My Testimonial Speech for The Greening Event under the Chemistry Department of DLSU-M

 I was invited to give a testimonial as a graduate of DLSU-M's Chemistry Department. Here's a photo of our department faculty with some Delta Equilibria girls:

Here's the requested speech and a brief intro about myself. 

Edna Patricia P. Mendoza-Villena

Edz is currently a Project Development Officer IV at the Department of Science and Technology, under the Office of the Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, and a part-time lecturer at the Environmental Science Department of the Ateneo De Manila University. She is an alumna of the Chemistry Department, obtaining her BS Biochemistry degree in 2006. She also has a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Science from UP Diliman; a master’s in Environmental Management and Development from the Australian National University under the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship; and has obtained a scholarship to begin her PhD studies in Public Health with major in Epidemiology at the University of North Texas – Health Science Center in August 2021.

 Edz was actively involved in organizations during her time here at DLSU – Manila. She served as the President of the Chemistry Society and the President of the College Assembly of Science. Also, she was a writer for Ang Pahayagang Plaridel throughout college, and a Track and Field Varsity member during her freshman year.

 

What made you decide to enroll in DLSU and why did you choose BS Chemistry/ Experiences as student/ How BS Chemistry helped you in your career development/ Advantage of being a graduate of DLSU

Good morning everyone! Please indulge me as I regale you with some of my best memories at DLSU.

Back in 2002, I remember receiving an invitation from the DLSU Chemistry Department inviting prospective students and their parents to visit the campus to have a tour around the chemistry facilities and laboratories. I remember feeling excited and nervous at the same time, because I was definitely starting a new chapter in my life: COLLEGE LIFE.

 Dr. Robles was the host then and until now, she still is. Talk about dedication the craft! Dr. Robles remains pretty and bubbly, and really amiable. I remember also seeing Dr. Glenn Alea during the orientation in his organic chemistry lab and saw that he had a magnetic stirrer spinning inside a beaker, mixing the solution. I was so amazed by that, and I thought to myself, “I also want to learn how to use something like this.” Little did I know that not only would I learn how to use a magnetic stirrer, I would learn to use a myriad of lab instruments which I had only seen in science shows! And also, I would learn to interpret the results these complicated lab machines churn out! Imagine that….

 Okay, so going back, when my parents and I saw the whole set up of the chemistry department’s labs with its high-tech and modern intstruments, read up the competencies of the professors, and saw the well-maintained grounds and manicured gardens of La Salle, I was convinced that this is where I would study. DLSU is a highly conducive place for learning and its community encourages a work-life blend. In this University, I felt secure, safe, and certain that I can build a strong foundation for my future. True enough, that foundation was a rock solid one.

 I learned so much by taking biochemistry as my bachelor’s degree. Chemistry taught me be to be analytical and sharp; to approach problems systematically and to find appropriate solutions that are feasible. Chemistry taught me to think creatively and broadly. It made me tenacious in seeking other ways to solve a problem. When designing and executing experiments, or even simply carrying out a project, creativity is what separates the wheat from the chaff. Chemistry taught me to be organized in data gathering, researching your methodology and preparing your samples well, and being ready with your lab manual – skills that you will certainly need in research, whatever field it may be.

My education equipped me with the appropriate competencies I needed to push further my career in the government and research sector. I became a University Research Associate at UP Diliman and later, was a Project Supervising Science Research Specialist at PHIVOLCS. My background in chemistry, together with DLSU’s enabling environment to harness students’ leadership potential, paved the way for me to become an effective and efficient civil servant, ready and able to serve the Filipino People. I also dabbled in teaching Chemistry and Disaster Risk Reduction in St. Joseph’s Academy Senior High School and also Environmental Science at the Ateneo de Manila University. And at one point I was consultant at the Asian Development Bank.

 Eventually, these competencies that I gained carried over to my graduate studies at the Australian National University, where I took my master’s in environmental management and development. I was thrust into the public policy milieu and this was completely new to me. You may think that it was a far departure from my laboratory days. Yes, it was. But the tenets of inductive and deductive reasoning, which were imbued to me while studying chemistry, were applicable in the field of study I was pursuing. Apparently, all those traits that I developed and which hardened my mettle by studying chemistry bore fruit. It made me strong and competent enough to learn a new expertise. And by July, I’ll fly off to the US to pursue my PhD studies in Public Health. Another departure, but still inter-related. My point here is that studying at DLSU and finishing a degree in Biochemistry, enabled and empowered me to build a strong foundation on which my future now stands on. I am now reaping the fruits of my planted seeds. My chemistry degree opened many avenues for me which I can pursue.

 As for my experiences as a biochemistry student, I would say that my experience was like a walk in the park – Jurassic Park, that is. It was difficult and I encountered many challenges. Indeed, my mettle was tested over and over. I failed many times, I kid you not. But I love chemistry and the challenges it brings, and I was determined to finish it, by hook or by crook. Mahirap talaga para sa akin noon, pero sobrang saya niya. You know, THE HARD TIMES WERE THE BEST TIMES.  These challenges pushed my limits and made me better. And this trait that I developed during my undergraduate stay at DLSU is one of the traits that propelled me forward and pushed me to do better.

I had the best buddies in college and until now, we are still one great barkada and we call ourselves Delta Equilibria – the women who change the equilibrium. Kind of nerdy, but it was good fun and very memorable. We experienced challenges and struggles together. Then we’d celebrate our small wins and victories. Indeed, we were together through thick and thin, for better or worse, and until now, we are still best of friends.

Additionally, I also had amazing experiences in my extra-curricular activities. Leading the Chemistry Society and the College of Science bolstered my competencies in project management, an essential skill when you start working. I also developed most of my leadership and people skills at this time, to be able to empathise with the people you serve is another crucial skill within the workplace, in any sector. I also developed my writing skills when I joined Ang Pahayagang Plaridel as a writer. Having strong writing skills is crucial for you to write your publications and reports. This is very important.

Let’s not forget too, that DLSU is a Catholic school. There is that Christ-centeredness in the principles that this institution teaches. The spirit of faith, the zeal for service, and the communion in mission are the foundation principles of the Lasallian formation. And until this day, I carry these principles with me. They anchor me to my roots and fortified my foundation, so I can be steadfast and unwavering in my faith amidst tumultuous situations. For me, this is the greatest advantage of being a graduate of DLSU: having the spirit of faith, the zeal for service, and the communion in mission. We would all graduate to be technically competent with great people and leadership skills, that is a given. But without a moral compass we would drift aimlessly, living life that is lacking in meaning and purpose.

I may have strayed a bit far from the Chemistry realm, but this just proves that no matter what path you pursue, carrying with you a Chemistry or Biochemistry diploma from De La Salle University, gives you a great advantage and a better chance in pursuing your lifelong dreams.

Thank you very much.

 Video snippet from Lyka. Thank you Tae!!!