The Meltdown Victory

It is over. Last 13 and 14th of February, thesis for the Focus 16 Team was over. Gerald barely made it. He forgot his endorsement stickers and I had to guarantee that his “Matchbox” thesis was endorsed. Even had to talk to Prof. Mortel to endorse it. “I don’t think he should fail out of a technicality. Maybe, just penalize him for it.” Sayang. His creative were all hand-rendered. Even Chief liked his creatives.

Kat, Tracy, Tasha, Mark, Carlo, and Carla also made it. A few revisions here and there. But they passed. Was hoping that Tracy’s work on “IAFT” would bag a high grade as she had focused on one creative idea throughout the year. But apparently the jury wanted a more “emotional approach.”

“There is a learning from today.” I told Tracy over yahoo messenger that night after her thesis defense as I know she was disappointed. Chief says I might have raised expectations too much? Maybe?

Mothers came in full support too. Kat and Tasha’s moms were in school on the first day of defense. All for moral support. Felt guilty that I was not able to “tsika” with them as I was busy signing endorsement slips and giving last minute tips and saying a “team prayer.”

Geno pulled off the biggest surprise. He had been bogged down by financial and family problems through the year. He seemed honest and determined to graduate, which is why I extended to the “Pepsi Max” his deadlines. Other advisers would have probably dropped him from the list. He got a grade of 2.00 for his “Fully Booked” Ad Campaign. While Kat who had worked much harder and had a more socially-relevant campaign about “Phone Ethics” only earned a grade of 2.75.

From the team, two got perfect scores. Chantily Tan who did a campaign on “Breastfeeding” and Jem Cuyos who worked on an Special Events thesis for “E-Games.” Plus, Princes Anderle’s “Mango” and Ged Bernardino’s “Aji Ichiban.” A total of four from the team gets their work to be part of the “Thesis Exhibit.” Am extra proud of their achievements. And Chief shares these moments with me.

Moments like these make us feel like proud parents too!