Have you ever stopped to wonder why we collect the things we do? Is it merely for the joy of possession, or is there something deeper—a reflection of what we truly love and value? Some people collect art, toys, and stamps, and some people collect tumblers, but as for me, one of my most prized possessions is in numbers—108, 114, 115, and 120. These ID numbers represent each milestone of my journey as a Lasallian – from completing my bachelor’s degree to now a doctoral degree. If my Lasallian journey doesn’t scream commitment, then I don’t know what else to call it.
I remember the day I decided to embark on this doctoral journey. I was a senior high school administrator burnt out from the effects of the pandemic and wanting to rekindle not just a passion for knowledge but of love―a love for learning and the field of business and management, and a love for the idea that, somehow, by pursuing a doctoral degree, I could make a difference. Little did I know this journey would teach me about love in ways I never expected.
But before you get giddy, this love story has less to do with candlelit dinners and more with burning the midnight oil―a narrative featuring long nights nestled among journal articles. The only bouquets are clusters of tabs open on my computer, not roses. My conversations were not with a significant other but with my heroes in the academe―my professors and mentors and the scholars I admire― Coghlan and Brannick, Eisenhardt, Sayer, Marshall, and Rossman, etc.
Through my engagement with La Salle’s rigorous doctoral program and these influential thinkers, I’ve come to understand the multifaceted nature of love, which I will share with you through the first five letters of the alphabet.
First, A – authenticity. It’s a word we often hear, and it usually means being true to ourselves and showing others who we are. However, the doctoral program taught us that authenticity is an internal process of honest self-reflection. Our training on action research and first-person practice helped me understand that authenticity ensures that our interactions are genuine and meaningful, laying the foundation for deeper connections in relationships with others. I learned to value my unique perspective and that of my peers. Our experience has shown that life is a big puzzle, where each of us fits in with our unique strengths to complete a dynamic picture. As for myself, I found strength in areas like research writing. I have had the honor to be part of Project DORA, a research project funded by NCCA, which taught me not only the cultural wealth of the Philippines but also the profound impact of stepping beyond the classroom to engage with the larger world.
This journey has shown me that when we’re authentic, we invite genuine love into our lives, creating space for meaningful contributions that reflect who we truly are. Which leads me to B – Becoming. DBA taught me to strive not for a static best self but for continuous growth through openness. Working on my dissertation, I have come to appreciate the beauty that comes with multiple explanations. In crafting the narratives of six remarkable women who serve their communities in various roles―whether as managers, mothers, daughters, or spouses, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the richness of each individual’s journey, inspiring me to contribute more meaningfully in my roles.
This realization was possible because of C- Communication – the heart of any relationship, which in DBA means constant dialogue. The DBA program underscored that dialogue is not merely expressing our views or speaking up but recognizing the limitations of our perspectives and the value of others. And this, for me, is crucial because of D―discovery– a love for learning that not only propelled me toward teaching and research but also led me to appreciate the joy of uncovering new insights about our world―an endeavor that La Salle has greatly nurtured – the reason why I stayed in the University. Remember the motto we often see above the blackboards in each classroom? “Lasallian achiever for God and country.” It is this ethos that La Salle has cultivated, driving me toward excellence in every endeavor and instilling that such excellence serves a purpose beyond myself―our collective mission. This very University has both sparked that realization and equipped me with the tools and resources to fulfill it – such as in the form of E―engagement, which signifies our active participation in a community of scholars, educators, and learners.
Thus, please allow me to take this opportunity to thank them. First of all, my parents, Glenn and Gina. It wasn’t easy to raise children, but more so an adult child. Thank you for tolerating my endless pursuit of education.
My professors in the DBA program –for creating an environment where we get to learn, realize our potential, but more importantly discover our role in the society given the unique gifts and talents we have.
My dissertation adviser, Dr. Raymund Habaradas, thank you and the panel members for your mentoring and guidance. My administrators and colleagues, thank you for your support, understanding, and accommodation. Thank you to our Dean, Dean Emie, CBRD Director, Dr. Luz, and again, Dr. Mund, for allowing me to take part in various research projects.
To my classmates and peers – and, of course, my PPP support group, Rhoey, Retchell, and Bea. To my students―for cheering for me and inspiring me.
And, of course, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I look back at my whole journey, starting in 2008, the only explanation for why and how I got to where I am now is His grace. The initial five letters I shared with you are just the start; there’s an entire alphabet to explore, and that’s the true beauty of La Salle. Like our University’s color green, symbolizing growth, we are always ‘on the go,’ ready to continue our stories and fill in the remaining chapters with the rest of the alphabet.
This article is the speech delivered by Jessica Jaye Ranieses as the graduate’s response during the 62nd College Recognition Rites. Jessica is the Assistant Dean for External Affairs and Lasallian Mission of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business and an assistant professor in the Department of Decision Sciences and Innovation at De La Salle University. She earned her Doctor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from the same institution. She can be contacted at [email protected].
The perspectives shared in this piece are solely the author’s and do not necessarily represent the official views of De La Salle University, its faculty, or its administration.