July 29, 2026
The making of a purpose-driven scholar
By Thania Florendo
Tzu Chi has been a gift that keeps on giving to countless people. Among the many forms of help the foundation has offered, perhaps the greatest gift for John Aaron Lim is the self-discovery that transformed him in surprising ways.
Lim’s first encounter with Tzu Chi was when he was a 9-year-old boy. A destructive fire consumed a nearby neighborhood in Tondo, where Tzu Chi volunteers were among the first responders to assess damage and give help.
At that time, Lim was being raised by his paternal grandparents while his parents and siblings lived in Malate. Although the family setup was a bit complicated, the family remained close-knit.
Growing up, Lim settled at his grandparents’ home while often visiting his parents’ house. Both households constantly struggled financially. The family ran a small eatery that earned about P6,000 to P8,000 a month—a meager budget meant to cover both food and school expenses.
He was in Grade 10 when his aunt heard about Tzu Chi’s scholarship program being offered at the Philippine Academy of Sakya. Through the school’s Chinese Department, he was able to process his application.
For eight years, Lim grew alongside Tzu Chi. He couldn’t help but be nostalgic about the years of being with Tzu Chi and all the changes that came with it. He began as a shy and timid young scholar from the humble Agno campus in Quezon City, to the expansive Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa. The scholarship became an anchor that introduced him to new experiences, friendships, and lessons he had yet to discover.
Lim remembers even the small moments that made his years as a scholar meaningful, “It was very nostalgic. During Humanities class, they gave us smiley stickers that brought out the competitive juices and participation. It used to be a big deal for us.”
Through his years with Tzu Chi, Lim gradually broke out of his shell. He learned to understand himself better and developed a deeper sense of resilience. He juggled his time in academics, athletics, community work, and being a Tzu Chi scholar. He learned the value of empathy, filial piety, and unconditional giving. But he didn’t walk this path alone, he built constant safe spaces with fellow scholars.
In 2023, Lim lost his grandmother after she spent around three months in the hospital due to illness. While they were mourning their loss, the hospital bill piled up to seven digits that became another challenge for the family.
It was a painful heartbreak for the scholar to lose a second mother. He could clearly remember when his grandmother told him, “I’ll wait for you to graduate and I will see you on stage.”
Although she would not live to see that moment, her words remain with him.
“She taught me not to be complacent in life. Not to be a person who relies and depends on others when you can stand on your own,” he said.
Despite the loss, Lim persevered in his studies to graduate someday. He is taking a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, major in Construction Engineering and Management, at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Even with the support of his family and Tzu Chi, Lim experienced moments when his best efforts did not immediately translate into success. For the first time, he failed to meet the required grade in one of his major subjects. The setback placed his scholarship in uncertainty.
“I thought about it for a week on how I would tell them because I needed that financial assistance.” Although hesitant, he braced for what was coming as he submitted his grades to Tzu Chi with an explanation letter. The case was later presented to Tzu Chi’s Education Committee and he was given a warning but considered for another chance.
That setback humbled him and prepared him for a greater comeback. Graduating in August, Lim dedicates this success to her grandmother, “Hopefully she is happy with what I have become and what I am about to achieve.”
Although he is closing his scholarship journey, Lim does not see it as the end of his affinity with Tzu Chi. In the future, the aspiring engineer wants to give back when opportunity presents itself in the construction of the Tzu Chi Medical Center at BTCC.
“It is hard to think that I am to end my journey as a scholar but I will never forget Tzu Chi. I will always come back. I look upon Tzu Chi with a grateful heart for everything they have done to help me.”
John Aaron Lim graduated as a Tzu Chi scholar in the recent 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp.
The constant love and support from his family have also carried him through the years of his academic journey.
His Tzu Chi scholarship started with the encouragement from his aunt when he was in Grade 10.
John Aaron Lim (front row, second from right) celebrates life’s small wins and birthdays with the friends who became part of his Tzu Chi scholarship journey.
Among the many activities he joined, John Aaron Lim (second from left) helped raise funds at the 2nd Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education on February 8, 2026.
Together with fellow long-term Tzu Chi scholars, John Aaron Lim (back row, first from left) found lifelong friends who shared wins and setbacks.
Beyond academics, John Aaron Lim also excels in volleyball.
His passion for volleyball has also led him to become a volunteer head coach for both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams at the Philippine Sakya Academy.
Despite the setback in his academics, he successfully braved through it and is set to graduate in August 2026.
John Aaron Lim (first from left), together with his fellow graduating scholars, has pledged to value his education, practice gratitude, and pay forward the compassion given by the foundation.
John Aaron Lim (second from left) receives his graduating scholars’ certificate in the recent 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp, awarded by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, Abigail See of the John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation, Inc., and Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen.
In his exit interview on July 25, he shared that he would take some time to reflect on his academic journey and the help he received from Tzu Chi.
The eight long years with Tzu Chi have built a confident and dedicated scholar who is about to become an engineer.