From BS Biology to Ph.D. Biology

Hello guys! How's your week going? I hope everyone is having a great time! Today is #ThrowbackThursday! So, allow me to share a glimpse of my life in college and grad school! Come on! Let's go down to #memorylane!

My journey to #biology, #pharmaceuticalscience, and research started in 2011 at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, Gen. Santos City. I enrolled myself in the B.S. Bio program without any clue what I am going to face. Luckily, I met the best blockmates to spend the next 4 years of my college years. Shoutout to my main squad Hermine Lalantacon, Victoria Frediles, Aziza Impao, Ashley Gargaran, and Dr. Jenifer Galia!

College also helped me improve my self-esteem and self-confidence. I joined our college's folk dance and cheer dance groups. I have represented my college for our annual intramurals and University week. I got the chance to show people my talent and got to meet incredible people outside biology. Shoutout to our trainers Kuya Leem and Kuya Wentor!

In 2015, I moved to Iligan City to get my M.S. degree in Bio under the #DOST-ASTHRDP. Moving to a different city, which is like 12 hours bus ride, was challenging for me. I've never been out of GenSan by myself. During my first year, most of my time was spent calling mama and papa to ask them what to buy at the supermarket, how to cook stuff, and how to commute. Fortunately, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology is a melting pot of diverse people coming from all over Mindanao. I have met colleagues that always supported me through all of the ups and all of the downs. To my future doctors, Laurice Tumanda-Macalisang (Ph.D.) and Shella Jalique (M.D.), see you soonest!

Because of my scholarship, I was able to travel abroad for the very first time. I got a chance to represent the #Philippines and present my research at an international #conference. It was the best thing ever like I felt a legit scientist sharing my research in a global audience. Thank you to my research adviser and mentors, Dr. Olga Nuñeza, Dr. Mylene Uy, and Dr. WTPSK Senarath, for the support and for believing in me!