09/10/2024
AFTER TWO DECADES OF SEARCHING, I FINALLY MET THEM
Meet Sir Dick Turingan and Mam Marilyn Villaruel Turingan from the USA!
Back in college, Mam Divina Jurado Taguiam told me about a generous scholarship grant from a family in the United States. Thanks Mam Bing ❤️
At the time, I was already fortunate enough to enjoy an academic scholarship, as well as being a personal scholar of our dean, Sister Mirriam Victoriano, SPC. Despite some hesitation, I decided to apply for the USA scholarship and gave it a shot. I went through the qualifying exam, the panel interview, and presented my grades. To my surprise and delight, I was chosen.
The scholarship covered everything, including a monthly allowance, and I was incredibly grateful. However, by my third year, the committee informed me that the scholarship would be discontinued because they wanted to prioritize students from public schools in order to help more deserving students. I graciously accepted the decision anyway I still had my academic scholarship. But the advocacy of this family had deeply inspired me. I promised myself that when I had the means, I would follow in their footsteps and support underprivileged but deserving students.
After graduation, I sought out the Turingan family to thank them personally, but I was told they resided in the USA. I asked for their address, hoping to send them a letter, but the committee insisted they would pass the letter on for me. Over the years, I kept asking if there would ever be an opportunity to meet them if they visited the Philippines. And finally, today, that moment has arrived. Thank you Mam Emma Tolentino for making this to happen.❤️
Meeting the generous Turingan couple was everything I imagined. They are the embodiment of humility and fulfillment. Mam Marilyn, at 75, is beautiful and elegant, and Sir Dick, at 83, is still as charming as ever. Seeing them today reminded me of how their kindness changed my life and countless others.
The scholarship they offered had no strings attached for the recipients, but I placed a condition on myself. Inspired by their example, I vowed that once I had the means, I would pay it forward. And today, I’m proud to say I’ve kept that promise. I have my own set of scholars, and I’ve made it my mission to carry on their advocacy for as long as I live. I encourage my scholars to do the same when they graduate—whether it’s helping their siblings or others in need. If everyone, especially those with financial means, embraced this mindset, imagine the world of educated, empowered individuals we could create.
Thank you, Mam Marilyn and Sir Dick Turingan, for your generosity, your kindness, and your example. I am forever indebted to you. May God continue to bless you and your family abundantly.
And to anyone reading this: if you believe this story of kindness and generosity is worth sharing, please do. It is my hope that it will touch the hearts of other generous individuals and inspire them to adopt the same advocacy. Together, we can make a world of difference.
