For Genevieve and her daughter Robie dela Cura, joining the Medical Scholarship Program of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), with the support of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI), started as a practical decision. Over time, it became a meaningful journey of personal growth, confidence-building, and shared learning.
Starting with a Practical Decision
Like many parents, Genevieve was focused on finding ways to support her daughter’s education.
“Magastos po kasi ang nursing,” she shared.
To help make Robie’s aspirations more attainable, she considered caregiving as a stepping stone. When a scholarship opportunity opened, she immediately encouraged her daughter to apply.
At first, Genevieve had no intention of joining the program herself.
“Ang sabi ko, ayoko. Anak ko na lang.”
Her plan was simply to accompany Robie and provide support throughout the process. However, encouragement from a friend and a barangay official led her to reconsider. Since she would already be present during the sessions, she decided to take the opportunity as well.
A last-minute slot allowed her to join the same batch, marking the beginning of an unexpected shared experience.
Learning Together in a New Environment
For Robie, having her mother as a classmate was initially unfamiliar.
“Noong una, parang nakakahiya. Kasama ko mama ko,” she shared.
However, as the sessions progressed, both Genevieve and Robie became more comfortable in the learning environment. The program created a space where they could grow not only as mother and daughter, but also as individuals.
Through the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) workshop, participants were encouraged to build confidence, improve communication skills, and engage more actively with others.
Building Confidence and Communication Skills
For Genevieve, the experience required stepping outside her usual role.
“Sanay kasi ako sa role ng nanay,” she explained. “Minsan mahiyain ka magsalita o makijoin. Pero dito sa LEAD, hinuhubog ka maging open at vocal.”
The workshop helped her become more comfortable expressing herself and interacting with others. She also found the sessions engaging and relevant to everyday situations.
For Robie, the program helped her overcome her natural shyness.
“Mas follower po ako. Nahihiya ako,” she said.
Through group activities and discussions, she was able to connect with fellow participants and gradually build her confidence.
“Kahit first day pa lang, parang matagal na kayong magkakasama.”
Recognizing Strengths Through Affirmation
One of the most impactful activities for Robie was the positive affirmation exercise, where participants shared encouraging feedback with one another.
“Natutunan ko po na may good side din pala ako, na nakikita nila sa akin na hindi ko nakikita.”
This experience helped her gain a new perspective on herself and recognize her strengths. It also reinforced the importance of supportive environments in building confidence.
A Strong Family Foundation
Throughout the program, their close relationship became noticeable to others.
“Sabi nila, ang buti mong anak,” Robie shared.
Their openness and affection toward each other reflected the values they practiced at home. For Genevieve, expressing care and support within the family has always been important.
This strong family foundation helped them engage more easily with others and contributed to their positive experience in the program.
Lessons That Go Beyond the Classroom
The LEAD workshop also encouraged participants to reflect on personal experiences and relationships.
For Genevieve, one session brought back memories of her father.
“Palagi niyang sinasabi na mahal niya kami,” she recalled.
She shared how this experience reminded her of the importance of expressing love and valuing time with family. These reflections highlighted that leadership is not only about skills, but also about empathy and meaningful connections.
A Meaningful and Lasting Impact
For both Genevieve and Robie, the program created lasting changes.
“Hindi nasayang yung pagpunta namin. May pagbabago,” Genevieve said.
Through the Medical Scholarship Program, PSFI and BCFI continue to provide opportunities that extend beyond education. By combining technical training with personal development, the program helps participants build confidence, strengthen relationships, and prepare for future opportunities.
For Genevieve and Robie, what began as a simple decision to participate became a shared journey of growth, proving that learning can happen at any stage in life and that sometimes, the most meaningful progress happens when people grow together.
