The Road Less Planned: My Journey from Graphic Design to Teaching

We love movies with twists and turns, but life? Life writes its own plotlines—sometimes stranger, sometimes more meaningful than anything on screen. Today, I want to share one of my own twists, a journey that reshaped my career, my passions, and my understanding of myself.

The Early Dreams

As an undergraduate, I was a fairly typical student—not overly studious, not lazy, just… simple. I had simple dreams: to have a band, create art, and write plays for the stage. These were the things that made me feel alive. They weren’t necessarily practical, but I imagined a life where I could flourish in these pursuits, and for a while, that was enough to keep me motivated.

Finding My Career Path

After completing my BFA, I entered the workforce as an illustrator for a small children’s magazine. It was modest work, but it connected me with the professional world. Soon after, I became a graphic designer for retail, then hotels. During this time, I discovered a new aspiration: to become an art director. Designing had captivated me—the challenge of translating ideas into visuals, the nuance in every detail, the thrill of creating something meaningful. It became my next dream.

Then the pandemic hit. The hospitality industry, where I had been working, suffered. Travel slowed, hotels emptied, and my path forward suddenly felt uncertain. I applied to an agency in Makati, hoping to continue my design career. Simultaneously, I applied for a part-time teaching role at a university, curious about what it might be like to guide students.

And then, life surprised me: both calls came on the same day. One offered me the art director role I had been dreaming of, and the other welcomed me to teach part-time. I was torn. Should I chase my long-term dream, or step into an entirely new path? Somehow, I chose teaching. That decision didn’t just change my career—it opened a door to a life I hadn’t imagined.

Lessons from Teaching

Six years into teaching, I’ve learned more than I could have imagined. I used to be a shy person. Standing in front of students almost every day has broken that shyness, forcing me to find my voice and confidence. Teaching has also taught me the importance of balance.

When I studied in my BFA, most of our focus was on technical skills—learning how to draw, paint, or design. But in the real world, technical mastery isn’t enough. You also need to articulate your ideas, defend your work, and collaborate with others. That’s where theory becomes essential. Understanding art history, movements, and concepts allows you to explain your decisions, justify your designs, and think critically. A balance of theory and practice equips students not just to create, but to navigate the creative industry with insight and professionalism.

Teaching has also shown me that learning is not one-way. Students challenge my assumptions, push me to rethink ideas, and inspire me with their curiosity. In guiding them, I’ve discovered new ways of thinking about art, design, and creativity itself.

The Unexpected Love for Research

Perhaps the most surprising turn in my life has been my growing passion for research. As an undergraduate, I didn’t write research papers. I wrote plays, poetry, lyrics, and songs—creative, expressive work, but far from structured academic research. Yet here I am, immersed in research, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a hunger for knowledge I can’t fully explain. My MFA helped, yes, but there is something deeper—a need to understand, to explore, and to contribute knowledge that matters.

I’ve realized that art and design in the Philippines need a stronger voice in the academic sphere. People often argue that these fields aren’t practical because they don’t “feed the stomach.” But I believe art feeds the soul. It inspires, uplifts, and sustains people. Applied research, academic initiatives, museums, theaters, and cultural spaces can amplify this impact, demonstrating art’s transformative power both locally and globally.

Art feeds the soul. It inspires, uplifts, and keeps people going, even when life feels uncertain.

Reflections on Life and Choices

Life rarely follows the path we imagine. Sometimes, the choices that scare us or seem uncertain turn out to be the most rewarding. Choosing teaching over a dream I had nurtured for years was scary, but it became a journey of growth, self-discovery, and unexpected fulfillment. I’ve learned that success is not always about titles, positions, or recognition—it’s about finding meaning in your work, impact in your actions, and growth in your journey.

Through all of this, I’ve realized that our passions, curiosities, and talents are not static. They evolve, intersect, and reveal themselves in unexpected ways. A career isn’t a straight line—it’s a series of twists, turns, and choices, each one shaping us, each one teaching us something essential.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my journey, I hope to keep learning from colleagues, students, and fellow creatives. I hope to keep challenging myself, exploring new ideas, and deepening my understanding of art, design, and creativity. Most importantly, I hope to inspire others to see the value of exploration, curiosity, and courage in shaping their own paths.

Life didn’t follow the path I imagined—but perhaps this twist was exactly what I needed. And now I wonder: what twists have shaped your life? What choices challenged you, changed you, or opened doors you never saw coming?

A career isn’t a straight line—it’s a series of twists, each one shaping us in ways we never imagined.

Because maybe, just maybe,A career isn’t a straight line—it’s a series of twists, each one shaping us in ways we never imagined. it’s in the unexpected turns where life’s richest lessons are waiting to be discovered. A career isn’t a straight line—it’s a series of twists, each one shaping us in ways we never imagined.