“The hard work and sacrifices of my parents, especially my father who is a farmer, inspired me to stay motivated and determined despite the challenges.”
To pursue college was not a question. Without a doubt, their parents are supportive of this. But, to fund two children going to college at once, there must be a plan. Wenalyn and Wella Tuyan, twins, did it together. Fortunately, for them, the university is only a stone’s throw away from home.
Cultivating paths and shared goals
Wenalyn and Wella lives in Brgy. Maslug, Baybay City –home to one of the premier agriculture universities in the Visayas. In her willingness to help resolve her parents’ dilemma in financing their education, Wenalyn searched through social media for open scholarship applications and chanced upon a post on the Facebook page of ATI in Eastern Visayas. By that time, the Easy Agri scholarship recently opened its first batch. Excitedly, she urged her twin sister Wella to apply as well. They were hopeful, but did not expect both to qualify.
Wella shared, “When we both applied for the scholarship, we knew that only one of us could be chosen. To our surprise, I was contacted by Ma'am Helen with the offer to join the program.” Wena added, “Being selected as one of the ATI-RTC 8 scholars has been a very big blessing to me and my family. Part of it was a great honor and responsibility.”
Their fathers’ dedication and value for work as farmer greatly shaped their choice for a college program.
They took up a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, where Wella majored in Plant Protection and Wena majored in Agronomy. “We’ve been through the same circumstances academically since we were kids, and it would be an interestingly nice experience to take different fields of specialization,” Wenalyn elaborated.
Additionally, they are passionate about how agriculture promotes biodiversity, making it a key sector in combating climate change and protecting the environment.
Acing sports and academia
School was even more fun with their participation in various activities. While both are into volleyball, Wena consistently carved her way for the honor roll and graduated with Latin honors. Wella followed her passion for the sport which landed her a spot on the university volleyball varsity team. They have an undeniable commitment to their individual interests.
Similarly, this taught them crucial life lessons to manage time, practice discipline, and stay resilient. Wenalyn took a chance to play volleyball for the university intramurals, while Wella was part of the team as an assistant coach. During the Regional Schools, College, University Athletics’ Association (RSCUAA), Wella had her first victory with the varsity team as they bagged the silver medal in 2022.
As much enjoyable it is for them to join these activities, maintaining the Easy Agri scholarship, which means keeping tabs of the requirements, is also part of their ball game. They take pressure as a motivating factor to even do well and embrace every experience, may it be for personal development or academic advancement.
Twin dynamics
Navigating college life also has its ups and downs. Apart from the pandemic, typhoons also ravaged the region, giving an additional layer of challenges for students. It is a good thing that they have each other’s back and their co-scholars’ tight support group. With the Easy Agri scholarship in place, they were able to do more for their family as well. “It not only lightened our family's financial struggles but also allowed us to share part of our allowance to help our family, making the scholarship a blessing for both our education and our loved ones.”
Whenever they receive their stipend, they would allocate a portion of it for their family’s expenses. They have also put up shares for the family’s sari-sari store. “Naa nako’y kaugalingon kwarta para sa pamasahe ug balon nako inig skwela di nako mangayo sa ako parents and then ihatag nako ang Katunga sa ako allowance sa ako Nanay kay para sa pangkunsumo sad sa balay, ug sa uban expenses” (I would secure for my transportation and daily allowance. This way, I no longer need to ask my parents. Then I’d give half of it to mom for our household expenses), Wena quips.
Gratefully moving forward
As for Wenalyn and Wella, along with their family, they are equally grateful for their scholarship coordinator, Ms. Maria Helen P. Seco, who patiently guided them to complete the program from the application process until graduation.
Twenty twenty-five is an exciting year ahead as they prepare for the Licensure Exam and at the same time start exploring possibilities to contribute to the agriculture sector. The training, hands-on experiences, community-based practices, and their determination have prepared them well to carry on. They continue to aspire to promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Indeed, their journey as scholars is twice as much appreciated by the family, given the double dose of once in a lifetime opportunity.
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