Program Completed at GIST:
HOTEL & RESTAURANT SERVICES

Current Work Status: Employed
Nature of Company: Golden Arches Development Corporation or also known as McDonald’s Philippines
Address: 17^th Floor Citibank Bldg Paseo de Roxas Makati City
Nature of Business: Food Industry (Fast Food Restaurant)
Position:  Guest Experience Manager
Years of Employment: 8 years
Employee Recognition Award(s):

• 5th year Service Award as part of Store Management level
• Best Performing Guest Experience Manager for the year 2019
• Rank 1 in McDo Birthday Party Sales in South Region for the year 2019

Why did you choose GIST?
It was in year 2011 when I began searching for schools that I can afford and had the program I liked. The thing I considered as I was looking was, I wanted to pursue my studies in a school where I know I’ll learn and grow. A classmate of mine in high school recommended me to check out GIST and that is when I found out that GIST is one of leading school for vocational courses. This fact was enough to captive me and I applied for a scholarship right away. One of the happiest days in my life was when I found out my scholarship got accepted and granted. It was the beginning of my journey to fulfill my dreams.

Why did you choose the program?
Not all the success stories were successful from the beginning. My journey began with a lot of stressful nights. I felt like I was lost in the first course I took which was computer science. 2011 had me astounded by the technology the computer produced and I thought I wanted to learn more. As the time went by, I had trouble understanding the lessons and soon enough I found out I wasn’t happy with the course. I am one of the people who are living witnesses that people should pursue where they are passionate about so they could live an untroubled life. I gathered all my courage to transfer from computer science to the course I really wanted to pursue: Hotel and Restaurant Services. Comparing it to the first course I took. The seven competencies in HRS were challenging but this time, I didn’t back out and faced it.

What are the challenges you experienced while studying? (Cite at least 2)
Although everything seemed fun, just like every other student, I had to face some challenges along the way too. Along with my studies, I participated in extra-curricular activities like teaching dance in schools and I also worked part-time as a service crew in McDonalds. It seemed like 24 hours a day were not enough to fit everything, including my life outside work and school in my schedule. I had no time to slack off since the tasks that I needed to fulfill each day were time-demanding. I also wasn’t born in a wealthy family so I also had financial problems when it came to the materials I need to provide for the activities in school. Good thing I had enough courage to work while I studied which is why studies was no burden to my family. I was determined to finish my studies since I know it was a way for me to become successful.

How did you overcome it? (Explain for each situation mentioned above)
Overcoming the tiring challenges was what kept me going. If I can overcome what’s in front of me right now. I can overcome anything that comes along the way.

How do you feel about overcoming the challenges?
Challenges are everywhere and prepared myself for that. Just looking back to all the tasks I fulfilled was enough to keep motivated

What is your advice to a student who wishes to take the same program as yours?
My advice to the students who wish to pursue the same program I took is just enjoy the journey. Enjoyment can come in all sorts of forms: laughter, fulfillment, praise and lot more. It’s up to you to decide if you’ll let the challenges burden you or make it as a stepping stone to become a better version of yourself. Challenges are present everywhere, even outside of school. It’s important that all of us knows how to face them when they arrive. It’s okay to cry or take a break; it’s part of being a student. Remember to wipe your tears, keep your head up high, and move forward.

How did the program help you in your current work/employment status?
I am currently a Guest Experience Manager in Golden Arches Development Corporation or also known as McDonald’s Philippines. Who would’ve thought that an average part timer in 2013 would be a manager in 2016 and up to present. GIST program helped me build my confidence since I was knowledgeable about hospitality management. I applied in my workplace what I learned in school and that got me promoted to the position.

What are the values you have learned in the whole experience?
The whole experience I had was a bumpy ride at the first but the ride became smooth later on. The values I learned in the whole journey were discipline, determination, enjoyment, enthusiasm, growth and leadership. Discipline is what made me wake up in the morning and jump out of the bed right away since I know I have school and work ahead of me. Determination was what kept me going despite of the hardships and challenges. Enjoyment is something I never wanted to neglect since I wanted not only to learn, but to have fun as well. Enthusiasm was felt when I finally shifted to the program which I am passionate about. Growth was slowly planting inside of me as the days passed by and as a result, I became an effective leader and that is where I am today.