8/6/2019 From the Former LIP Queen

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From the former L.I.P. Queen, a salute to SISCJanuary 23, 2010

After five years, seven months, and thirteen days, I am now an ex-L.I.P. Queen.

I still can not believe that I underwent the process of resignation I gave the notarizedletter; then I got my acceptance letter days after. I did turnover of all my accountabilities,underwent an exit interview, processed my exit clearance, and eventually, handed overmy clearance to Accounting.

I still felt those were just the ordinary days in the office juggling many tasks at hand.But when my brother came to get my plastic cabinet full of my personal stuff to bring ithome, it hit me: I AM REALLY LEAVING. Theres no turning back.

All of a sudden, I felt the hurt that I had been hiding during the day (I only cry at nightsometimes during the past month). So before I start to cry, I walked back to our office.

Did I ever imagine myself being in this situation? I didnt, although I gave myself fiveyears to stay. Somewhere along those years, I really thought of staying longer. And whynot? Its only thirty-minute ride to and from the house; People are cheerful and friendly.When problems arise, we face it altogether. We celebrate all victories; we immediatelypick up the pieces after a failure. We even face possible challenges even before ithappens.

And uh, I became as famous as my L.I.P.s (who actually have its own publicist. Okay,Im kidding).

Like what one of the principals said, it is in SISC that I found not only a job, but a home.

But I guess, even if ones heart wants to stay, there are other opportunities that comealong. Even kids, who become adults, eventually leave the comforts of their home tobecome better and stronger persons.

It was not an easy decision, though. I thought of its implications. I thought of my parentsand brother in the perspective of a provider. I also thought of my colleagues, friends,career, life.

And most of all, I thought of my L.I.P.s. Who will take care of my almost 300 babies?

And so after two weeks of sleepless nights, countless times of asking advice fromselected few, deliberations with my family, and nightly crying sessions with Bro, I gavethat signed letter.

And after a month, here I am. No more L.I.P. Queen title at hand.

I will miss the challenges, opportunities, tasks, happy days, bad days, worst days, crazydays, rush-ian days, right-here-right-now days, fun people, creative people, wacky

8/6/2019 From the Former LIP Queen

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people, difficult people, brilliant minds, L.I.P.s, WPS, KRAs, TQM, all the otheracronyms (you know what they are), victories, defeats, culture, speak English, Stars,Hearts, Laurels, Elizalde, Luxembourg, Munich, Tropical, faculty, non-teaching, andstudents.

But no matter what, SISC will continue to make a difference and solidify its leadership inthe academe (and the world).

As I relinquish my crown to my successor, let me say my humble and heartfeltgratefulness in different languages: Mnnlich. Diolch. Merci. Gracias. Arigato. Grazie.Ngiyabonga. Thank you. Salamat.

See you around.