Anak ng isang Magsasaka sa Bulacan, natanggap sa Harvard University!

Harvard University is one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world. Getting accepted to the institution is a huge privilege because of its very high standards. Many known personalities graduated from there, including former US President Barack Obama, Natalie Portman, John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, John Adams, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg.

It appears that Harvard will have a new Filipino alumnus soon. GreenEarth Heritage Foundation granted scholarship to Romnick “Rom” L. Blanco. The non-government organization advocates sustainable agricultural development. They can be found in the lower region of the Sierra Madre Mountains in San Miguel, Bulacan.

When Rom was younger, he had to cross a river and walk rough roads just to reach school. However, all his hard work and eagerness to learn were worth it. He met Harvard University’s standards and is set to fly overseas in 2018.

Moreover, the young man shared that it was their poor state that inspired him to keep going. He did not only want to improve himself but also the community where he is living. Rom shared how the people in their place felt:

“[A place] where people are living in hopelessness and despair. They believe that no matter what takes place, they will be poor forever. They see no light at the end of the tunnel.”

The scholar started getting benefits from GreenEarth in 2011. He would get month allowance to sustain his education. The young man was also given access to the foundation’s English and computer literacy classes.

Later, he was given a 5-year scholarship at the International School of Manila. It was because of how he visibly excels in his subjects. The organization trusted him enough to put their funds to good use.

Meanwhile, after graduating high school, he again, received a scholarship. He was given the choice of studying in one among, Harvard, Dartmouth College, Wesleyan University, and New York University in Abu Dhabi.

Rom considers being accepted to an Ivy League university as a miracle. He said:

“This amazing blessing that I have received will be looked upon by many as an achievement, but if I were to be very honest, I truthfully believe that what happened to me was nothing short of a miracle.”

The young man had chosen Harvard. It was because of the reputation and he believes in their motto, “Veritas: I will go where truth leads me.”

The inspirational young man stated that eventually, his achievements would be forgotten by people. However, it is more important that people know how GreenEarth has helped him and his community.

“If they write about me, people will be happy to read my story for two minutes, feel good, be inspired, and then they will quickly forget. But if they talk about the kind of community I come from, full of hopelessness, poverty, and despair, and talk about how GreenEarth Heritage Foundation is addressing the problems, which will serve a bigger group of people beyond myself, I think that has more impact.”

Rom is a good role model to the youth. He is a proof that nothing can stop you if you work hard enough for your dreams.