In a deeply inspiring event with newly-graduated 2024 scholars of Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), one former scholar shared a journey that transformed personal hardships into hope, and ultimately, success. Honey Lynn Gutierrez, grew up from poverty to becoming one of the youngest Senior Vice Presidents at a global bank. Her story is proof that where you start in life does not define where you can go.
“Poverty is not an identity, it is a situation,” Honey began. And with that powerful statement, she invited everyone to listen to her path of perseverance.
Raised in a modest household, Honey persevered through numerous hardships early in her life, including growing up without a father. At a young age, she learned to walk with her head down, reminding herself daily, “You will not be here forever.”
She worked hard and managed to maintain her academic scholarship throughout high school. Despite all these, Honey often had to be her own company in receiving most of her academic awards, as her mother had to work long hours on a daily basis being a single mom. It also didn’t help that her family’s small business eventually collapsed, leading to a worsened financial situation.
Honey was never a gambler when it came to her future. Even when other people mocked her dreams and dismissed her ambitions as “too high,” she held on. She hustled, working countless odd jobs to help her enroll into college — from gift-wrapping and cellphone repairs to tutoring and transcribing dissertations.
Still PHP 10,000 short for tuition, Honey wrote heartfelt letters, soliciting with a promise that it would be a worthwhile investment. One finally reached a university dean, who saw her potential and issued a check from what Honey believed was from her own pocket. That moment changed everything.
She finally enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas in 2007, where her life began to turn. A full scholarship from SBFI in the following semester gave her the fuel she needed. “Your scholarship saved me from a life I could have ended up with,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Honey went on winning leadership and academic awards, representing her University in national competitions, and eventually graduating Cum Laude in 2011. She landed her first professional job at an international investment bank, and gradually rebuilt her family’s life — repiping their entire house, buying some basic furniture, and even a proper TV with her first few months of earnings.
Eventually, she pursued her dream career in research and investments. Today, she stands as a leader in a global bank, receiving several awards, mentoring others and paying forward the help she once prayed for.
Inspiring newly-graduated SBFI scholars, Honey left them with five powerful lessons drawn from her own journey:
In closing, Honey left a message that lingered long after the applause ended: “Do not be surprised when the world starts being kinder to you, because you probably deserve it.”
Honey’s story is not just one of survival, but of soaring beyond limits, and lighting the way for others to follow.
Security Bank Foundation continues to support scholars like Honey through its ongoing partnership with eight tertiary schools in Metro Manila. Learn more about the scholarship program at www.securitybank.com/foundation/external-scholarship-program.
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