An 18-year old highschool senior from Cebu, Simone Gabrielle Balaba, has reached the peak of her academic journey so far after putting in the effort in her studies and college applications.
Balaba has been offered ₱55 million ($1.1 million) worth of scholarships from nine universities, namely Augustana College, Hawaii Pacific University, Hollins University, University of La Verne, Whitworth University, Knox College, Xavier University, DePaul University and Fisher College — all of which are situated in the United States.
She has long been dreaming of studying abroad despite the slender amount of opportunities given to students in general. The financial aid will generously cover all tuition fees and most of the expenses she would have to incur that would come with studying outside of the country.
The soon-to-be college freshman attended the small public school for brilliant students, Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) High School in Lapu-Lapu City. Balaba was a student in HUMSS and stated that she was not the typical STEM student with a number of achievements.
Balaba took to Facebook to ask for help from netizens to prepare her for moving to the United States. Despite the financial aid packages, she would have to spend on other matters outside of the tuition fees such as for transportation, textbooks, room and board, and more related to the financial realities of college.
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba 
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
The multiple opportunities that have been given to her is a testament to her hard work, as she proclaimed. She is thankful for the appreciation and words of encouragement that continue to motivate her to always do her best in her studies.
You may contact Simone Gabrielle Balaba through her Facebook page. She is actively looking for sponsors who can help her embark on the new chapters of her life.
I apply this scholarship beacuse this is the way to finish ny study and ny dream to become true because my parents are both unstable money i hope i have chance to pass this scholarship
I apply this scholarship because this the way to finish my study and big help for me because my family is unstable money. I hope i pass this thank u
Yeah and the yummy vagina
No Ivy League scholarship offer? Would have been better if she would be studying in one of the Ivy league schools like Harvard, Princeton, Georgetown to name a few as these are the best educational institutions in the US. But nevertheless, it’s still an achievement for this young, talented Cebuana. Something to be proud of as a Cebuano myself. Wishing for your success!