a scholar and make a difference!