My Ateneo Graduate School of Business Journey (Part 1)

Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Rockwell, Makati

It all started in 2009. The long journey to Rockwell actually kicked off in the rough, smoky, and noisy street of HV Dela Costa. I was in Makati already for about 3 months working in the country's top telecommunication company after leaving Cebu. It was a big shift for me in terms of the environment, the fast pace lifestyle, and the higher cost of living. Pimples (lots and lots of them) sprouted all over my face. I couldn't look at my face in the mirror that time. I was even told how horrible I looked straight in the face. I was broke, slightly depressed, and a complete mess. 

I found comfort in knowing that I have my sisters near me and my ex boyfriend (now my husband) who encouraged me throughout the transition period. I was supporting my sister's college education that time and often sent my extra at home for other expenses. Being the second eldest, I was expected to help my family. It was tough. There would be times that I do not know how to budget my money as there would be none left. I was drowned in debt from two credit cards. Each debt amounting to more than what I can handle at that time. I would sometimes cry. And I would have to get used to renting a bed space that would become very humid during summer. 

The road to the office. HV Dela Costa Street, Makati City

To save money and avoid the traffic during rush hour, I decided to take the 25 minutes walk from my dorm to the office every morning. And in my daily hike, I happen to pass by the Ateneo Professional Schools. Prior to coming here, I enjoyed an MBA scholarship program in the University of San Carlos sponsored by my previous company. I was happy then because you can seldom see companies supporting their employees in getting graduate degrees. But all of it was put on hold when I decided to seek for better opportunities and be with my loved ones here in Manila. 

Ateneo Professional School, HV Dela Costa Campus

So there I was, with little money in my pocket, staring longingly at the building wishing that someday I can continue studying and get my MBA degree. There I was, a simple woman who hailed from a farm in Negros, looking at one of the country's premier institutions. There I was, declaring to the universe that there is no such thing as impossible. And with conviction and just out of frustration I promised myself, "Someday, I will study in that building. Someday, I'm gonna finish my MBA degree." For years I doubted myself that I can achieve that dream. Work and personal life was very challenging. I had to go through difficult decisions, experience failures, and be confronted with the realities of life. 

 Three years later, I got married. I conceived a baby after 9 months. Work was great and life was never better. I was so hooked with motherhood and fell in love more each day with my husband and baby. But in my reverie, and in my deepest thoughts, the dream of having my MBA degree never left me. I've kept it to myself because I am afraid that I would fail. For me getting the degree was personal and sentimental. And so one day, I just realized that I have to take my chance because I don't want to look back someday having regrets.

At first I tried looking for schools offering the same degree with much lower fees. It went on for months. But every time I would search, I would still end up looking at the same webpage - the Ateneo Graduate School of Business site. All my life I went to public schools and state university and my combined tuition fee since elementary to college was still very much lower than my fee for a single term in Ateneo. But I jumped anyway. Because I know that this would make me happy, and I know that what I can get in return would be far more than what I will invest.

I took my exams on May 24, 2014. The exam was quite difficult given that I was on a school hiatus for 5 years. I felt like my brain cells went dead for a while after seeing how little time I have to answer so many questions. I almost rattled seeing the number of minutes left to answer. So my tip for exam takers would be answer first the easier questions and go back to those you skipped if you have enough time left. Be careful also to answer the right number if you have skipped questions. If you answered the wrong number, it will definitely affect the rest of your answers.

It felt like early Christmas in June when results day came. It was the second best belated gift ever for my birthday (June 2 was my birthday and results were announced in June 5). Second because the best gift I still received was the news that my baby was well in 2013 (see my previous post). 

My name was right up there!

The congratulatory message I received from AGSB

So back in the results, I learned that the school offer exemption for pre-requisite subjects. The pre-req include Financial Accounting, Managerial Statistics, Applied Mathematics and Business Communication. I had the audacity to take Accounting Principles when I don't have any accounting background. I took Business Communication because I was hoping that it would be about grammar, sentence construction or practical reading type of questions. I took Stats and Applied Mathematics because I thought I had too much mathematics in my undergrad and board exam days (insert I'm an engineer brag). And I failed all. Hahahaha! The math related examinations were more difficult than board exam questions, literally because you have to show your solutions. We were not allowed to use scientific calculators so I wished myself the best of luck on the questions related to time value of money spanning X number of years. There were questions that looked like Differential Equation (I'm not sure though because my head started to spin already the moment I saw a calculus related problem. I wasn't informed I could have prepared, hahaha, excuses!). I heard accounting students passed the exemption on Financial Accounting so if you are an accountant, I advise you to go give it a try. It would be very helpful since tuition fee is on a per subject basis. Although I did not pass, it was a good and humbling experience for me on what to expect on the subjects.

Before the official start of classes, we were required to attend the orientation seminar to get acquainted with the different facilities and services of the school in Rockwell Campus. That's where I first met a few people who I made friends with up to this day. That was my first time singing the Song for Mary. I felt goosebumps hearing inspirational talks and the pride in the speakers' voices as they speak highly of being part of the Ateneo community. I saw the burning passion in people and the significant contribution of the institution in nation building. And right there and then, I knew I was in the right place, at the right time and in the right circumstance. 

Obligatory First Day Pic

First term came and I was like a giddy little kid excited for first day of school. I enrolled in 3 subjects, something I wasn't forewarned that would be very challenging for a working mom like me. I was still breastfeeding my baby that time. Though, I'm lucky that my schedule permitted me to continue doing so. I would go to school in the morning for 2 subjects, return home to eat lunch and extract milk, and return for my last class in the afternoon. That went on for more than 3 months. Juggling motherhood, work and school was like sweet torture. But I'm inspired each day to do my best for my baby. That someday, the effort I give for this would serve as her inspiration, too.

My favorite subject was Applied Mathematics because I need not memorize complicated terms or formulas. The teaching method was very practical. Financial Accounting also gave me a better understanding of accounting principles, terms, financial analysis, and financial statements. Managerial Statistics also provided me a deeper view on the importance of distributions, probabilities, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and on how to use these tools in decision makings. Professors were esteemed and experts in their fields. After the term, I realized the main reason why I did not pass any of my exemption subjects. Because AppMath, FinAcc and MaStat rocks!



AppMath "Walang Barya" Gang

I met lots of people and made friends. I thought that I would have a hard time adjusting. But I was mistaken. Who I met in school were genuine people with big hearts to share. Who I met were not random strangers, but persons who I can make friends with for a lifetime.

MASTAT "Salary Researchers"

The school was a crowd of diverse individuals from different backgrounds and personalities. And AGSB was able to foster that diversity and provided an avenue to express each student's individuality. Before I realized it, the first term was over. Just like that. And the best thing about it, it ended before Christmas vacation.

There would always be sleepless nights, loads of research requirements, assignments, and group reports. But finishing each single task always guarantee a sense of accomplishment and inspiration to continue up to the finish line. I will never trade this experience of meeting new people and gaining new knowledge from discussions and sharing of real experiences that provided me a fresh perspective on life. This was one of the best decisions I've had in my whole life. And I am very happy I joined this one big fight!