April 10, 2025
Scholar alumni volunteer for Tzu Chi scholars’ reapplication interviews
By Joy Rojas
When they were Tzu Chi scholars, Kenneth Lagonilla and Michelle Jose experienced all the emotions involved in scholar reapplications—from the stress of being interviewed by volunteers to the anxiety of waiting for their decision, and the mix of joy and relief when they finally hear the good news.
An opportunity to volunteer as interviewers of the latest batch of college scholars under Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program on April 6 found them on the other side of the table, and with a newfound appreciation for the crucial role of assessing applicants.
“During my reapplications, my only thought was ‘As long as my requirements are complete, I think they’ll accept me,’” says Lagonilla, who finished his Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila. “Now that I’m interviewing scholars, I realize that there’s so much involved in the process. Everything is computed. We even have to know how much they spend for utilities—it’s that specific! I’m learning a lot from the more experienced volunteers I’m grouped with.”
It wasn’t long ago when Jose sat nervously with other scholar applicants while waiting for her turn to be interviewed. “I’m still nervous now,” says Jose, a graduate of early childhood education from the Philippine Normal University. “I’m nervous about my approach in asking these scholars about their backgrounds and their stories. But that’s why we need to do it: to know them more so we can help them.”
Good things have come to these scholar alumni since they graduated last year. Lagonilla is an administrative staff for a subdivision in Sampaloc, Manila, and a part-time tutor; Jose teaches kindergarten in Marikina and just passed her Licensure Exam for Teachers in February.
Still, the decision to spend their free time assisting Tzu Chi volunteers in a whole day of reapplication interviews was no surprise.
“I want to give back to Tzu Chi. They taught me how to volunteer,” says Jose who recently helped out with rice distribution for scholars after a Humanity class.
“Even before I graduated, I was already thinking of volunteering in projects and programs of the Tzu Chi Foundation,” says Lagonilla. “It’s been six months since I was last here, and I feel very welcome.”
That’s something the current crop of Tzu Chi scholars can look forward to. For now, the goal is to study well and make the most of a scholarship that impacts students in their academic and personal growth.
“One thing that comes to mind is discipline,” says Lagonilla of how Tzu Chi has shaped his character. “Because of the discipline that I learned from Tzu Chi, I continue to practice it in my workplace.”
“I used to think that my life was sad and unfair. Listening to the stories of my co-scholars made me thankful and appreciate the blessings in my life,” says Jose. “To my fellow scholars: “Keep on dreaming. Keep on grabbing opportunities that the world offers you. We only have one chance, and if we’re given an opportunity, let's grab it, especially if it benefits us.”
Reapplication interviews were also held on March 22 (for elementary and senior high school scholars), March 23 (for Chinese school scholars), and April 4-6 (for college scholars).
Tzu Chi scholars and their parents wait for their turn to be interviewed in the April 6 reapplication of college scholars at the Harmony Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Tzu Chi scholars and their parents wait for their turn to be interviewed in the April 6 reapplication of college scholars at the Harmony Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Volunteers worked in groups of three to interview scholars and their parents.
For former scholar Kenneth Lagonilla (in Tzu Chi vest), volunteering for the reapplication of scholars was an eye-opening experience. “There’s so much involved in the process. Everything is computed. We even have to know how much they spend for utilities—it’s that specific! I’m learning a lot from the more experienced volunteers I’m grouped with.”
Michelle Jose (in Tzu Chi vest) watches and learns as volunteer Joy Gatdula (second from right) take the lead in a scholar’s reapplication interview.
Since graduating summa cum laude from his Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Kenneth Lagonilla (second from right) has found work as an administrative staff of a subdivision in Sampaloc, Manila. “But I always wanted to volunteer for Tzu Chi’s programs and projects,” says the scholar who received his certificate of recognition from Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Ang Mei Yuan (first from left), Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So (second from left), and Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (first from right) at last year’s symbolic graduation rite for scholars.
This isn’t the first time Michelle Jose has donned the Tzu Chi volunteer vest. At a recent Humanity class, she assisted in the distribution of rice. “I want to give back to Tzu Chi. They taught me how to volunteer,” she said.