ENVision 2023 finalist earns spot in the University of Pennsylvania

Yabut's finalist group presenting their project Habilin at the ENVision Case Competition 2023 held at the ULI Library.

June 21, 2024  •  RACHELLE GARCIA 

Ellen Faye Ann Yabut, one of the ENVision 2023 Case Competition finalists, was recently granted admission and a full-ride scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) for a degree in Biochemistry.

As a scholar graduate of the Philippine Science High School - Western Visayas Campus and a daughter of two public school teachers, education had been a pivotal part of her life early on. This allowed her to see the immense value in not only enriching her own knowledge in the field of sciences and journalism but also in our collective understanding of society.

Last year, she manifested her advocacies through the ENVision Case Competition. Standing for “Environmental Vision”, the ENVision Case Competition challenges high school and college students to harness their creativity in formulating innovative solutions for sustainability issues in the hospitality space to future-proof the industry for future generations to come. 

She, along with her team, Green Minds, formulated Habilin, a smart and multifaceted approach to a sustainable hospitality industry. It focused on improving the hospitality industry’s deep-rooted environmental issues through the concept of a circular economy wherein resources are sustainable and optimized. 

“In our proposal, we aimed to integrate plantable and climate-feasible seeds in common amenities, so that when these are thrown, it could serve a new purpose. Such materials include plantable pencils, toiletries, and slippers. Eco-friendly and reusable water bottles will also be produced, and a reward system was formulated for active customers who support these proposed changes,” Yabut explained.

Her team entered the competition as young minds with fresh perspectives who wanted to collaborate with people and institutions that align with their goals.

Yabut shared that ENVision served as a great platform to champion the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the meaningful initiatives proposed by today’s youth. It breeds change makers that influence the socio-economic climate and environmental landscape of the country. As a participant, she found ENVision as the perfect opportunity to grow in order to pursue the sustainable path of her chosen fields. 

She noted this experience as one of her most valuable collaborative endeavors as a student researcher, leader, and community servant and encourages strong-willed youth to take on the chance of participating in case competitions like ENVision. It has not only honed her critical and analytical thinking skills but also provided an avenue where she can engage in purposeful discussions that concern the betterment of the community. This further fortified her community engagement and enhanced her leadership skills. 

Yabut receiving her diploma for completing the EducationUSA's College Prep Program.

She emphasized that joining competitions will not only strengthen one’s portfolio for future opportunities but also builds one’s character. She hoped that her endeavors  inspire and encourage her fellow youth to transcend boundaries and transform the world into a kinder and more inclusive place. 

“Everyone should take the courage to make their first step towards igniting positive change because only then can we really achieve a significant impact through collective action. If we take initiative and heed the call to action, we will be able to empower ourselves and the community around us,” She concluded. 

In a world that often underestimates the power of the youth, we must take actions that will become catalysts for a better tomorrow for all.