“My mom was the person who influenced me to pursue a career in accounting. She went to college in the Philippines and was also on the same path to pursue a career in accounting,” said the daughter of Elena Silang. “Unfortunately, she was not able to finish due to financial problems, but her story pushed me to look into studying accounting and to finish what she started.”

Tuition affordability and being close to home are the main reasons why Dona Silang opted not to leave Guam for college.  

"I chose UOG because not only that it is affordable, but it is also close to home," she said. "I love coming home every day and spending time with my family."

As Dona begins her senior year, aiming for a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (https://catalog.uog.edu/current/programs/school-business-and-public-administration/accounting.php) at the University of Guam, paying for the rest of her college education has become attainable. She received two national scholarships for aspiring auditors – for a total of $15,000.

Two scholarships total $15K

She recently was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the national Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The PCAOB Scholars Program is aimed at supporting the next generation of auditors and is funded through monetary penalties collected as part of PCAOB enforcement actions.

An overall GPA of 3.3 or higher or being in the top 1/3 of their overall class, and a demonstration of financial need were among the requirements to apply for the competitive scholarship.

Dona also was awarded $5,000 through the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students.

The AICPA Scholarship required a GPA of at least 3.0 and for a student to be from "an ethnic minority in the accounting profession." 

Support of UOG mentors, family

Dona Silang is grateful for the support of her professors, Dr. Doreen Crisostomo-Muña and Dr. Martha Suez-Sales, who wrote recommendation letters for her.

"They never fail to be there when I need help with anything school-related, especially when applying for scholarships,” Dona Silang said.

Dona Silang gives much credit to her family members who, according to the senior, form the "backbone throughout my academic journey." 

"Being an accounting student can be difficult, but their presence makes the whole journey worth it,” she said.

Elena Silang couldn't be happier with her daughter's career aspiration.

"I'm very happy and proud that my daughter and I shared the same dream, and she was able to fulfill it for the both of us," Elena Silang said.

To learn more about the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Scholars Program:

https://pcaobus.org/about/scholars-program

To learn more about the AICPA Scholarship:

https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education/aicpa-legacy-scholarships/scholarship-minority-accounting-students/