To guide students in career planning and development, the UP Open University (UPOU) Office of Student Affairs (OSA), through the Counseling and Guidance Program (CGP) launched the first webinar of the Career Education Series titled “From Purpose to Path: Designing Your Career Life Journey,” on 8 August 2025 via Zoom.
Katuwang member Flynn Gonzaga and Akia Prudente take the lead as the event’s hosts.
Ms. Flynn Gonzaga and Ms. Akia Prudente, UPOU Katuwang volunteer members, served as hosts for the event. Asst. Prof. Roda L. Tajon, OSA Director, warmly welcomed participants and encouraged them to build meaningful goals, purpose, and inspirations for their studies and future career path as Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) students.
Dr. Mary Ann Gina M. Valderama shares her insights on the power of passion and life mission in career success.
The webinar was graced by Dr. Mary Ann Gina M. Valderama, RGC, Guidance Services Specialist II and Career Advancement Services Coordinator from the UP Diliman Office of the Counseling and Guidance. Dr. Valderama sets the tone by outlining engaging objectives and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. “What happens when we share with people whom we trust? The right people will fuel your vision and help you shape your future.”
To promote self-awareness and to be a responsible citizen, Dr. Valderama engaged the participants in reflecting on the lyrics of the UP Naming Mahal as part of personal branding and on how to introduce oneself to the world. The activity proceeded with the students sharing their takeaways.
Dr. Valderama talks about the importance of the right circle.
Dr. Valderama also highlighted the important role of grit in career development, noting that passion combined with hard work and perseverance enables a person to stick to their goals and stay committed to their mission despite challenges and setbacks.
She also underscored the value of discovering one’s life missions in pursuing a career path. She explained that life missions mean pursuing what one loves to do while making impactful contributions to the needs of the world.
Dr. Valderama also encouraged students to create electronic or ePortfolios that align with their life mission, helping them reflect on their learning experiences and personal interests.
Wrapping with renewed passion and life mission after the insightful webinar.
The webinar concluded with the students sharing their experiences with their chosen careers, personal learnings, and meaningful insights. One participant, Kris, a Mom, student, and Pahinungod volunteer, shared, “I found my mission in helping others who are struggling in life, and I also want to share with them how I went through my own challenges.”
Written by: Rodolfo T. Pullian | Edited by: Roda L. Tajon
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