Reneal IEO Profile: Xaviel Aguelo [2013-07-14]

Eight UCSAP scholars graduated from high school in the Philippines in 2013, through a joint partnership of Reneal IEO and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.  We are very proud of all of the graduates but we were especially thrilled that one of them, Xaviel Aguelo, was the valedictorian at Compostela National High School.  In his speech at the graduation ceremony, Xaviel talked about the sacrifices his family had to make for him to go to high school and how much he appreciated the opportunity to receive the UCSAP scholarship.

Xaviel is 16 years old, one of two children in his family.  His father is a tricycle driver in Compostela and his mother is a housewife.  A tricycle is motorcycle with a covered side car, a common form of public transportation in the Philippines.  Tricycles can hold anywhere from one to eight people, and a short ride within Compostela will cost about 15 cents a person.  It’s not an easy way to make a living, and we would often see Xaviel’s father working around Compostela. 

Xaviel was still an elementary school student when we first met him but once he started high school, we became used to seeing his bright, intelligent eyes and kind smile around campus.  He was a member of what is called the “pilot section” – the top students who are grouped together in a single class for each year level.  He excelled academically for all four years of his high school career.  And of course it made Neal particularly proud when Xaviel won the webpage design contest in 2013 that included competitors from every municipality on the island of Cebu. 

Xaviel noted that financial problems are likely the greatest challenge facing young people seeking education in the Philippines.  A scholarship program like that offered through Reneal IEO gives promising students like Xaviel the opportunity to finish their high school education.  Through the UCSAP program, not only was he assisted financially, he also valued the connection with the other scholars, UCCP, and the opportunity for spiritual growth.   

The UCSAP scholarship is just a stepping stone for Xaviel to achieve his life goals.  This last May, he was awarded the prestigious VICSAL scholarship for college students.  Here’s the news release from the Cebu Sun Star (May 13, 2013):

Mandaue City -- Vicsal Foundation, Incorporated (VSF) grants scholarship program to 15 outstanding high school graduates of S.Y. 2013. The awarding was held yesterday May 5, 2013.  The 15 qualifiers are among the 295 hopefuls who applied to land a scholarship spot in Vicsal. The applicants underwent a series of screening - from written examination to oral interview.

Here are links to more information about the VICSAL scholarship.

http://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/679681/79-vicsal-scholars-graduate-honors

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/406065/vicsal-scholarship-helping-students-realize-their-dream

One of the unique features of the VICSAL scholarship program is that students can choose their major; many other scholarship programs prescribe the course and expect the student to work for their company in that field following graduation.  This flexibility will allow Xaviel to fulfill his dream of pursuing a BS degree in mechanical engineering at the best engineering school in Cebu, the University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus.

Xaviel’s dream following college graduation is to work either in an airline or maritime company.  He is excited about learning more about and working with machines.  He also loves traveling, so working in the transportation field would be, as he noted, “Dual purpose – I achieve my dream while I am having my work and salary.” 

Xaviel offered the following words of advice and encouragement to other young students:  “So even if you are facing a very hard situation, you must not surrender and remember this line from the Bible from the book of Philippians Chapter 4, Verse 13 which says ‘We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.’ If we have just faith in God nothing is impossible.” 

With his supportive family behind him, there are no limits for Xaviel’s future.  Consider helping other promising young students like Xaviel through a contribution to Reneal IEO.  See the How to Help page for more information.