Anne Curtis has a cause for celebration this graduation season, thanks to a scholar of hers, Sareena Calonzo. Curtis supports causes such as education through her organization Dream Machine.
Calonzo finished her studies in Miriam College where she took up Bachelors of Science in Entrepreneurship, Minor in Product Design and Development.
The “It’s Showtime” host shared her special relationship with Calonzo in her Instagram Stories.
Image: Instagram/@sareenacalonzo
“Several years ago, I met a girl named [Sareena Calonzo]. She would come to my mall shows, come watch ‘Showtime’, and hang out with [Fanneatics] if we had gatherings.
“She has ALWAYS been a loyal supporter of mine… And one day, the time came she needed my support.
I have always had faith in her. And wanted to help her in pursuing her biggest dream…”
“She graduated!” Curtis happily announced.
Image: Instagram/@annecurtissmith
“May you be an inspiration to others that that there is never a mountain too high or a dream too big. And may you always PAY IT FORWARD one day and make someone else’s dream come true too,” she advised Calonzo.
For her part, Calonzo expressed her gratitude to the actress in her graduation picture. “This is it! Can’t thank you enough, Ate Anne!”
Calonzo revealed in a Facebook post on May 25 that she faced challenges as a deaf student: “Being with regular classmates was NEVER easy but I was able to finish it in 4 years!”
She encouraged members of the deaf community not to be dismayed despite prejudice against them: “To my deaf friends, if you’re going to be with your hearing classmates, you may feel nervous and anxious at first. They may even look down on us, and think, ‘How can deaf people learn?’, ‘Can deaf students really understand?’, ‘Are deaf people slow thinkers?’ BUT always remember and tell yourself – ‘I can do this!’”
Calonzo thanked Curtis for doing her part for the deaf: “To Mrs. Anne [Curtis Smith]-Heussaff and family, thank you for giving your full support to the deaf community. God will bless you abundantly for your kind hearts.” JB
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