I Have Joined the PhD Program!

The year 2026 feels like a fresh start. Every new year brings change, and for many people, that change comes in different forms. Some begin new jobs, some enter new relationships, and others discover new paths in life. For me, this year marks the beginning of a new and unexpected chapter—starting my journey as a PhD student.

To be honest, I never thought I would study beyond my undergraduate degree. For a long time, my heart was set on working in the industry. I believed that real learning happened outside the classroom, through practice, experience, and hard work. Higher education, especially at the doctoral level, was never part of my plan. But life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes, it gently pushes us toward paths we never imagined taking.

Today, I find myself fully part of the academic world. I am now teaching as an instructor in three universities, and slowly, I have learned to embrace the role of an educator and researcher. Looking back, this shift did not happen overnight. It came through years of teaching, writing, reflecting, and asking questions. In many ways, this new path feels both unfamiliar and deeply meaningful.

I am currently enrolled in the Doktor ng Pilosopiya sa Araling Filipino – Wika, Kultura, at Midya (Doctor of Philosophy in Philippine Studies – Language, Culture, Media) at De La Salle University in Manila. I admit that I feel nervous and even scared at times. The course is demanding, the expectations are high, and the journey toward a doctorate is known to be long and challenging. This is also my first time studying at one of the top universities in the Philippines. De La Salle University is often mentioned alongside UP, Ateneo, and UST as part of the country’s leading institutions.

There is also a common belief that La Salle is a school mainly for the wealthy because of its high tuition fees. As someone who studied in public schools since childhood, this environment feels very new to me. Everything—from the campus culture to the academic standards—feels different. Still, instead of feeling out of place, I choose to feel proud. I am proud that I can now support my own education using the money I earned through years of teaching and professional work. This alone makes the experience deeply personal and rewarding.

One of the main reasons I decided to take this PhD program is my master’s thesis. My research focused on Philippine visual language and design culture, a topic that continues to inspire and challenge me. I believe that the DAFL–WKM program will allow me to explore this field more deeply, especially in relation to language, culture, and media. The program offers space to think, question, and connect ideas that matter to our society.

Another reason is the strong research culture at De La Salle University. I have always enjoyed doing research—reading, writing, and slowly building ideas over time. At DLSU, research is taken seriously and encouraged at every level. Being in this environment pushes me to improve my skills, to be more careful with my work, and to think more deeply about the topics I care about.

I have already met my publication mentor and some of my classmates through an online session. Our first meeting was warm and welcoming. Everyone seemed kind, thoughtful, and passionate about their fields. Our professor was also very relaxed and approachable, which helped ease my worries. These early interactions reminded me that while the journey may be difficult, I will not be walking it alone.

As I begin this new chapter, I carry both fear and hope with me. I know that the road ahead will not be easy. There will be moments of doubt, exhaustion, and frustration. Still, I also believe that growth often comes from discomfort. With the support of my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors—and with God’s guidance—I trust that I will be able to overcome the challenges ahead.

This journey is not just for myself, but also for the work I hope to do in the future. I step into this new year with humility, courage, and faith. For God and country.