At the Orphaned Starfish Foundation, scholarships are more than financial support—they are a gateway to personal transformation, resilience, and independence. In 2025, our scholar empowerment program entered a new phase, focusing heavily on emotional intelligence, mindset shifts, and personal development as essential foundations for long-term success.

Building Strong Decision-Makers

Throughout the year, OSF scholars participated in guided sessions aimed at strengthening their ability to make firm, confident decisions. Adolescence and young adulthood are marked by powerful impulses and emotional transitions, making decision-making a challenge. Our approach has centered on helping students pause, reflect, and choose intentionally—empowering them to take ownership of their futures.

Emotional Intelligence as a Life Skill

Training in emotional intelligence has been a cornerstone of this journey. Through interactive learning, students are gaining a deeper understanding of their emotions, their developing bodies, and the psychological transitions that come with growing older. This self-awareness is now being applied to practical life areas, particularly one of the most intimidating milestones for young adults: managing their finances.

Learning to navigate career aspirations is important, but learning to navigate oneself is just as vital. By understanding how emotions influence spending decisions, impulsivity, confidence, relationships, and stress, OSF scholars are developing tools that will sustain them far beyond their academic journeys.

Encouraging Excellence in Every Role

In our most recent session, we focused on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and showing up with excellence in all areas of life—not just in the classroom. Whether in their careers, friendships, workplace responsibilities, or personal well-being, scholarship recipients are being encouraged to embrace their roles with purpose, integrity, and optimism.

 Guidance Beyond Career Counseling

As part of OSF’s scholarship support framework, consistent virtual guidance continues to be provided, bridging career counseling with emotional and personal well-being. These conversations have allowed us to address critical transitions and challenges that young people face, including:

●     Entering the workforce
 

●     Overcoming financial uncertainty
 

●     Managing stress and professional pressure
 

●     Making impactful life decisions
 

●     Understanding emotional fluctuations and anxiety
 

This ongoing support has not only guided them professionally but has reassured them personally—reminding them that they do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

Voices of Transformation: Scholar Testimonials



The feedback from scholarship recipients has been heartfelt and affirming. Below are just a few voices from our scholar community:

Merixel (Nicaragua)

“The sessions helped me understand that my emotions are not an obstacle but a tool for better decisions. I now feel more confident about my professional future… I apply what I learn every day.”

Juan (Ecuador)

“Before, managing my finances and job pressure felt overwhelming. Now, I’ve learned responsibility and self-trust. I’m truly grateful.”

Dalis (Panama)

“Ms. Carolina always listens and guides us patiently. The talks about adolescence gave me peace… I feel I’m not alone.”

Danilo (Panama)

“I study veterinary medicine and the sessions pushed me to improve my attitude in everything. I know now I can be a good student, worker, and friend. This support has been essential.”

Eidy (Colombia)

“I came in feeling overwhelmed and a bit depressed. Now I feel calmer knowing my emotions are normal and that I have tools to manage them… Thank you for listening.”

A Future Shaped From Within

As we reflect on these stories, it becomes clear that personal growth is a catalyst for academic and professional achievement. Scholars are not just studying for their careers—they are learning themselves, strengthening their confidence, and preparing for independent, fulfilling lives.

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation remains committed to walking alongside students, not just in funding their education but in shaping their inner toolkit for adulthood.

When young people believe in themselves, their futures shift—and at OSF, we are honored to witness and support that shift every day.

In honor of one of our largest scholarship supporters, the OSF Scholarship program has been named the Peggy Drummond Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thank you, Peggy, for believing in the great things these students could accomplish.

To learn more about our scholarship program or give, visit www.osf.org/scholarships.