How HAPI Impacted Me (#5)

An essay series featuring retrospectives by HAPI members, staff, and leaders in celebration of its 8th Anniversary.

Before I became a HAPI Scholar, I was just a normal high school student, with my life revolving around studying, playing games, and being around my friends and family. When my mother suddenly wanted me to join the HAPI Scholars, I was hesitant; honestly, I just wanted to study! But one thing led to another and I became a member of the HAPI Scholars.

Being the youngest “HAPIsko”, I know that I have to step out of my comfort zone to be able to keep up with all the other members. But being around these awesome people, I have learned so many new interesting things.
While studying and graduating from college remains my main goal in life, I can say that being part of the HAPI Scholars and being around so many awesome people helped me grow as a person. HAPI helped me with plenty of things I could not have done by myself.

Looking back, I realized that I made the right choice to join the HAPI Scholars; it helped me in every way possible. As Humanist Alliance Philippines, International celebrates its 8th year, I’m thrilled to be part of it and will always stay HAPI.

— Shawn Evans Quiming
HAPI Scholar