In the recently concluded and highly competitive April 2025 Electrical Engineer board exams, where only 61% or 4,137 out of 6,741 aspiring professionals passed, two individuals stood out as a testament to perseverance and the power of opportunity.
Engr. Yenna Joyce “Yen” Sarmiento and Engr. Ted Dominic Mellejor, both former scholars of Therma South Inc. (TSI) through the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., cleared the rigorous assessment with gratitude for the dedicated support that made them professionals.
For Yen, the journey to becoming a licensed electrical engineer wasn’t a straightforward circuit. It was forged in the quiet test of self-reliance, sparked by a father’s gentle encouragement to apply for an AboitizPower scholarship, which she eventually got. Studying miles away from home, Yen navigated the heavy currents of financial strain and the ache of homesickness, all while shouldering the constant pressures of academic expectations.
“Maintaining the grades required to retain my scholarship was one of my biggest challenges,” she shared. Preparing for the demanding board exam involved many solitary nights, where self-discipline was the key and belief in her support system provided strength. “I prayed every single day. It was hard, but I survived.”
Yen viewed the AboitizPower scholarship as more than just financial aid; it offered access to a good review center and fostered a sense of responsibility, highlighting the value of the opportunity. Looking ahead, she aims to work in electrical quality control and explore renewable energy. Her advice to aspiring engineers: “Let your passion drive you. Even if it’s hard, do it anyway. Find balance, embrace setbacks, and cherish small wins.”
Meanwhile, Ted Dominic A. Mellejor, known as “Matoy”, which is a Cebuano’s term of endearment meaning “tiny”, began his journey with limited funds, traveling from Digos City to apply for the TSI scholarship. A turning point for him and his family, it was deeply meaningful.
“I cried tears of joy when I got the news,” Ted recounted. “It was more than financial aid—it was grace.”
The scholarship not only eased his financial struggles but also fueled his ambition. Leadership seminars and the sense of community within AboitizPower broadened his perspective, supporting him through episodes of personal challenges and self-doubt.
“There were nights I questioned myself—and even God,” he admitted. “But I kept going.”
After graduation, Ted worked as a Virtual Assistant to support his family. However, it meant less time to prepare for the board exams. He eventually chose to focus solely on studying. His motivation came from his faith, family, and AboitizPower’s support. His success was a shared triumph.
“It wasn’t just my victory—it belonged to everyone who believed in me,” he expressed gratefully. “The right friends will lift you up, push you forward.”
His future goal is to work for the Aboitiz group. “Getting a chance to work at Aboitiz would mean the world to me,” he shared, expressing a deep desire to contribute and honor his background.
Yenna and Ted are just two of the 19 scholars supported by TSI through the Aboitiz Foundation. Their stories highlight perseverance, the power of opportunity, and the potential being developed through this support.
