The Shell-PhilDev journey of Rein and Leo

Rein: My friend told me that the scholarship office was looking for students to be interviewed and that Dean’s Listers would be prioritized. I was lucky that I made it to the cut.

Leo: I found out about it through my friend/batch mate, Reinwill, while he was on his way to sign the application. I went with him that day and found out that I was eligible to apply as well. The rest is history, and boy was I lucky.

Rein: I was so focused with my studies because I thought extra-curricular activities such as joining organizations would have no bearing during employment. Before Shell-PhilDev came, every semester was a battle for me. There was no assurance if I’d have free tuition or not. I had to maintain high grades to avail of the free tuition for the next semester.

Leo: I was yearning for a support group, to learn from the experiences of others and share my own. I did not feel a presence of a second family at my university. I wasn't that close to my teachers yet and my circle of friends was spread thin from all my organizations. My life was juggling between various activities that never really built a tightly knit relationship among members. Plus, the struggles in engineering. I wanted to be part of something big and genuine, a place where I can share my story. The scholarship was a dream come true.

Rein: I was so privileged to have this scholarship. After I formally became a scholar, so many things had happened. I was able to go out of my comfort zone, join an organization, and I eventually became a student leader for two consecutive years. I definitely had a lot of engagements. Aside from these, I was able to learn a lot from great people during the annual Shell-PhilDev Leadership Camp. We also had the opportunity to attend the IDEA Workshop, which made me appreciate the importance of technopreneurship. Through this scholarship, I was able to build self-confidence and improve my communication skills. Today, I am no longer the Nerdy Rein. I am now the Leader Rein.

Leo: The journey was long, especially since we had to wait a whole year for the annual camp. The scholarship never failed to support and be there during the whole ride. Ma’am Bernie, Ma’am Zen, and Sir John are my best bunch of confidants. I knew the scholarship was there for me every step of the way, and in each step, I can't help but think of what I did to deserve this; so, I make an effort to prove to my benefactors my worth and my dream to contribute in the near future.

Rein: When I was in high school, I was a student leader, but when I went to college, people told me I wouldn’t need it anymore. I got too focused in my studies, and before I knew it, I felt I had lost my leadership skills. However, with the help of the leadership camp, I was able to revive my former self, the Leader Rein. The camp reminded me of my passion to lead. As a result, I became an officer in our college organization.

Leo: I learned that attitude can make or break a person; that has been my 'mantra' ever since I took the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development Workshop. I should be sensitive to the effect of my attitude on others as well as the attitude of others towards me. I learned to make a habit of always considering where the other side is coming from. Various activities in the camp enabled me to take to heart that every experience is a learning opportunity and I should make the most out of it, and that the extent and intent of my actions should always lean towards how I can contribute.

Rein: I’m preparing for the upcoming board exam. I would also like to apply at Shell afterwards. I was just so impressed with how Shell employees treat people and I want to become part of that family. Moreover, because of everything that Shell had done for us, I’d like to return the favour.

Leo: While waiting for my board exam review this November 2017 and my Electrical Engineering board exam by April 2018, I'm planning to teach at my university, MSU-IIT, while earnestly applying for an assessed internship at Shell.

Rein: To my co-scholars, I want you to treasure this scholarship because you are so blessed to be part of it. This scholarship is so different from other scholarships. In here, they treat you as their real children. They’re going to keep up with your progress from time to time, help you, and even give you advice when you’re at your lowest. To everyone, just continue to dream big and work hard for your dreams in order to turn them into reality.

Leo: I've noticed that I kept repeating this thought to myself during the last camp. It has been three years and four camps since I joined. Throughout all those leadership camps and activities, I've been introduced to a great number of Shell employees, happily and willingly sharing their craft and passion while working in Shell. Sir Joseph, Ma’am Tracie, Sir Gerboy, Sir Edgar, Sir Jay, Ma’am Castro, to name a few. Each of them had an impact on me. I felt that they are all happy with what they are doing. The aura seemed to transcend on me.

I remember my dad saying that I should go work on something I'd enjoy doing. I never really put too much thought on where I'd like to work in the future, but now I sure do. It's not often we get to see the company culture up at close. This scholarship provided me with a glimpse of that and on how it can mould an employee, a person.

To the scholars, I wish for all of you to realize the gift we have just been continually receiving. We are part of not only a scholarship, but a family that is here to stay and be with us all throughout. Both PhilDev and Shell lead by example on how a company, that treats its employees as family, helps others. I'd love to don that uniform someday and be part of the same company and family supporting us scholars in our respective degrees.

_{Article published on PSFI news magazine October 2017 issue}