Life in the Philippines is full of challenges as John Nazol would tell you. John’s mother died in 1999 when he was just a year old, then 10 years later his father passed away. After the passing of his parents, John was raised by his grandparents in Cebu. He worked hard in school, was consistently on the honor roll and in the top of his class. But, despite John’s impressive academic record, he dropped out of high school as a junior when his grandmother passed away. During the spring of 2019, John was visited by Change Your Stars student outreach coordinator, Bien Estrada. Bien invited John to return to school, though it had been 3 years since he last attended class. At the age of 20, John re-enrolled in Oprra National High School in Cebu, Philippines and finished his senior year with top honors. Today, John is attending the University of Southern Philippines as a recipient of the Change Your Stars scholarship. He works part-time as a restaurant cashier and plans to become a high school teacher after graduation. With the help of Change Your Stars Foundation, John was given the tools needed to succeed in school and life. It is truly humbling to watch him navigate the difficulties he’s been handed with honor and integrity.

During one of our visits to Oprra National High School, we learned the dropout rate for grades 7-11 increased by 10% each year. Without education, these kids would likely not have the tools necessary to improve their lives. Change Your Stars Foundation started a Student Outreach Program aimed at reducing the number of students dropping out. Bien was hired to manage the program and immediately went to work contacting students who had left school, with the hope of bringing a few back. Bien visited over 25 homes; he spent time with each family and student to learn their story and specific needs. He encouraged them to come to school and helped them push through barriers. When the new school year started, 17 re-enrolled students who had dropped out 1-5 years earlier were there. Over the next several months, Bien continued to spend one-on-one time with them, helping however he could. When Change Your Stars visited with the students, we asked who inspired them or who their hero was. The answer was consistently Mr. Estrada. Bien is the perfect example of someone who inspires and empowers others so they can improve. Because of him, there are 17 more students who have the tools and education to improve their lives.