Good day, everyone!

My name is Astin Dave Tinio, and I am a proud graduate of Grade 12 from Tuburan Institute, a Steiner-Waldorf school in Davao City, Philippines. I am honored to be one of the pioneering students of the school. As I begin the next chapter of my journey, I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance, Major in Viola, at the University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila.

Studying at UST has always been one of my dreams. Growing up, I often imagined what it would be like to study at such a prestigious university, but I knew that my family's financial situation made that dream seem distant. However, during our class trip to Manila this January, I saw a Facebook post announcing that UST was accepting applications for its entrance examination. I immediately seized the opportunity, took the exam, and by God's grace, I passed. From that moment on, I became determined to pursue my college education at UST and follow my passion for music.

I come from a family that is not wealthy, but one that is rich in hope, perseverance, and dreams. Being a pioneering student at Tuburan Institute has given me countless opportunities to learn, grow, and develop values that have shaped who I am today. The education and guidance I received from my teachers, mentors, and community have helped me become a person who believes in hard work, service, and lifelong learning.

My love for music began at a young age. I would spend hours listening to different kinds of music and discovering how melodies could express emotions that words often cannot. Although no one in my family has pursued music professionally, I am proud to be the first to take this path. While some people questioned whether music could provide a stable future, I chose to believe in my passion and dedicate myself to mastering my craft.

Beyond my personal aspirations, I dream of using music to serve others. I have witnessed many challenges faced by young people in my country, and I believe that music can become a powerful tool for expression, healing, creativity, and hope. Through my future career as a musician, I hope to inspire others, especially the youth, to discover their talents, find their voices, and pursue their own dreams despite life's difficulties.

However, before I can achieve these goals, I must first overcome a significant challenge: financing my college education. My family's greatest struggle has always been our financial limitations. Despite this, I refuse to let financial hardship prevent me from pursuing my dreams and fulfilling my potential.

Today, I humbly ask for your support as I embark on this journey. Any assistance, whether financial, educational, or through sharing my story, will help me move one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a professional violist. More importantly, your support will help me use my talents and education to give back to my community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story. Your kindness, encouragement, and support mean more than words can express. I promise to work hard, remain dedicated to my goals, and honor every opportunity that comes my way.

With gratitude,

Astin Dave Tinio

Incoming Bachelor of Music in Performance (Viola) Student

University of Santo Tomas