A GRADUATE of Philippine Science High School–Central Mindanao Campus (PSHS-CMC) has received a full scholarship at Yale University in the United States (US).
Nathan Wayne Ariston, member of Class 2021 of PSHS-CMC, received admission offers from Yale University (USA), Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), University of California-Irvine (USA) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore).
Taking pride in his Teduray indigenous roots, Ariston will study at Yale University, a prestigious Ivy League school, where he is planning to major in physics.
His full-ride scholarship will cover the yearly estimated cost of attendance.
“I feel so lucky for being part of the Yale Class of 2025. And it just excites me that I am given the opportunity to explore beyond anywhere I've been so far to learn and to contribute to the community there and eventually here as well,” Ariston said.
He is the first graduate of PSHS-CMC to be accepted at Yale University. He graduated from Nuro Central Elementary School in Maguindanao and decided to study at PSHS-CMC in Baloi, Lanao del Norte.
“Pisay certainly contributed a great deal to my development both in intellect and in character, and I shall not graduate without having to thank Pisay and the people who supported me,” he said.
"I am prouder of where I came from than my academic achievements. I am proud of my ethnic identity," he said.
A proud son of a farmer and an elementary school teacher, Ariston said science and technology have always been close to his heart, no less so are the people who surround him in his community.
“The best way that I could give back to our country is through offering my soon-to-be expertise in Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Program) that I could acquire through this education grant to serve in whatever way I can the people immediately around, specifically in Maguindanao and the other Muslim Mindanao areas,” he said.
Ariston brought honors to the country when he won the silver medal in the International Earth Science Olympiad organized in Daegu, South Korea and the bronze medal in the 2020 International Chemistry Olympiad organized in Istanbul, Turkey. Both competitions were organized virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When asked about his advice to Filipino students on the challenges of remote/online learning, he said, “The most important value that every Filipino learner should embody, to me at least, is the unceasing drive to learn and to remain curious and to discover new ideas and principles."
"This applies whether classes are online or whatever. After all, learning is the goal, and it is conveniently the most fulfilling one. Of course, some may be disadvantaged due to the lack of resources, time, or money, but it is through these challenges that we realize the helpful spirit of Filipinos," he added. (Aries N. Oliveros/PSHS)