Trial and Error

I think we find our niche in life by exploring all possibilities and eliminating those that don’t work. Same thing applies when one is looking for a job.

Before graduation, all I knew is I want to create things in the field of advertising. A little bit after graduation, I had doubts, saying that I may not be as crazy creative as others out there. I am still determined to get into advertising but this time, I said I’ll try a different approach — management. Two days ago, I went to an interview that slapped me in the face that it’s not my place in advertising. I was crushed. I thought I am not meant to be in the industry that I dreamed of being a part of.

Today, I was in another interview. A job still in the field of advertising, but this time the position is more anchored to my training and my original plan — to create. After being crushed in my previous interview, the HR supervisor of today’s interview said something that I think put me right back on track.

“While settle for projecting something when you’re clearly meant to create great things,” she says.

I am still up for a couple more of interviews for this said job, but it feels great to be steered back to the right path and to feel validated that you are near in finding your niche.

Just let me rant

I am not a very patient person. When I set a goal, I am very eager to see results as soon as possible. Waiting agonizes me and absence of results frustrates me.

Today marks one month since my college graduation. I have been job hunting even a little before graduation day, been on a number of interviews and I still don’t have a job right now. It is just frustrating.

I know that there are still many companies that remain unexplored and opportunities that are yet to come, but I just cannot help but be discouraged that companies keep choosing another applicant over me. It is like an indirect statement that I am not as competent as I thought I am.

They said if you want something, you should chase it. I have been running to get into this industry that I have dreamed of becoming a part of. But it is like every time I come close, something just wouldn’t let me in. It got me thinking… do I really have a place in this industry? Should I consider a different career path?

My stubborn self just don’t want to give up yet.

Finally!

After four years, one hundred and forty-seven units, a gazillion of productions, scripts and performances, buckets of tears and one thesis, this glorious and beyond awesome moment has arrived!

The path to this day is not easy. Four years in the country’s most esteemed university has taught me that my only competition is myself. It was a track of constant struggle to success and do better from my previous performance. Oftentimes, this has become a source of frustration. But it is also in UP where I found some of my sturdiest support system, aside from my family, to hold on to when the times are rough.

My fellow graduating MCOers

To UP MCO, thank you for countless wonderful times. My experience in the organization has taught me a lot that I would never learn inside the classrooms and I would never have met such awesome people. Now, I fully understand what older alumni were saying during their send-offs, MCO is truly a home I will keep coming back to. To the resident members, aim higher and do better! This is not to pressure you, but because I know you guys are capable to doing it. I love you guys!

Some of my BC batch mates (Photo c/o Camille Ventura)

To my BC batch mates, we did it! There’s no denying that we’ve been through a lot but we’ve emerged victorious. Now we face the uncertain future, but this I say, let’s not be scared to take risks because we are in the point in our lives where we have nothing to lose but everything to gain. It’s our chance to make a mark in history. Good luck to us!

With Professor Data Canlas

To all of my professors, I’ve learned a lot from you — whether these are to-dos or not-to-dos. I’m sure all of these will help me as I go into the “real world.” A special shout out to Professor Data Canlas who is my adviser (in every sense of the word). My utmost thank you.

My girls

Finally, to my girlfriends — Audrey, J-ann, Rix, Arianne, Rachel and Eunice. You’ve put up with me through the craziest times and I couldn’t thank you enough for that. We may not always be together now just like we used to in college, but I know our bond will forever be strong. I love you guys!

With the help of these people, hard work and some luck, I got a little bonus. As if wearing that sablay isn’t enough honor yet, I have to leave the University with a bling.

For being my home for the best four years of my life… Salamat Maskom. Salamat UP.

Now after four years, one hundred forty-seven units, a gazillion of productions, scripts and performances and one thesis, I can finally say that one line from that memorable CMC AVP…

Virjinia Alexis Villafuerte. Student number 2007-03867. Proud graduate ng UP Maskom.

Bound, signed and delivered.

 

After a year of sacrificing sleep, food (and sometimes, class attendance), this glorious moment has finally arrived!

 

MY THESIS IS NOW BOUND (and is also available online)!

 

Ma’am Data already signed all four copies and these bound babies are now sitting on Dean Tolentino’s table, waiting for him to affix his signature. I’m one step away from bidding goodbye to the College that housed me for four years and to the University that thought me all I need to know. 🙂

It’s only 17 days before graduation!

Two Magic Words

I met Ma’am Data today because she returned my fourth thesis draft. When I arrived at the department, she was busy talking to Sir Choy, so I just sat down and waited. I was very nervous. “What if she’s not yet satisfied with it?” I thought. Then Ma’am Data approached me and handed my draft. “Read the comments,” she said then returned to talk to Sir Choy.

I took a deep breath and opened my draft. No more major comments, just copy editing symbols, grammatical corrections and some revisions for sentence construction. I felt slightly relieved. I told myself not to expect much because Ma’am Data might still want me to do a fifth draft.

After talking to Sir Choy, Ma’am Data approached me. “Ano? Nabasa mo na?” she asked. I just nodded. “Proofread mo na lang ‘yan, tapos iche-check ko sa Monday yung format… pero for binding ka na.”

Oh the joy of hearing those words! A year of hard work has come down to this one moment! Oo, ga-graduate ako for sure! YES!

Sabi ko, hindi ko ilalabas yung graduation picture ko hangga’t hindi ako for binding… so as promised, the world premiere of my sablay photo! Hrhrhr.

 

Photo edited by: Rachel Relucio

Update! Update!

Hello from my fortress!

Forgive me for the lack of updates. I am still stuck in the academic tower and I am yet to defeat the requirement monster! In a week, all these will be over and I will be free!

Until then, ciao!