Everyone has their own story. Various obstacles, decisions, and events lead the characters of life to where they are meant to be. For Woodrose alumnae, Atty. Patricia Tuason, Mireille Lorenzo, and Dr. Kriselle Lumunsad, passion and drive steered them into their respective careers as a lawyer, a performer, and a doctor. Nevertheless, it is inspiring to look back at their journey towards where they are today.
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Success Beyond the Brick WallsBY RURU GONONG | WRITER
Atty. Patricia Tuason is currently working as an associate in a law firm. Though, choosing to become a lawyer was unplanned. During her high school years, she was uncertain of what course to take in college. She found it difficult to decide due to the little help she received from her family. In the end, she resorted to “the best decision at that time,” which is psychology and legal management. Her enjoyment in her law subjects is what ultimately pushes her to her path today. Reflecting on her interests and strengths guided her through this period in her life. She mentioned that she was fond of the organization and skill of reading taught in Woodrose because these continue to help her now. Besides, what happens to be a strong suit of hers is listening to those around her. This is one of the things she loves about her job. She can listen to clients’ legal issues and advise them accordingly by making them aware of the laws. The “feeling of fulfillment” is something she enjoys because she contributes to society. However, every job comes with its challenges. As an associate, the first step of the job comes from her. She creates contracts and other documents for each client and passes them on to her colleagues. Another challenge is her race with time. Given its limitations, accomplishing the tasks for the day can be demanding. Despite this, she perseveres by reminding herself why she chose to pursue this path. She advises the youth to do the same. She suggests writing down the reasons why decisions were made, such as why one chose a certain course for college. Lastly, she communicates the importance of curiosity and honesty. Asking questions and being aware of what one does are other guides to reflection and decision-making. Being truthful to oneself will lead to fulfillment in life.
Mireille Lorenzo followed her passion for dance to become a performer and a teacher. After dancing for twelve years, she fell in love with it as a sport and an art. Choosing this as a career was what she described to be agonizing because she thought that dance was unconventional. Besides this, she had other options for a career in the arts. However, her process of decision-making involved talks with her mother, mentor, and dance teacher. With their help and guidance, she realized that diving headfirst into this career is worth it. With that being said, she traveled to New York to further her study. Mireille revealed that the “active inner life” that Woodrose has taught helped her survive in the fast-paced city. Her prayers and her faith in God made it possible for her to reconnect with herself and not get lost throughout her journey. This allowed her to perform in New York and the Philippines, dancing for a cause in orphanages, homes for the aged, and even the Lincoln Center Plaza. Currently, she is a teacher of ballet and modern dance online for students that reached out to her during the pandemic.
Mireille must continue to put in time and effort into her craft, which are some things that she needed for several years to get where is now. Besides this, she struggled being comfortable with herself. As a perfectionist, she used to focus more on what she was not good at. However, she realized that she must accept every part of her in order to be vulnerable and pour her heart out on stage. In this way will she enjoy every second of each performance, feeling alive and giving life to those watching her. Having gone through all of these, Mireille’s advice is “to not be afraid of pursuing a passion” and to not allow fear to hinder one to take a chance and have faith. She advises “the younger generations to get out of their way and find their little corner of the universe where they feel most at home with themselves.”
Dr. Kriselle Lumunsad pursued internal medicine. Her journey towards her career began in high school. In Woodrose, she was a part of an organization where the members helped children with their treatment for illnesses by playing with them. Having found happiness in this, she aspired to become a pediatrician. Over time, she changed her mind and decided to study internal medicine instead. Even though Dr. Lumunsad had a direction in her life at an early age, she was faced with challenges. It was already a given that her chosen career takes quite a long time and can get overwhelming. For the most part, it was difficult for her to decide who to prioritize first, her family or her patients. Because of the saying, “drop everything and answer your vocation,” she was conflicted. However, she overcame this with a compromise of choosing a hospital to work in which is close to her family so she can still pursue her specialization. Also, she found it necessary for her to make her family accept that the path she chose is her vocation. After all, patience and understanding are needed from everyone. Relieved to have the full support of her family members, she continues to work hard in her career. She is loving the power that rested in her to change many lives and “be there for many people daily.” Moreover, the Woodrose foundation continues to help her. She improves in character building, developing herself better, and growing in her spiritual life. As a doctor, she said that her “faith plays a huge role” in dealing with life-and-death situations. Concerning her faith, Dr. Lumunsad reminds all that each one chose to be here. Despite challenges and emotions, one must keep in mind the values and the presence of God. Doing so will bring you peace. She advises everyone to not be too hard on themselves and to be happy instead.
As one can see, the Woodrose alumnae, Atty. Patricia Tuason, Mireille Lorenzo, and Dr. Kriselle Lumunsad, clearly pursued different paths in life. However, the same roots and foundation from Woodrose helped them bloom and stabilize themselves in their chosen careers. Because of this, they, along with more students, will and continue to use their passion and drive to thrive on their own as women of character, taking a step forward into the world beyond the brick walls.
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