Fherryl came to the United States in 2003 from the Philippines with her father and four siblings. She did not know a word of English, but that first summer taught herself to read, write, and speak English with fluency. Challenging herself to be the best she can be, she earned a weighted 3.98 G.P.A. at Pike High School, volunteered and worked outside of school. Fherryl feels a responsibility to her family to be a role model for her younger siblings.

Attending Indiana University, Bloomington, she is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Recreation with a degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management, and a minor in Spanish. Fherryl is the first in her family to attend college. She has a strong work ethic, paying the electric bill for the family when needed. This most remarkable, proud young woman speaks with pride and honor that her father has taught her independence and the importance of education as a means to self-worth. When first interviewed Fherryl was also trying to save money to pay for her United States citizenship application fee. With the Foundation’s assistance she is now a proud United States citizen.

At I.U. she has continued her efforts to give back, pledging a co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. As an officer and a member she has participated in fundraising efforts for Riley Children’s Hospital dancing in a 24 hour dance-a-thon, as well as fundraising in a Twister contest. As Fherryl starts her junior year this fall she is on track to graduate a semester early, in December 2015. This competitive major requires 320 hours of field experience, in addition to classroom work. Fherryl has been busy with internships where she has so impressed that each led to paid positions from a wedding planner assistant in Bloomington, to a part time concert coordinator at the Indiana Historical Society and an assistant to the venue owner at Silver Centre and Silver Spoon Events, both in Indianapolis.

Fherryl is a joyful young lady, always with a smile and bursts of contagious energy who is extremely talented and workforce ready when she graduates in 2015!