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"CLSU Alma Mater Dear, Oh Hail to Thee,
Full glory and honor may yours forever be..."
Hearing this song does not only remind me of the end of every ceremony or gathering at Central Luzon State University. For many students, it also signifies that another chapter of our academic journey is coming to a close. In fact, singing the CLSU Hymn often means that only a few signatures remain to be affixed on our graduation clearance before we can finally complete our studies.
But this song is more than a graduation tradition or a requirement for clearance. To me, it symbolizes perseverance, growth, sacrifice, and triumph. Every line reminds me of the years of hard work, countless sleepless nights, failed experiments, endless revisions, laboratory work, and unwavering determination that ultimately led me to this moment.
In a previous post, I shared that I was pursuing my Master of Science in Chemistry at Central Luzon State University. Today, after nine semesters and one summer term, I am proud to say that I have finally earned my diploma.
This milestone is not only a personal achievement but also a historic one. By God's grace and through perseverance, I became the first individual to earn the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry at CLSU. Realizing that my academic journey has become part of the university's history is both humbling and overwhelming. It is an honor that I will forever cherish.
Graduate school is often described as one of the most challenging journeys a person can undertake, and now I fully understand why. Pursuing a master's degree in chemistry demanded more than intelligence and technical expertise. It required patience, discipline, resilience, emotional strength, and the ability to keep moving forward despite moments of doubt and exhaustion.
There were days when experiments failed repeatedly despite carefully following every procedure. There were nights spent in the laboratory trying to make sense of results that initially seemed impossible to explain. There were deadlines that felt overwhelming and moments when balancing work, academics, and family responsibilities became emotionally and mentally draining. The journey tested not only my knowledge but also my character.
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| Performing the protein analysis in the laboratory |
Yet amid all the struggles, chemistry taught me lessons that extended far beyond the laboratory. Science taught me patience. Research taught me humility. Failure taught me resilience. And every obstacle reinforced the value of persistence.
One of the proudest highlights of this journey was my research study involving Indian Beads (Clerodendrum schmidtii). What makes this accomplishment even more meaningful is that my study became the first published scientific research involving this plant. Knowing that my work contributed new knowledge to the scientific community is deeply fulfilling. As a researcher, there is a unique sense of satisfaction in knowing that your efforts have helped expand scientific understanding and may serve as a foundation for future studies.
Research is never easy. Behind every published study are countless hours of preparation, trial and error, data gathering, analysis, revisions, and problem-solving. There were moments when I questioned whether I would ever finish the study, especially when experiments did not produce the expected results or when unforeseen challenges arose. But science has a way of rewarding persistence. Every failed trial became a lesson, and every lesson contributed to the success of the final outcome.
Being the first published researcher to study Indian Beads (Clerodendrum schmidtii) carries both pride and responsibility. It serves as a reminder that there are still countless opportunities for discovery, particularly in the field of natural products and plant-based research. This experience strengthened my passion for scientific inquiry and deepened my appreciation for the role of research in advancing knowledge and innovation.
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Looking back, I realize that this journey would never have been possible without the people who became part of it. To my professors, advisers, panel members, mentors, colleagues, classmates, friends, and family—thank you for your guidance, patience, encouragement, and unwavering support. Every word of motivation, every constructive criticism, every prayer, and every gesture of kindness helped me continue despite the challenges.
To my family—Mommy Maye, Matthew, and Aiden—thank you for understanding the sacrifices that came with graduate school. Thank you for believing in me even during the times when I doubted myself. This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to all of you who stood beside me throughout this journey.
Most importantly, I thank God for granting me strength, wisdom, and perseverance. There were moments when the road ahead seemed uncertain, but faith continually reminded me to trust the process and keep moving forward.
This accomplishment is proof that dreams can be achieved through determination, consistency, and hard work. It is also a reminder that being "the first" is not merely about personal recognition. It is about opening doors for others, inspiring future students, and demonstrating that greater possibilities exist for those willing to pursue them.
As I close this meaningful chapter of my academic journey, I carry with me not only a degree but also the lessons, experiences, friendships, and memories gained along the way. This journey has transformed me into a stronger individual, a more disciplined professional, and a more passionate scientist.
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Indeed, "CLSU Alma Mater Dear, Oh Hail to Thee..." now resonates in my heart in a much deeper way. It is no longer just a university hymn. It has become a song of gratitude, achievement, history, and fulfillment.
And today, with immense pride and thankfulness, I can finally say:
The journey was long. The journey was difficult. But every step was worth it.