Filipino farmer's son gets full scholarship from Harvard

The seventh of nine sons, Romnick Blanco's story is one that will tug at the heartstrings. It is also a constant reminder that we should not stop believing that our dreams can come true.

Blanco, a farmer's son, was granted a scholarship by Harvard University - one of the world's most prestigious schools.

According to a report by Philippine magazine, Town & Country, Blanco lives in the foothills of the Sierra Madre and used to walk miles just to get to school, which involved crossing a river under the sweltering tropical sun of the Philippines.

In 2011, Romnick was sponsored by a local charity foundation called GreenEarth Heritage that assisted impoverished farmers' children by giving them access to English and computer literacy classes. They also assisted them with the ancillary costs of public school education.

This sponsorship helped Blanco pursue his studies despite their family's economic status. The foundation further recognised his commitment to studies by granting him a five-year scholarship at one of the country's oldest international high schools - the International School Manila.

Through his hard work, Romnick graduated from the International School Manila this year - and his life took a major turn after.

After graduating with flying colours, Blanco was surprised that he was accepted and given full scholarships by four prestigious universities, including in the UAE - Harvard, Dartmouth, Wesleyan University and New York University in Abu Dhabi.

Of the four prestigious universities, he chose Harvard and will start school in 2018. When asked about his selection, the report said: "I selected Harvard for all that it represents. Its reputation precedes itself," he shares. "I love its motto, 'Veritas: I will go where truth leads me.'"

He hopes that more farmers' children would be given the opportunities he was also given. Asked about how he feels about this series of events, he said: "This amazing blessing that I have received will be looked upon by many as an achievement, but if I were to be very honest, I truthfully believe that what happened to me was nothing short of a miracle."

Source: Khaleej Times