Finally, Con-GRAD-ulations*!

    I remember how my Statistics professor in my graduate studies used to ask the class which was the better way of statistically presenting one’s depression – is it quantitatively, like scaling one’s depression from 1 -10, 1 being least depressed and 10 being very depressed or qualitatively by expressing deeply through words how one feels. He further stressed about how absurd it seems when saying at the start of the day that one’s depression is 1, then at midday – 9 and before he goes to bed – 4. The class was silent for a while as he continued with the explanation while some of my female classmates were swoon by his charms. One student at the back, wearing a yellow tee, who just attended the first day of class after thinking over and over about enrolling in this course despite having finished it in his previous university, politely replied, “It depends , sir!”. 

   All of my classmates’ eyes were on me as I made that flagrant comment. Seemed confused, the professor, smiled and asked to deepen my answer. Yet, without hesitation, I said, “It depends kung asa i-post sir! (It depends where it will be posted, sir!) If one’s depression will be posted as a status in Facebook, then one has to express it qualitatively.” I flashed a sheepish grin while the rest of the class and the professor laughed out loud. That was my first encounter of a group who would later become a new family whom I will impart my life with.

    Fast forward, after a year of hurdles in the graduate studies, I finally received the degree that was supposed to be realized earlier than it should have been. (I had to stop when I was supposed to leave for Germany for a course in Regional Economic Development but didn’t pursue it when my mom was diagnosed and died of carcinoma late of2010). But there was no regret of enrolling all the subjects again (including those that I have already taken up in the previous university). It was a fresh start, in a new university, with new people to meet and new challenges to tackle. The year was never easy, not to mention the almost-weekly travel to Cebu, the expenses, the pressure of scholastic responsibilities and my work in the office combined. Yet, the whole process fleeted fast – one tri-sem after another and voila, graduation here I come.

    After being assured of graduating, the question of Prof. Graeme flashed back but this time asking for the better way of presenting how happy I was. To be honest, no word could match how elated and happy I was, yet no number could also equate this feeling. After encountering so many problems with clearances and validation with the school registrar (and had to be facilitated by my ever supportive Largets family), all came out fine. I wasn’t expecting to receive any medal of recognition since the day I found out my grade in Methods of Research at 1.3 during the first semester. Yet, I am grateful to the school for seeing the efforts I had made. We all deserved the awards that day. God is really best at working in mysterious ways. I could not thank God enough for all the amazing graces! God, ikaw na jud!

    My Tatay Tani who had to get to Cebu in the nick of time for the Graduation, told me, “Ingon ug di ka maka-medal” (Thought you won’t get a medal). Then I jokingly told him, Tay, medals ni, kay duha man kabuok (I was stressing out the plurality of the two medals I received). 

With Tatay, moments before the hooding ceremony

    I could not hold back the tears realizing this achievement. I thought of my mom who would have been there to witness this moment. She was my greatest fan and supporter, yet the silent and unassuming cheerleader. This was her moment, too. Despite her absence, I knew she was there – seeing her pinaka-gwapo son received the accolades that day. I knew Tatay was equally proud. He had to back up some of the finances for this coveted education. My brother and his family, as well as my aunt didn’t attend the ceremonies due to some financial constraints. But I know they could never be prouder. 

   My brother Toto’s words reverberated in my mind, “Congrats ter, pero igo na usa nang masteral ha. Kay murag dako na ug gasto ug mag-doctorate pa ka”. He was pressing me not to enroll in doctorate degree considering the expenses it will entail. I could not disagree. He had been shouldering major household expenses while I was in this MPA endeavor.

    My cousin Belsam, who was an awardee herself during her MPA graduation last year was also excited to see me graduate. She was the one who influenced me to enroll in SWU Graduate School and leave my previous university. There was no regret in heeding her advice. She was all the more supportive in this undertaking which made the journey less difficult. Thanks te!

Doing the traditional medal-biting with classmates Joel, Vic Jay and Sheq to test the authenticity of the gold medals

    For the year that passed, another family stood by my side while I reached for my Star. Batch LARGET epitomized the true essence of friendship and family. I was joined by a bunch of brilliant, multi-talented, and good natured people whose selflessness was manifested in an unwavering support for each other during the worst times and in an astounding spirit of togetherness at our best moments. Larget stood the test of time and the adversities that brought each member closer and more supportive with each other. Kudos to Largets!

With Richy Fortich of the NSO

Making faces during the graduation song, with CJ of BFP and Ichu of DepEd

   The question of proceeding for a post-graduate degree has yet to be finally decided. But who’s hurrying who? It can wait for some time but a professorial job in SWU can be a stepping stone. Who knows (in the aparador)?

Post script:

* The title Con-GRAD-ulations is a word borrowed from the message of our brilliant and highly respected Dean Albim Y. Cabatingan, DBA of the Southwestern University Graduate School and at the same time the Vice President for Finance and Administration.