A former SM Foundation scholar has made a remarkable achievement by passing this year’s Bar examinations and earning recognition in the legal community.

Cheryy May Bajarla, who comes from a modest background, pursued her law studies at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, where she also completed her undergraduate studies under the SM scholarship program.

She recalled how she first learned about the scholarship during her fourth year in high school. Their teacher announced the opportunity, prompting interested students to head to the nearest SM Department Store to take the exam and undergo an interview.

Bajarla shared to DAILY TRIBUNE how the SM scholarship not only supported her dream of becoming a lawyer but also became a source of resilience during her most challenging moments.

One such moment occurred during her undergraduate studies in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, where she encountered significant setbacks.

“I was doing well until my second year, second semester, when I had huge family problems.”

The difficulties affected her academic performance, forcing her to shift to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program. She feared losing her scholarship, but SM Foundation stood by her.

“I still remember what they told me then: ‘It’s not the falling down that matters but how you get back up and learn your lessons,” Bajarla recalled.

Given another chance, she developed a stronger sense of gratitude, resilience and determination to overcome her challenges.

As she progressed through law school, the life lessons and support she received from SM Foundation remained a constant source of inspiration. Bajarla credited the foundation not only for saving her from dropping out of college but also for transforming her perspective on failure.

“No matter how many times I had a bad recitation, failed a quiz, or was shamed in front of my professors, I always did my best to improve the next day,” she said.

Bajarla is set to begin her legal career in the coming months, joining a law firm as an associate and embarking on private practice.