Christian Antonio L. De Jesus IV
Grant-in-Aid Scholar (2018–2022)
“I was smart… but I was lazy.”
That’s how Christian Antonio L. De Jesus IV describes his younger self…a boy with big dreams but little drive, at least at first. Little did anyone know, this honest confession would become the beginning of an extraordinary transformation.
You might not expect someone who says this to end up graduating at the top of his Computer Science class, leading a big student group, and building a website that helps hundreds of thousands of people every month.
For Christian, being honest about himself was always important.
All his achievements started with one chance. He got a grant-in-aid scholarship to study at Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu, even though his family struggled to pay for a good education.
“I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me,” Christian shared.
He got the scholarship because Fr. Manny Uy, SJ, who taught his dad, wanted to help. At first, it seemed like a kind gesture, but it became the start of a journey where Christian learned to be strong, grow, and find his purpose.
Christian also admits that his path was not always smooth.
Throughout high school, teachers said he had potential but needed more discipline. He was not always focused on academics but found confidence in debate contests and public speaking, and later became the President of the Debate Club.
But then, the sky darkened. When Typhoon Odette struck, it wasn’t just roofs and trees that fell…it was Christian’s old habits, too. The storm upended his life and forced him to look inward, to ask what really mattered and what he was willing to do for a better tomorrow.
The disaster made him realize he needed to change.
“I realized that talent alone wasn’t enough. If I wanted a better future, I had to build the habits that would get me there.”
After that, Christian stopped relying only on his talent and started working on consistency.
He saw the results for himself.
He finished as the top student in Computer Science and was always on the Dean’s List. He also helped start the Google Developer Student Club and became its Chief Operations Officer. He did not just write code. He also learned how to lead teams, organize groups, and build projects that helped others.
But Christian learned the most outside the university.
While busy with school and leadership, he also made websites and digital tools on the side. One project for gamers grew into a platform that now helps hundreds of thousands worldwide.
For Christian, success was not just about getting big numbers.
“The best products aren’t built because you want to make money. They’re built because you genuinely want to solve someone’s problem.”
The realization hit him hard true success comes from serving others, not just chasing your own ambitions.
He said he learned this way of thinking from Ateneo, where they teach you to be a person for others: Cura personalis.
He stopped asking himself what he could build and started asking who he could help.
This small change made a big difference for him.
Even though he was busy with classes, organizations, and projects, Christian stayed productive by creating systems instead of waiting to feel motivated. It helped him connect his ideas instead of just memorizing facts.
“Your notes shouldn’t just store information… they should help you think.”
Combined with the principles from Atomic Habits, he also used ideas from Atomic Habits. Over time, Christian built routines that changed how he studied, worked, and learned. Practical and heartfelt.
“Don’t wait until you’re motivated. Build habits. Improve by one percent every day. Little progress becomes extraordinary over time.”
This was Christian’s secret: progress isn’t loud. It’s the quiet power of showing up, every day, and letting small victories build into something legendary.
He also told scholars not to compare themselves to others. Instead, they should try to be better than they were yesterday.
Looking back, Christian sees that the scholarship gave him more than just money for school. It gave him confidence, direction, and the opportunities that his family could not have afforded otherwise.
But most of all, it showed him that someone believed he was worth helping.
Christian is very thankful to the alumni, donors, and everyone who still supports Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu scholars.
“Every scholarship is more than financial assistance. It’s someone choosing to believe in a student’s future.”
He says that when someone believes in you, you owe it to them—and to yourself—to work hard, stay humble, and give back. Today, Christian lives out the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu ideals of excellence, service, and lifelong learning. His story proves that a scholarship is never just a check: it’s a catalyst. It unlocks potential, transforms lives, and sets off ripple effects that reach far beyond any classroom.
Sometimes, you need one chance.
If you meet that chance with hard work, discipline, and a desire to help others, it can change your future and inspire many people to believe they can do it too.
