Lovely Meman

To my generous donors, Ms. Maria Macam and Mr. Dmitry Milikovsky, You don't know how much this means to me. Words cannot explain my appreciation for enabling me to pursue my dream with this scholarship while studying at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. I woke up with a heavy heart and could not sleep last night after a rough exam in one of my major classes. I felt hopeless and frustrated with myself, but at the same time, I was able to review my goals and ambitions in life. And the only reason I can think of at that time was my family, specifically my parents. After saying my morning prayer, I was prompted to open my phone and saw a message informing me that I got the Luisa de Vera Buena Memorial Scholarship! I can't believe it because it's my first experience. Since childhood, I've desired to study here at BYU-Hawaii. Although I began my first year of education remotely, I liked my first year of instruction. It was difficult because storms and flooding are frequent in my area. However, I was fortunate to have outstanding professors who assisted me in my success. Because I eventually got it in, my Heavenly Father blessed me. This financial assistance will significantly transform my life, especially during these challenging times. I am forever indebted. My parents would also like to express their appreciation for greatly blessing our lives. I may not know much about your Filipino roots or Lola Luisa, from whom this scholarship is named. However, it's a beautiful experience to be supported by people like you, who still look back from whence you came and share your blessings with kababayans like us. Again, maraming, maraming salamat po at mabuhay kayo! Ke Akua pu and malama pono, J. Lovely Meman PS. As much as I want to send in a video to express my gratitude, I can't because I look terrible after crying last night and again this morning when I saw the announcement of being awarded your scholarship.

Jazelle Saligumba

Although I have experienced many obstacles in my path as a Filipina in STEM—figuring out my own college journey as first-gen or dealing with micro aggressions, it has also made me resilient through hard times. To be gratefully awarded this scholarship means that I am able to forgo a part-time job for a semester to focus on my academics, continue building relationships within my own Filipino community back home to have one-on-one calls with high schoolers, and be able to take a breath. It is a pleasure to know that my identity is a strength and to know there are opportunities such as this scholarship that I can always remind myself of such. Thank you so much for your generosity— it is an honor to come from a lineage of talented, resilient Filipinas who persevered so that people like me can stand on the shoulders of giants. Maraming salamat!

Simone Chrastek

To Maria Macam and Dmitry Milikovsky, I am deeply honored to be chosen for the Luisa de Vera Buena Memorial Scholarship. Recently, I have faced internal conflicts about my education. Questions like "Did I choose the right major?" and "Am I capable of earning this degree?" have been on my mind. I wondered if computer science was too challenging and considered pursuing something easier. However, I have experienced a shift in my perspective. For the many Filipino women who lack the opportunity to pursue their dreams, I must succeed for them. Too often, we women undermine our intelligence, creativity, and perseverance. Like Luisa, I aim to change this mindset and empower women, reminding them that we are always capable of achieving excellence. Despite any obstacles on our life paths, we are strong enough to overcome them and support ourselves and our community. Thank you again for this scholarship. It will not only fund my education but also fuel my drive to help our Filipino community.