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| Faith + Perseverance + Brilliance = A Dream Realized |
Speaking of "Fields of gold", the kind that joyfully sparkle with brilliance... I had a chance to walk in one again today - yep, I'm that lucky! Not sure if I deserve it though. ;)
It all started with a little dream... Serj (Serjan Abalos), Nica (Angelica Francisco) and Sarah (Sarah Alyssa Cruz) were dreaming to represent the University in a prestigious research contest, like the amazing alumni of our research lab did last year. Their work was on the production and physico-chemical characterization of yogurt made from heat-treated carabao's milk with adjusted whey protein-to-casein ratio. They worked very hard... even on weekends and holidays. Their faith - in God, in themselves, and in one another - grew stronger each day as they persevered through all the 'good-data' and 'bad-data' days, and it made them believe that they can do it. I am fortunate to have seen their transformation from curious-kids-with-a-dream to humble-little-experts-in-the-making in that little lab of ours... and it's incredible!
About two weeks ago, their prayer was answered... they got qualified in the Championship Round of the "Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers National Undergraduate Research Contest 2013"! Unfortunately, pressing demands from work prevented me from experiencing the joy of seeing their final transformation to young experts, first hand, as they presented the results of their research work to a national audience. :( But it felt wonderful to receive the news that their hard work paid off. They bagged the first runner-up trophy in a fierce competition! I almost flipped with happiness when I learned about it! All the sacrifices, missed weekends, and exhaustive struggles to get the job done were so worth it. I hope that this experience would be a source of inspiration for them, and a source of strength and faith when they finally venture in the 'real world' and face some tough challenges.
Ah, the perks of being in the Academe - so many priceless moments! :) Yep, I'm one very proud research mentor and thesis adviser! :) Woohoo!
Ah, the perks of being in the Academe - so many priceless moments! :) Yep, I'm one very proud research mentor and thesis adviser! :) Woohoo!
Congratulations, guys! Good job!
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