Rosalie Macaspac is just one of the thousands of SM College Scholarship graduates, and her story proves that dreams to come true especially if you work hard for it.
Rosalie has dedicated her life to teaching SPED because she wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners. She has She is currently a teacher at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City.
Her journey to becoming an educator is not easy. Raised by a single mother who does laundry for a living, life is not really roses for Rosalie. "In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing the clothes of neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on an promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman."
The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. That didn't stop Rosalie though, instead, it pushed her to do more. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, she and her mother was able to survive.
She finished primary school with good grades and was a consistent scholar in high school. It didn't even matter if she only has one peso or ate rice and coffee as meals. Her next goal- college.
"Giving up or surrendering wasn't in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on tome as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in. When I was in 4th year high school, I was in deep thought on how I would support my college education. Then God, in all his goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew that at that very moment, He was with me. All I had to go was to apply for the scholarship."
Rosalie vividly remembers sending her application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo, and how on May 9, 1995, she learned that would be interviewed. By June that same year, she was among the SM scholars who had started their college education.
She recalled being a well-rounded person during her time as a scholar. It was then that she realized her dreams and it eventually paved way for her success in life. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars assemble, the orientation leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, not only gave her happy memories but helped develop her character today.
"Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted by self-esteem and opened my world to service," said Rosalie.
Before teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office which was then located in Manila.
Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today. "Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf Learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students."
"I am not ashamed to tell my students that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry "Tatang" Sy, SM Foundation, Ma'am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially to my mother. They are all instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.
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