I never thought that I would be sharing this kind of story
to everyone, but thanks to my co-LAmb who motivated me to do this…
I agree when she said that being a DLSU graduate doesn’t
guarantee you of a job. I started working as a Receptionist on a contractual
status under an agency, and since the company is based in Laguna, I was a
minimum wage earner--on a daily rate basis.
After a month, there was a vacancy in one of the departments, and I was
the one who was considered by the department head to replace the personnel who
resigned. I really contemplated about
the offer and even asked for the advice of my family and my seniors before I
respectfully turned it down. However, it seemed that the department head did
not appreciate the reason why I turned it down, and she confronted me and
attacked me with mean words… and the most remarkable statement she said? “Hanggang
receptionist ka nalang.” (You will always
be a receptionist.)
Two months after the confrontation, I handled credit and
collection, then later on, Purchasing.
And on the 5th month of my employment, I handled Recruitment
and Training, and that started my career as HR Practitioner.
Fast forward 11 years, I went through a lot, and had my fair
share of ups and downs, and sometimes there would be crying moments… but what
is more important is I have learned a lot.
It doesn’t matter how you started, what is important is how
you dream, and your efforts to reach for that dream.
Along the journey, you’ll meet different kinds of
people—friends, colleagues, acquaintance who will be your mentor, adviser,
shoulder to cry on, and if you are unlucky… you’ll bump into someone who would
be your life’s worst nightmare and will break you at some point of your life. THANK THEM.
They are the ones who will build you.
They will be your support system or will drive you to push harder.
Treasure the people you’ll meet who will give you that slap
of reality.. because not everything in life should be sugar-coated.
At work, you will encounter conflicts, you will be scolded
and be told to at times, but these are learning points of your career… and at
the end of the day, it is just work.
Get out of your comfort zone, with this, you will discover
that there are a lot of things that you didn’t think that you can do… and you’ll
never know this unless you try.
And now, as I look back, I sometimes wonder… if I did not
accept the job as a receptionist, what would have happened to me? If I remained
as the fresh from La Salle graduate who was very idealistic… will I be able to
achieve what I have achieved now?
And in the past 11 years… I know I have accomplished a lot
of things
Learned Credit and Collection even though I hate numbers… as
well as Purchasing.
Even though I am not a Psychology graduate, I excel in
Recruitment and in reading people’s behavior and an accomplished trainer too.
I am a certified auditor of 4 systems namely ISO 9001 Quality
Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, OHSAS 18001
Occupational Health & Safety Management System, and ISO TS 16949 Technical Specifications
for the Automotive Industries.
A safety practitioner
and prime-mover. And one of the leaders
of the team who leads safety initiatives and considered as number 1 in safety
in our corporation—globally.
Has represented my current employer in South Asia in Quality
and Safety Conferences.
Represented Philippines in South Asia competition and
earning the Champion title, and eventually represented South Asia for Global presentation.
Commended as one of the excellent presenters and trainer for
improvement activities.
A mentor of champions—led two (2) champion teams in South Asia
competition, and earning them a slot in Global presentation, wherein one of
which is commended as Excellence Awardee.
Out of the box initiatives has put the company to a whole
new level of interactive learning.
Passed law school… without review… though this has temporarily
on halt, I will still pursue this on the near future.
…and a lot more. And this
won’t stop me in accomplishing more.
love lots ❤️ Xiel
