Computers and technology are part of almost everyone’s daily lives. But for SM Scholar Marjorie Co, tech is intertwined in her life in a different light.
For many students, a computer or laptop is something they grew up with. For Marj, her exposure and eventual love for technology began early, watching her father bring home computers to repair as a side hustle in their humble home.
When curiosity becomes a calling
Those moments sparked her curiosity and later paved her path toward pursuing Computer Engineering. Yet while she was surrounded by computer parts, having a laptop of her own for school once felt like a luxury too far to reach. The one she relied on was borrowed and shared, but it became the unlikely bridge to her aspirations.
During the pandemic, that same passion, paired with a borrowed laptop, carried her through online classes and her application to the SM College Scholarship Program, which was the first step in turning her aspirations into achievements.
Becoming an SM Scholar gave Marjorie the chance to focus fully on her studies. No longer burdened by tuition worries, she dedicated herself to developing not just her technical skills in computing, but also her personal growth at the Asia Pacific College (APC).
Eager to learn and determined to reach her goals, she pushed herself to gain as much knowledge and experience as she could. But this drive also came with challenges.
She recalled that the toughest part was balancing academics with co-curricular activities. In time, she discovered that careful planning and disciplined time management were the tools that helped her succeed. These challenges sharpened her multitasking ability, attention to detail, and leadership skills.
Studying computer engineering, she was constantly reminded by her professors that nothing would be spoon-fed, a lesson that shaped her independence and problem-solving mindset.
Her college years were also filled with opportunities to grow beyond academics. She organized and joined events that connected her with peers and professionals in the tech industry. These experiences with APC taught her the importance of people skills, teamwork, and humility.
She shared that these experiences taught her one of the most valuable life lessons: the importance of asking for help. This openness allowed her to learn beyond the classroom and reminded her that friends, professors, and family would always be her anchors — not only in academics but in life.
The computer engineer now draws inspiration not only from her family but also from the SM Foundation itself. Seeing how many scholars the foundation supports each year, and hearing stories of alumni who came back to share their successes, pushed her to persevere further.
“I was inspired not just to do this for my family, but also for the foundation and to be a beacon of hope to young students out there,” she said.
When hard work pays off
Marjorie graduated cum laude from APC, and even before receiving her diploma, she had already secured a job offer through her internship.
She credits her standout performance to qualities nurtured as an SM Scholar and as a student of APC: grit, leadership, and a passion for learning.
“Through the SM scholarship, I learned that having grit, leadership, and passion for learning were key ingredients in standing out during my internship. Every day, our company will always give us tasks that we have never encountered before, even during our college stay, and having these characteristics can set you apart from others,” she said.
Marjorie describes the experience as “very surreal.” What was once a dream has now become reality. Looking ahead, she is setting her sights on fulfilling her promise to herself and her family: to buy a new house and travel the world with them.
From a borrowed laptop, Marjorie Co gained the skills, cultivated the passion, and enriched the knowledge that built the foundation of her success, a part of her no one can ever take away.
