Mylene

Wow. It’s been a great year for me. And I thank God for everything that He has given me this year…

0. My Master’s Graduation at Ateneo de Davao / Bday of Mommy
It was one of my dreams that came true. It was a perfect day and I shared it with Jose and Bren. Well, it could have been better if the rest of Batch 5 were there - Charisse, Sir Rogie, Ate Reir, Ate Jing, Ate Fats, et al… But it’s ok, I will be there when it’s their time to shine… ;)
What made the day even better was that it was my Mommy’s bday. We had a great day at the pool. My first family, my second family, and some family friends were there. Oh, life is good! :)

1.  PhilNITS April Exam
I unexpectedly passed the AM exam of PhilNITS. I felt really happy. It was an answered prayer… I had an army of people who prayed for me, God couldn’t ignore them all. ;)
I also met Mam Joy, one of the PhilNITS staff, who has been really kind and helpful to me… :)

2. Transfer to BQ
I transferred to the Bachelor’s Quarter of MSU. And it’s one of the best things that happened to me in MSU. My life became more comfortable and I created wonderful relationships with Ems, Angem, Mam Gie, Ate Zita and Ate Caring.

3. Software Freedom Day
I never expected that this little worldwide celebration would have a big impact on my life. It started as a challenge from Doc Francis to join the world in this global celebration and try to create an event for the OpenHUBS.
Not only was the event a super-success, it also gave me a chance to get to know my students better. I have seen their strengths and appreciated their talents beyond the world of IT.
Also, I was so touched by how we made cooperation among different schools possible, how we were able to gather 700 plus people in one event, and how we were able to get some people and business organizations to sponsor for the event.

4. MSU Intrams 2008
I have been the college organization (OMANSS) adviser for 4 years already but this year is the first time that I have been so involved in the activities. (It’s because I am already free from my Master’s-related obligations)
It was another time that I have worked closely with my students and once again, I was awed by their sense of cooperation and amazing display of talents.
Our college didn’t make it to the top 3 but I’m proud to say that we gave our best…we played hard and enjoyed the games…that’s what matters most!

5. PhilNITS October Exam
I took the removal for the PM exam - and passed. It made me really, really happy. I feel that I could help my students more if I could pass the exam. Somehow, I could give them the confidence, that, they too can make it. :)
But aside from that, I also met Sir Loy, who has really encouraged me and helped me gain the confidence I needed.

6. PhilNITS FE IT Training
I totally enjoyed this 2-week break from school and work. At first, I was really reluctant to undergo the training since I have already passed the exam, but I realized that I could help my students more if I took the training.
This was also one of the reasons that I postponed my trip to Cebu (transferring to NEC). I knew that this experience would help me if I work in the industry as a senior trainer.
Well, I was right! I learned a lot from the training. Not only from our sensei Yagi-san, but also from my super-intelligent co-trainees. They were so good in different fields and I was able to get a lot of pointer on methods of teaching.. :)
But the real fun parts were our non-academic activities like: eating our lunch and merienda, bfast and dinner with Sequioa-mates, and of course, our laag to Jack’s ridge, C5 and K1…It gave me the chance to get to know some of the most wonderful people on the planet… :)

7. NEC Opportunity
I have already rejected their offer once because of my unpaid obligations to MSU, but they were willing to give me another chance. And I am so grateful for this opportunity… I will be joining the industry…soon… :)

8. Christmas Party at Lago, Glan
Laiza has already written a nice blog about this event and I won’t be making a redundant post. But this Christmas party is the best ever! Although I had a heavy heart during those moments, I still enjoyed the party because I had with me some of the most fun people on earth. I love my Math/Physics family. I will surely miss them when I transfer to Cebu but I know, deep in my heart, that I won’t lose them even if we will be miles apart…
The beach (and the house) was great, the food was even greater, and the people I was with were the greatest! :D

9. Christmas Party/Papa’s Bday At Home
The Christmas season is one of the rare times that I get to spend with my family in Mangagoy. And I’m always glad to be able to spend this time with them. And in such simple ways, we get to celebrate the season as a family - going to church, praying together, playing games (scrabble, chess, etc), fetching water from the cave, and eating together. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with a happy and loving family… :)

10. A Relationship That Was…
Last, but definitely not the least, I am thankful for the relationship I had with a special person. Though it did not last, I am still thankful for everything that happened - special moments that we shared, those unbelievably happy moments, the lessons learned, and the realization of how many great friends and family I had.
I am touched by how my friends and family had shown their concern for me. They listened and really took me in their wings when I could no longer fly on my own…I will always be thankful for everything that you have done for me.
And, as always, the experience brought me close to Him, Whom I trust with my life… :)

Well, there are still a lot of things that I am thankful for. But, I’ll keep this short list for now…But really, this year is the best I ever had! Thank you, dear Lord! :)