An Entrepreneurial Marketing Student's Journey
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1st - 4th-year COR - list of subjects officially registered
I was around 6 (or seven?) years old when I started involving myself in business. I admire my neighbors with stores. I wished to have a store too because it amazes me, but my father does not have an interest in that field. He is a public servant whose aim is to honestly serve the public and I respect him for that.
My interest in business activities is overwhelming that I ended up partnering with my childhood friends (who I am very thankful to have, but we lost contact after we relocated) in selling a food product called “choco balls”. This food is made from crushed “Ace” (chocolate) biscuits mixed with condensed milk, covered with (dried) shredded coconuts, and then topped with one “Nips” (a chocolate-coated with different colors). Many of those who studied in a public school in the early 21st century can (probably) relate to this. This product was called munchkins when I was in college. I can’t believe the product I learned to make (through my mother) and sell was sold in the university by my co-majors. It reminded me of the old days that put a smile on my face as I watch them convincing the people in the room to buy.
This is how my entrepreneurial journey started. I became good at selling because of the business, but when we stopped our operations (because my father found out about it) then my teacher used me as her sales agent. I was often asked to sell the snacks delivered in our room to my classmates and if there are remaining items, I have to roam around the school to sell all of them. I enjoyed doing it until a circumstance happened that might have traumatized me. I cannot remember exactly what happened, but I am certain something went wrong that caused me to hate school and fear teachers.
When I was in high school, I had a friend who often didn't have money to spare for snacks or even a fare to go home. She often borrows money to be present on the next day. As her friend, I felt obligated to help her (it is said in a song, “That’s what friends are for. In good times or bad times...”). I don’t want her to rely on “borrowings” to get through it all, so I introduced her to the world of entrepreneurship (but I am not aware of this word until I entered college). Business, negosyo in Tagalog or “tinda/baligya” in Bisaya is the term we often use. I used my little allowance as capital and let her sell the products we buy from a wholesale/retail store. Sometimes I cook my favorite snacks and offer the foods to our classmates for 1 or 2 pesos. I am very thankful to my high school classmates and to all the pupils/students who bought our products even if their monetary “baon” is less than enough to buy their needs/wants.
Unfortunately, my father found out about it, so I stopped helping my friend in the business. I let her do it all until she ran out of capital. She left school to work as a helper in a subdivision far from our school. Fortunately, her bosses are good people and support her to finish her studies, but she was blinded by love that she gave her all to a man who did not support her (and their child). I do not know the full story so I’ll continue with my college story. She’s doing well with another man by the way. Thanks to her current man who she’s happy with today.
It was in 2012 when I entered college. I am not sure what course I’m going to take because my dream at that time was to become a chef. On the other hand, my father wanted me to become an architect. He’s willing to send me to the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City, but I know the cost will be too high if I go there, so I did not accept his offer.
My sister’s course is in journalism and I have a background in that field, so my first preference was journalism. I went to the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CHHS) building to see the requirements to get in. Sadly, my test score in English is lower than their required rating. Then my father suggested that I go to the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) building and look at the requirements in the Accountancy Department. I did what he said and my SASE score lacks approximately 2 or 4 points to meet the minimum requirement. I almost lost hope until I saw a line of students at the end of the hallway. The feeling was like those depicted in the movies where the character saw a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I looked at the bulletin board and finally, I found my course called Entrepreneurial Marketing.
The course has two majors which are entrepreneurship and marketing (though today, they are separated). It was a very tough journey. Students in this department are often criticized and undervalued. Many parents (including my father) and students (who consider themselves as superior to us because their course is considered “for the intelligent only”) often ask, “What job will you get after you graduate? Tindera (salesman)?”. That’s how they insult entrepreneurial marketing students. Their ignorance saddened me. I felt down and insecure in my first year in university. My father even wanted me to shift to Accountancy.
Circumstance hindered my father’s request. I was not able to grant it because I failed in Math 1 which is necessary to become part of the accounting department. Thankfully I failed because I didn't want to become an Accountant at that time. Some of the accounting students became my classmates and I don’t like their aura. They look so proud and their eyes are like belittling those who are not part of their department. I do not want to be like that. I'd rather be called dumb than to look and feel superior, proud, or arrogant. All I want is to be accepted as who I am, but I am willing to change to become the best without harming others.
In addition to my statement about Accountancy students
Let me exclude my groupmates in Filipino especially our group leader who became a CPA in 2016 (I was not aware that she's an Accountancy student until I did a thorough scanning of my yearbook).
Our teamwork resulted in a grade of 1.25 which is considered "excellent" based on the University's grading system. Thank you to our professor who appreciated our efforts.
My co-majors
I like most of the people in our department because they are humble, kind, friendly, and caring (to me). I am a bit shy and uncomfortable talking to them, so they are the ones who often start the conversation. I do not know why, but I find it hard to open up to them. Only a few people are considered close to me in our department and most of them are not my batchmates. I was a subject behind because I failed in Math 1, but I'm glad I failed because I was able to get to know new friends. We formed a bond and our friendship lasted (although we don’t communicate often, we still care and make sure to help in case they’re in trouble). I do not get along with people who I don't feel like are a good influence. I want to be close to people who have beautiful souls --- those who I can trust and will not judge without knowing the facts. I am glad my barkadas are beyond that because they don’t need an explanation to understand.
Trust is the key to loyalty. That is one of the lessons I learned as an Entrepreneurial Marketing student. I trusted my group mates and they believe in me the way I believe in them, so we were able to accomplish our tasks without chaos (and even won awards). I am a good follower who becomes a leader when nobody wants to lead and somebody needs to do it, but I prefer equal treatment. I am glad I met my awesome co-majors because, without them, I won’t have the experience to reminisce and share.
