Gelbert Cresencio is a Filipino student from Talibon, Bohol, Philippines who was granted full scholarship from Amherst College in Massachusetts, United States. He is the youngest of three sons of farmer and tricycle driver Edilberto and waitress Gertrudes Crescencio. He finished senior high from Holy Name University in Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol Province in Central Visayas Region.

Out of 5,000 applicants, Gelbert made it to the 118 whose application was accepted by Amherst, one of the most prestigious colleges in the world with rigorous academic climate. The scholarship amounts to USD85,000 or more than PHP4 million and included free board and lodging.

Gelbert said that he chose Amherst because students there have access to a lot of opportunities and that it has a strong STEM program with a long list of science and math courses. He plans to return home someday and serve his fellowmen as a neurosurgeon. He also dream of finding a solution to Alzheimer’s disease including the invention of a device to detect its onset.

Because his family is mired in poverty, Gelbert was overjoyed upon learning of the scholarship offer which he sees as the best way for his family to be freed from the cycle of debt.

Quote from Gelbert Cresencio
“I like to push boundaries to become the best version of myself and make my parents proud.”

References

Bohol Chronicle
gmanetwork.com