24/07/2025
Long post AHEAD ‼️ I finally found the courage to be confident and proud of myself — of how far I’ve come, and how strong I’ve become through the years. So just let me.
🎓 Timeline of Milestones
2017 – Graduated with a degree in BS Development Communication (BSDC)
2017–2022 – Hired as a Science Research Assistant (almost 6 years - VSU)
2017 (2nd Sem) – Enrolled in MS Development Communication (MSDC) while working full-time in VSU
2023 – Part-time Instructor at NwSSU
2023 – Temporary Regular Instructor (while schooling and completing my thesis)
2025 – GRADUATED with a Master’s in Development Communication
2025 – Nearly 3 years in service as an Instructor (soon with new status!)
First and foremost, thank you, self! 🥹 I salute you for your resilience and grit in every chapter of this journey. I may not have been the smartest in the room, but I’ve always given my best. With strong will and unwavering determination, I pushed forward — not just as a student, but as a daughter, a dreamer, and a doer.
To my beloved DDC and whole VSU fam — from college to master’s — you’ve been part of every win. To my classmates-turned-family, instructors, and mentors — thank you. I wouldn’t be here without your support and belief in me. Even still in college, you all believed in my skills and capabilities. You referred me to video editing services, took me in as a research enumerator in several projects (YRRP, Jackfruit, NIA, ISR with Ateneo), and took me in as a personal student assistant and anything that I can get by.
Special mention to my college classmates-turned-workmates, family and friends Claud Hoff and Ivy Jorillo Dee — thank you for always having my back.
To my girls, Team WERPA, my silent supporters and prayer warriors — I see you, feel you, and appreciate every “proud of you” you’ve ever sent. You helped me hold on during the toughest days.
To the ALKUINO family, the reason for this pursued dream — I’m proud to have inherited my Mama’s madiskarte side. From selling snacks, bread, cakes, ube jam, and pizza, MSE, Avon, Natasha, small YouTube channel and Facebook content… to anything that could help me get by — I did it. Kaya nga I was once called Ms. Everythingbecause I had to do everything to fund my studies and never be a burden to my parents. Mama Sis Fe Alkuino , Jik2 Alexander Jay Alkuino , Joy2 Alexa Alkuino and Papa in heaven — this is all for you. I hope I made you proud. I love you all dearly! 😘
And to Langg Gino Dayon Flores, the man behind this strong, independent woman — my fiancé, my rock, my “always.”Salamat sa 8 years of patience, respect, and unwavering support. Wa jud kay kapariha. Every time I had an ambitious plan, your response was always, “Cge lang, go. Support ra ko.” You never held me back — you let me fly and grow, without making me feel less. I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. Now we’re here. Tayo naman soonest! 💒💍
To the FLORES family, thank you for welcoming me with so much love. You supported me in every hustle, every dream, every wild idea. Salamat sa pag-uban sa akong mga ambisyon sa kinabuhi. 🤍
To all that I failed to mention, I appreciate all of you! You are the reason for this success! This is because of you! 🥰
Now, after 8 years in the making, Buti nalang di ako sumuko. I’ll never forget the words of Tricia Ann Anda:“You may not have gotten an award today, but I saw you.” That hits hard — because sometimes, surviving and showing up is the biggest victory! 💪
To all the working students out there: Normal lang na mag-fail, magkamali, at ma-burnout. That’s life. Just keep standing up. Take accountability. Learn. Heal. Grow.
It always seems impossible until it’s done. Thank You, Lord — I made it this far. 🥺🙌
LOURENCE MAE ALKUINO
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION 🥹
