A budding Pathways scientist goes to Texas
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in the category Estudyante Blues
Last April 14-19, a few days after her high school graduation, Pathways freshman participant, YOMKIPPUR PEREZ flew to Houston, Texas to present her high school science paper at the International Sustainable World (Engineering, Energy & Environment) Project (I-SWEEEP) Olympiad where it was awarded the Bronze Medal.
The I-SWEEEP Olympiad is the biggest international science project fair open to middle and high school students all over the world. It brings together the top-ranking participants from national and international science fairs. This third Olympiad was held in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Texas.
Her research paper on the Utilization of Eggshell as an Adsorbent Material of Biological Origin for the Removal of Lead Ions in Aqueous Solution was one of the selected finalists among the 1,802 projects selected from over 69 countries, and 1 of the 5 projects from the Philippines.
Yomki has always been interested in science and conducts research every year. Her latest research idea came to her upon seeing the excess eggshells from their Music, Arts and PE (MAPE) class’ mosaic project. To utilize what the school’s science laboratory had, she decided to experiment with lead and how eggshells would relate to it.
Her inquisitive mind has allowed Yomki to participate and succeed in various science fairs. In 2009, her research on eggshells’ capability to block Gamma radiation won 1st Place at the 6th National Science Fair held in Mindoro. Early this year, her project on the dog fur’s capability to absorb copper was a Finalist at the 7th National Science Fair held in Bicol. Her latest project, before being awarded the Bronze Medal at the I-SWEEP Olympiad, Environment Category, also won 1st Place at the Regional Competition of the INTEL Philippines Science Fair in Valenzuela City.
The fourth of seven children born to high school teachers, Yomki feels that she has been blessed so much in just a short time. Her trip unexpectedly brought together her relatives and friends as they all re-connected to support her. With her recent trip, she experienced a lot of firsts – her first trip out of the country, her first international science fair, and her first IMAX movie to name a few. Her trip has given her a new perspective and according to her has “opened the world for me, making me realize that there is more to explore and do.” She met new friends from all over the world, “proving that English proficiency is really important,” Yomki says. She adds: “I traveled alone, so I couldn’t be shy, so I could ask questions at the airport or else, I would get lost. I needed to be confident so I could properly explain my project to the judges, ask the other students about theirs, and enjoy the company of new friends.” Yomki was independent, gained confidence, and let go of all inhibitions and even sang “Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran” while playing the guitar and wearing an Igorot costume during Socials Night.
One major realization that Yomki had was how different the Philippines is to the United States, and the potential for our country to grow and develop just as the US did. When asked if she would want to work in the US, Yomkippur’s reply: “I want to stay in the Philippines and do my part in helping us grow. As a state scholar, I feel the need and passion to serve and give back to the country that shaped and gave me the education that has allowed me to pursue my own dreams.”
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Yomki is just one of Pathways’ 66 incoming freshmen this school year. They form part of the eighth batch of participants who have undergone the Pathways to Higher Education program. For 8 years now, Pathways has been helping public high school students like Yomki prepare for college through our academic and formation program from their second year in high school.
We have seen them grow from introverted teenagers to the confident student achievers that they are now with the Self Enhancement Workshops and Academic Enrichment Classes that we conduct. This June, Yomki and her batch mates will be one step closer to fulfilling their dream of a college education as they enter quality colleges and universities in the country – Ateneo, UP, De La Salle, UA&P, among others.
With YOUR SUPPORT, we can help Yomki and her batch mates go further as they pursue a college education, and MAKE THEIR DREAMS COME TRUE!
For as low as P 1,000 per month, you can help another a student with his food and transportation expenses, or donate any amount that when pooled with other donations, will go a long way in helping another student fulfill his dreams of earning a college degree.
For more information, please click the Donor Form . You may also get in touch with us at 426.6001 loc. 4044 – 4049 or by sending an email to info.pathways@gmail.com.
