INTRODUCTION

Throughout lifetime, humans are pulled into two different directions: either to just stay where
they are or to discover and improve themselves. The result of these two contradicting pulls is
that majority of us choose the path of safety and security however, there are others who take
risks and seek to maximize what they possess. I can say that I am one of those people who
took risks. I thrived hard for self-improvement.

Life is not exactly just rainbows and butterflies. It’s indeed full of hardships and challenges.
Truth be told, it took me14 years to finish college. I was a working student back then. I worked
as a lifeguard, a fast food chain crew amongst few.

In UP, I started out as research assistant on project-based researches in College of Public

Health. Afterwards, I became a research assistant of the Department of Health Promotion and
Education. A research assistant doesn’t get to enjoy the benefits of a regular employee. Regular
UP employees enjoy the privilege of getting a sack of rice every month, the thing that I envied
most about them.

With that, I started setting a goal in mind, and that is to be a regular employee, or even better, a
regular faculty. But achieving that end in mind was easier said than done. I remembered being
ridiculed by peers, saying I can never get even a single grain of rice. But that didn’t stop me
from working hard. Those were the times where I succumbed myself into sleepless nights
studying, reading countless books and manuals, working on projects and researching.

The thing about self-improvement is that it starts with self-awareness. Self-awareness means
having a clear perception of our personality, thoughts, beliefs and emotions. I was able to
establish deeper self-awareness by creating my own personal SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-
Opportunities-Threats) analysis. I began capitalizing on my strengths and improving my
weaknesses. I was very keen on attending lectures and seminars, listening to diverse talents
and invited foreign professors. Being a research assistant in the department also provided me
with a perk of being able to hear the lectures conducted by the professors. I used this as an
advantage to help me in my on-going conquest for self-development. I adapted the so-called
“Vicarious Learning”. Vicarious Learning is learning by imitation. It is derived from indirect
sources such as hearing or observation, rather than direct, hands-on, instruction.

After work, I decided to further my studies by venturing into Master of Public Health, then
Masters of Business Administration.
1. Mentoring

Throughout my lifetime, I have been blessed to be at a receiving end of great mentors.

Throughout the process of self-development, I managed to identify the people who will help me.
I began investing for the proper materials such as books, manuals and began attending a
couple of trainings and seminars. Through this, I was able to develop skills.

I attribute a huge part of my professional growth to the guidance of my mentors. They

challenged me to think differently and to open my eyes and mind to different perspectives. A
mentor is a personal advocate of your wellness and personal development in your life. Effective
mentoring is acknowledged by many organizations to help and to support the younger
professionals

Life, as they say, is give and take. You put things in and you take things out. I am such a firm
believer of the Give-and-Take principle. I believe that a balance of give and take is a sound
recipe for long-term success. Helping other people in achieving their goals in any way you can,
creates gratitude and appreciation. Gratitude is definitely a powerful driving force in social
exchange. When someone helps us, it is gratitude that motivates us to give back to not only to
that person but to the society as well.

Teaching in UP is one of my ways of giving back. I always believe that as an educator, I am

responsible for more than just academic enrichment of my students. A great educator is one
who can connect with students and resonates with them on multiple levels. I believe that a
great teacher shares knowledge and skills to the students without apprehension while at the
same time makes learning as engaging as possible. I can confidently say that I give and share
so many things to my mentees, from powerpoint presentations to true-to-life personal
experiences and life advices. I am a strongly believer that the more you share, the more you
get blessed and become more competent

2. Faith in God

For me, faith in God translates into “enthusiasm”. When someone possess this quality, they
never see the dark side of things and are energetically proactive. They bubble with ideas. They
infect others with their upbeat nature. These kinds of people have a great attraction about them.

I was baptized in Seventh Day Adventist.

Before turning to God, I was half-cooked with lots of shortcomings and low moments.
Throughout the years, I have seen the works of the Savior. I was reminded that we are after all
are humans and we make mistakes from time to time but what is important is how many times
you pick up yourself from fall.
As a consultant, I always ask my clients to adapt spiritual retreats. I believe that there is an
overwhelming need for people to know that a higher being exists. I am also a firm believer that
without God, an organization will fail

3. Friendliness

I believe that friendliness is a sign of an inner strength and balance. If you are a genuinely
friendly person, you are more likely to be surrounded by people who are also friendly and
accommodating. Kindness attracts kindness, as they say. Friendliness promotes collaboration
amongst colleagues. Having your colleagues on your side of the court can only mean great
things for your professional future. Not only will they be willing to help you when you require
assistance but they will also be more open to working as a team as well.

I learned the importance of listening. I was able to gain more friends just by listening. The key
ingredient is took at the person in front of you when they are talking, make them the focal
person and appreciate their achievements.

4. Strategy of giving-

When you give people without expecting something in return, that’s when you give best. I give
lectures, seminars, strategic plan for free. Because of that I believe that God blesses me more.

5. Value from mom: Don’t go for easy money,work hard for it. When I was a child, I need to
clean the house before I can ask for pair of shoes.

Values from father: to choose friends, to not get acquainted with friends who won't help in my
competencies and associate yourself with honorable people.

Lessons from father: “Don’t join an easy crowd, go where the expectations to perform are high.”
– Jim Rohn