The American Dream is becoming more realizable for Beatrice Maureen Sanagustin, a Grade 12 learner of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Main Campus as she attended the boot camp of the College Prep Program in Baguio last August 21–26, 2023, being one of only 15 qualifiers out of 350 aspiring participants in the Philippines.

Every year, only a limited number of qualified participants are chosen to be part of the Fulbright Program. During this year’s U.S. Embassy College Prep Program, organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and EducationUSA, only four qualified candidates came from Western Visayas, one of which was Sanagustin.

The boot camp took place at the exclusive U.S. Embassy residence in Camp John Hay in Baguio City, where they got to spend a week in a residence full of history, attend classes in one of the rooms where Fernando Amorsolo’s painting is hung, and eat at the dining hall tables where Yamashita is said to have signed his surrender.

The program consisted of engaging in intensive one-on-one mentorship sessions, delving into crucial aspects of refining one’s school list of achievements, and honing one’s writing and communication skills through workshops. Beyond the academic aspect, they also took part in an enriching cultural exchange, had karaoke nights, made smores, and even studied until midnight.

“Overall, the program equipped me with the tools to navigate the college admissions landscape effectively and fostered a sense of community and cultural appreciation,” she expressed

regarding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Sanagustin shared .

Moreover, for Sanagustin to be qualified for the Fulbright Program, she had to undergo the application process, which, according to her, was definitely challenging but also honed her ability to articulate her unique story. Subsequently, she was chosen as one of the applicants, and a week later, she received the news of being one of the mentees last April.

“This news filled me with excitement and elation. This unexpected recognition serves as a profound affirmation of my efforts, and I am overjoyed to be part of a prestigious mentoring program. This has equipped me with a lot of opportunities and resources as I journey towards reaching my American Dream,” she added

Through qualifying for the program, she received extensive advice and resources, including an in-person summer application boot camp, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) preparation, and guidance on applying for U.S. college programs and scholarships.

Indeed, Hua Siong cultivates its learners to go beyond and magnify excellence. This has also proven that through passion and grit, dreams are made possible.