But a victory, nonetheless. A few months ago, my classmates (the ones who earned a GPA of 3.6 and above) and I balked at having had our honors yanked from underneath our feet...on graduation day, no less. Our parents didn't get to climb up on stage to put the (silver? Because Sean truly deserved the gold) medals around our necks. Kuya Alex fought like hell for it, hehe.

The honors committee decided to award us through our transcripts. I received mine today:

CLICKY


It says: "Graduated with the degree of Master in Information Management with Academic Distinction on May 12, 2007 per S.O. No. 80-474107-0008 s. 2007, issued on August 9, 2007."

Forgive the crappy photo...I'm going to scan the entire thing tomorrow or something.

Ok, so I didn't get to climb up on stage as expected, at least it's written on my transcript. The only thing that irks me about this transcript is that they included all my educational institutions except UP! Gah! Well, I'm not going to complain anymore since my previous transcript, also from APC, states that I did graduate from UP before I applied for a second degree.

Anyhoo...lemme just savor this small victory right now.

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

More importantly: Thanks, Kuya Alex, for being the veritable hero in fighting for this. There were only five of us (out of almost 40 students) who got 3.6 and above, which made everything else special.

Updated my resume to include my new title:
Beatrice Margarita V. Lapa, MIM

I just graduated from my masteral studies last May 12, 2007 and though there was only one awardee for our batch (that award is bestowed upon the highest in the graduating class), I did graduate third. I hope that speaks a lot about my determination, my struggles, and my journey. I'm off to another round of studies because I do want to pursue a doctorate degree. It's not really the degree I'm after, but the knowledge that I'd need in order to improve the project I started from my Innovative Development class, which I also am doing at my work in the School of Multimedia Arts in Asia Pacific College.

Many people do not understand why I have such an insatiable hunger for knowledge. I have a vision for the future, not just for myself but for what I can do to return the many blessings God has bestowed upon me. I want to make a difference. I want to revolutionize education. I want to know that someday, I may have helped in getting those children off the streets and that empowering them with knowledge would someday benefit our country. I know the dream sounds like I'm going to shovel through a brick wall with a spoon again, but it's not going to be the first time I've had to do that.

Idealistic? Maybe. My boss, APC School of Multimedia Arts Director Gerard Cadlum, once told me that I still have this sense of idealism at work that balances his leadership style. I never really thought about it that way and I was surprised that this word would even be used to describe an aspect of me. It's funny, though; my professional work life is probably the only thing that's idealistic about me.

As for this portfolio...I know I have not been updating it, not since I've gone into creative direction. (I sometimes catch some broken thumbnails in this site, even.) I had become so busy with an academician's matters that I'd rather you look at my students' portfolios instead. Many of them are hardworking and extremely talented. If anyone needs multimedia artists, just holler and I can point you to the right people. I'd always be glad to be of help.

And to all the people who have helped me stay strong: THANK YOU.

=^.^=