August 1, 2026
Even with nothing, this scholar has much to give
By Joy Rojas
Mira Pondol has a year to go before she completes her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (major in Financial Management) from the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City. As early as now, her family has ideas on how to mark the special occasion.
“Actually, I think they’re more excited,” said Pondol with a giggle. “I’m still in fourth year college but they’re already preparing for my graduation. I told them, ‘Please, let’s not spend for anything. Let’s wait until I get my first salary.’ They said, ‘No, we’re going to celebrate!”
Their eagerness is understandable. The eighth of nine children, 25-year-old Pondol will be the first in her family to graduate from college.
It’s not just a source of pride. A college degree opens doors to more job opportunities and regular pay, which translate to a better quality of life for her and her family, following years of hardship, sacrifice, and loss. It’s also proof that anything is achievable with determination, commitment, and the support of people and organizations that want to see you succeed.
Pondol was in elementary when her parents prepared her for the possibility of stopping school because they lacked the resources to sustain her education. The daughter of farmers, she knows all too well about the backbreaking effort of tending to crops and the measly returns of manual labor.
“Sometimes, I asked myself if things would ever get better, if it was always going to be this way,” she said. “But I’m still alive, and as long as I’m breathing, I have to work hard.”
Then her mother fell ill, and was in and out of the hospital numerous times. The family sold their land and animals to shoulder the cost of her treatments.
In her passing from lung disease, they were left with nothing. Eventually, her father returned to farming in land owned by her cousins in New Corella, Davao del Norte, and her siblings quit their studies and got jobs to help put food on the table.
Not Pondol. Through an older sister, she moved to Davao City to complete her senior high. Although she eventually stopped her studies to work and save money, the plan was always to go back. “My mindset was to graduate,” she said. “I have no plan to stop schooling.”
Still, her salary from her job as a bookkeeper (and any money contributed by her siblings) were not enough to cover her needs, first at the privately run St. John Paul II College, then at the University of Southeastern Philippines.
A partner school of Tzu Chi Foundation, the University of Southeastern Philippines offered scholarships through Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program. Pondol, who had never heard of Tzu Chi, tried her luck and left it at that. She was one of many who applied, she reasoned, what were her chances?
And then she got the call. “I was so happy,” she said. “I knew it was God’s way and blessing for me to continue my studies.”
Three years into the scholarship did more than provide for her college expenses. Attending monthly Humanities classes and volunteering in Tzu Chi-led community service made her responsible and appreciative of her imperfect life.
“Before I entered Tzu Chi, my mindset was, ‘I’m so poor, I have nothing to give.’ But in Tzu Chi, I realized that no matter how poor you are, you still have something to share with others,” she said. “No one can say they have nothing to give. Even their time, they can give to others.”
As such, one of Pondol’s plans after graduation, aside from gradually easing her family out of poverty, is to help the less fortunate. After years of being on the receiving end of countless people’s generosity, she’d like to be the one who gives for a change.
“I know what it’s like to have nothing,” she said. “One day I hope the Lord blesses my pocket and makes me an answered prayer for others.”
At the 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp in July, Tzu Chi Davao scholar Mira Pondol (first row, fifth from right) poses with fellow scholars and volunteers.
Outdoor games at the 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp allow Mira Pondol (foreground, second from left) to learn about the foundation and bond with fellow scholars from different chapters.
(First row, third from left) With fellow scholars and volunteers at Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippines Life, on the first day of the 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp.
In Barangay Sugal, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, Mira Pondol (third from left) assists families affected by the magnitude 7.8 quake in June / Photo courtesy of Mira Pondol
(Second from left) Happy to help beneficiaries in a relief operation in Jose Abad Santos / Photo courtesy of Mira Pondol
(Back row, fourth from left) Celebrating the end of her senior high school journey with schoolmates from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School / Photo courtesy of Mira Pondol
(In polka dots) Creating meaningful connections through a community outreach in Gravahan, Matina, Davao City / Photo courtesy of Mira Pondol
(Standing, in red) Guiding youngsters in an outreach activity in Sabroso Street, Ecoland, Davao City / Photo courtesy of Mira Pondol
Serving the Lord and growing in faith at a worship and praise gathering / Photo courtesy of Mira Pondol