Given the demanding nature of studying abroad, especially at Harvard University, renowned for its exceptional educational standards, Cathrina embarked on a rigorous two-year program.
Cathrina thought that her degree in Bachelor of Science in Management at the Ateneo de Manila was more than enough for her to succeed in life.
“Honestly, I never dreamed of going to Harvard. I felt it was impossible.” she confessed. Her mother, Ginnette, prodded her to enroll to provide her with a wider range of opportunities and for her to build a solid foundation to attain success in the business world.
The application process was extremely challenging. I’ve never taken a computer adaptive exam. I’ve never gone through the Western style of interviewing. “I prayed for God’s grace. I prayed to St. Jude for miracles. I completed the seven First Friday masses. I prayed at Baclaran Church, where my mom is a devotee. At that point, I was just praying for a miracle. And God was so gracious. He made me pass the entrance exam,” she said.
She took the challenge and anchored her faith in God and support from her parents.
She knows her journey will be transformative which will test her character, strengths, weaknesses, and her willingness to overcome the ebb of Harvard.
“Three reasons why I enrolled in Harvard? First, I knew that there was so much more to learn about the world; second, I could help put the Philippines on the map and third, I desired personal and professional growth,” she said.
Among the many cherished memories Cathrina holds close to her heart is the day her classmates discussed their countries and proudly displayed their respective flags on the classroom walls. Overwhelmed with emotion, she couldn’t help but shed tears of joy as she witnessed the Philippine flag hanging alongside those of global superpowers. Seeing it every day felt surreal and reminded her of the immense pride she felt for her homeland.
The Harvard program equipped her with the needed skill-set and a strategic mindset.
More importantly, she was able to establish a valuable network of people who are open to share their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields and who eventually became lifelong friendships.
A scholar of Harvard
Cathrina was among the five Filipinos who became Harvard scholars during her stint.
Although she got accepted into other Ivy League Schools, she eventually decided to enroll in Harvard where she was a scholar.
“Harvard not only provides financial aid for tuition fees but also covers expenses like books, materials, rent, and miscellaneous fees. Their generosity aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder anyone from attending Harvard,” she explained.
The Harvard way
Throughout her time at Harvard, Cathrina discovered the power of community, where the true wealth lies in its people.
“Before I started school, everyone warned me that Harvard is very cut-throat. I was surprised to see that it was the opposite. My classmates were open to help me, and I also helped them. There was reciprocity and a symbiotic relationship was built. There was humility when someone needs help, and no one gets embarrassed when they ask for help,” she explained.
Cathrina is the only one in the family who earned advanced studies in business.
“My parents and grandparents finished college. But through this degree, I hope to complement my parents and grandparents’ years of hard work with structure, formalities, processes, and systems,” she expressed.
Her extreme gratitude
On graduation day, her professor told her that it was her parents’ graduation not hers. That she must offer the diploma to them as a gift of gratitude. Without them, it was physically, mentally, and emotionally difficult. It would not have been possible for her to make it without her parents’ support.
She remarks: “I am also very grateful to the educational foundation and my teachers from Bacolod and Manila. Most of my friends went to Ivy League schools for college. And when people ask me where I went, I am always very proud that I went to La Salle and Ateneo”.
Her tiger mom
Ginnette Yanson-Dumancas was proud of her daughter being a Harvard scholar.
“Cathrina did her part, and I am very proud of my daughter. I am blessed to have good children. I am a proud tiger mom. I have been very strict with them to live a disciplined and obedient life. I instilled in them to study harder. We always think about what is best for our children. We work hard so that our children can have better lives. I always tell my children, you must do your best in school.”
A piece of advice to all children is, “Always listen to your parents as we love you very much. We work hard and sacrifice a lot to give you a good education and life,” she said.
Furthermore, Cathrina is eager to pay it forward by guiding aspiring students who wish to study at Harvard. She is ready to offer advice and support, sharing valuable insights on how to prepare for admission to Harvard School.