Name	Cathleen Clare L. Tinhay
Age	21 years old
Course	Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Physical Education
Address	Pob. Impasugong Bukidnon

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Cathleen Clare L. Tinhay, 21 years old from Poblacion Impasugong, Bukidnon is a first year Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Physical Education student of Bukidnon State University. She is commonly known as Kling-Kling.

Kling loves dancing and her dancinng skills became her means of supporting herself and her studies. She joins dance competitions and teaches all genres of dancing where she gets paid but still ensures that these gigs are only during werkends so as not to affect her studies

Kling became a mother when she was twenty years old. This became her motivation to finish her studies and be able to give her daughter a better life.

When her parents decided to stop supporting her studies (after her mother stopped her business and her father lost his job), she looked for ways to support herself. She sells yema and biscuits to her classmates to cover her daily fare and other expenses. Currently, she is saving up for her school uniform since she is only using her P.E uniform as her gatepass to be allowed to enter the school premises. In addition, she still need to pay her outstanding balance at school before she could avail the free education program of the government.

Seeing Kling in person, one would not see the struggles that she is experiencing as she is still smiling and still has a positive outlook in life. Kling is definitely a woman of silk and steel.

One thing that we really liked about our scholar is her being genuine. In fact, when we asked her if it is okay with her if we publish her life story, her answer made us admire her even more. Her words, " Yes, why would I be ashamed of my story when that is really the truth." This earned her a spot in our scholarship program. Check her thoughts and aspirations below;

Dreams and Goals

To finish my studies, to be an effective teacher in the future, to be someone someday with a doctorate degree. I want to have my own house and lot (because me and my siblings grew up moving from one house to another house). Also, I want to raise my family from poverty and to have a complete and happy family in the future.

Parents' Source of Income/ Employment

None at all, because my mother stopped her business and my father stopped being a laborer

Why do you want to be one of our scholars?

Because I believe that a good education is the key to success. I know that a scholarship will be a very big help for me because it is really hard to find fare so that I will be able to reach our school everyday. I promise that I will commit myself to effectively take advantage of the opportunity that the scholarship will provide me.

Life Mantra

Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams.

One specific incident or turning point in your life which made you realized that you need to pursue your studies amidst the struggle.

The moment I gave birth to my daughter. I realized that I don't want her to experience the struggles that I encountered in my life because of poverty and I want her to have a better and brighter future. Also, my parents are getting older and I still have plenty of dreams for them.

Anything You Want to Share

I always think positive everyday like even though I don't have a single centavo on my pocket, I still wake up early and get myself ready, I wear my uniform and walk on the street just thinking that "I can go to school and God will provide." I really can't go to school without money because I need fare for a reason that our school is far and it is 40 minutes away from our home.

One time, I got on the bus knowing that I do not have a single centavo in my pocket. When it is about time for the attendant to collect my payment, my seatmate, a total stranger paid for my fare. I was anxious the whole time because I didn't know what to tell the bus driver and bus attendant and my seatmate could have felt my anxiousness. Thank God, a stranger saved me.

Kling's acceptance letter.

Note: Photos of the awarding are to follow.

Kling is the best example of @scholarsPH's aim of providing inclusive opportunities for everyone. We at @scholarsph do not discriminate and do not hesitate especially in helping those who deserve second chances. We want to create a community that embodies a culture which ensures that no one is left behind.

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