Acknowledgments

This special project and my five years at the University of the Philippines would not have been possible, nor bearable, without the unwavering support and encouragement from many selfless individuals in my life.

To my UP friends—Aya, Geizl, Voltaire, JM, Ryan, Elijah, Athena, Janice, and Rica—your words of encouragement have been my pillar of strength and inspiration throughout our time at the university. Our collaborative efforts on group projects, our casual conversations, and our face-to-face interactions have shown me that success is achieved through teamwork and open communication. The past five years have been incredibly rewarding because of you.

To my friends outside of UP—Hanjali, Ivan, Aron, Nick, Nate, Nath, Crizel, and Ronielle—juggling responsibilities at work and school was challenging, but your friendship has been a tremendous source of support. Your belief in me has been a powerful motivator, and I am grateful for your listening ears through both the highs and lows. May we all achieve our dreams together.

To my second nanay, Madam Irene, you are always a ray of sunshine whenever things get tough. You’ve always believed in me without a moment of doubt. I will always celebrate every success with you.

A heartfelt thank you to my partner, Montreal. You have been my constant source of peace and comfort. I am deeply grateful for your selfless love and patience, both in our personal lives and as we navigate work and school responsibilities together.

To my adviser, Sir Ley, I cannot thank you enough for your guidance and mentorship. You have been instrumental in pushing me to reach this point in my academic journey. It has taken me two years to get here, and you have played a crucial role in helping me approach the finish line.

To my wonderful siblings, Tani, Jerome, and Hasmine—your support has been invaluable. While you may think I am your anchor, the truth is that you are mine. Your unwavering belief in my dreams has been my constant motivation. I am proud to be inspired by each of you.

To my parents, Mama and Papa, your sacrifices and unconditional love have been the foundation of my success. Thank you for always giving without expecting anything in return and for loving me just as I am. If I could have anything in the world, it would be to have you by my side. You are my first love and will always be my greatest source of inspiration.

I also want to express my gratitude to the Filipino community, especially the teachers, young Filipino students, underrepresented groups, and vulnerable sectors of society. Your resilience and determination inspire me to dream bigger and advocate for a more equitable system. Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan.

Finally, I give thanks to the Lord for guiding me through this journey and providing me with the strength and wisdom needed to complete my undergraduate studies.

Thank you all for being an essential part of this achievement.