The Real LIFE Foundation believes that a scholar is a future world changer. This is why, since its foundation in 2007, Real LIFE has not only provided financial assistance to its scholars, but also character development sessions to teach scholars about leadership, integrity, faith, and excellence.

Real LIFE desires to bring hope and inspire scholars to be an influence in different spheres of society. Elaine Quidato, a 22-year old teacher, shared her story about the hope that was sparked in her through Real LIFE.

Elaine had a challenging, but fun childhood. She grew up without her parents and was raised by her grandparents. Eventually, she found out that the people she recognized as her mother and father were not her biological parents. This discovery did not affect her much at first, but as she went through high school, it led her to question her worth and identity.

“What’s wrong with me?” she thought to herself, “Why did (my parents) have to abandon me or give me away? Was I unlovable as a child?”

Her understanding of her value began to affect her relationships at this point as well. She was a person who did not like working with others and preferred to be left alone because she found it hard to trust others. She felt that nobody liked her and wanted to be her friend.

In 2008, Elaine was granted a scholarship by the Real LIFE Foundation. She was introduced to a LIFE coach who helped her grow in her character and relational skills. Her LIFE coach listened to her issues and encouraged her with God’s Word. Through their time together, she was able to have an understanding of her real identity, purpose, and value. More importantly, her LIFE coach led her to a relationship with God, and that made all the difference. She found a loving community and appreciated the God-given relationships in her life.

Because of the hope Elaine experienced through Real LIFE, she discovered a passion in teaching. She made a commitment to pay it forward by reaching out to students who are also looking for hope. She desires to encourage the kids in her classes through the testimony of God’s faithfulness in her life.

“I really believe in the promise that God has a purpose,” Elaine recounts. “We are not to just live on our own. As children of God, we are called to go to the communities we are in. As a living testimony, I believe that we can do something. We make them realize, we connect to them, we fellowship, and we share God’s Word to them.”

Elaine discovered her security, identity, and purpose through Real LIFE. She was given hope, and now wants to do the same for others.

To support scholars with stories like Elaine’s, you may participate by giving to Run for LIFE in Cebu this November. Visit reallife.ph for more information and spark hope in the next generation today!