GoScholars’ Night of Brave Hearts and Bold Dreams

Thirty young scholars gathered on June 5–6, 2025, to mark the end of the academic year.

The GoScholar Year-End Fellowship, organized by Goducate Luzon through its GoYouth platform, was an evening of gratitude, courage, and community.

It was not just a celebration of achievements, but a tribute to each scholar’s personal struggles and growth through the year.

GoYouth equips young people to grow in leadership and character. Through GoScholar, students from under-resourced communities receive educational support, mentoring, and the encouragement of a community that helps them thrive.

The two-day event featured games and recognition for academic excellence, leadership, and volunteer service, with awards presented by the GoYouth team leaders. Recognition was shown through certificates, tokens, and brief tributes shared by mentors highlighting each scholar’s growth and impact. Scholars laughed and played, but the heart of the fellowship came through the personal testimonies shared.

Fun and connection during “Jump In, Jump Out.”

Erica O. Laus, a graduating scholar in Hospitality Management, shared how she battled sleepless nights, financial strain, and moments of doubt. At one point, someone even told her, “Your parents shouldn’t have had you if they couldn’t support you.” Instead of giving up, Erica pressed on. “I am a breadwinner, a multitasker, a chain breaker, and a dreamer,” she said. With the help of GoScholar, she received more than financial aid. She found a place where she was seen, supported, and empowered.

Donnalyn Pereira-Autajay, a GoScholar alumna from Batch 2017, shared how she struggled with her chosen college course and often felt lost. But while volunteering at Goducate, she discovered her strengths and calling. “Even our ‘okay na ’to’ choices can lead to the right path,” she said. “With God, nothing is wasted.” [‘Okay na ’to’ is a Filipino expression roughly meaning ‘this is good enough’ or ‘this will do,’ typically said when settling for a less-than-ideal option.]

Besides the 30 scholars, the gathering was also attended by four mentors and alumni, including Donnalyn. Their presence reminded the current scholars that they are part of a much bigger community that believes in them.

Scholars arrived in colorful outfits that reflected creativity and freedom (ie, Coachella-inspired outfits). It wasn’t just about style. It was a quiet declaration of identity and growth. Many of the scholars had once questioned their own worth, but that night they presented themselves confidently.

Behind every award was a story of quiet resilience. Behind every smile was a testimony of grace and determination.

Coachella-themed outfits express confidence, creativity, and new beginnings

GoScholars are more than students. They are dreamers who choose to keep going. They are young leaders shaped by hardship and are living proof that, when given a chance, such people can rise and lead others too.

This report was written by Manuelito Posas, GoYouth Platform Leader