The Shell-PhilDev journey of Rein and Leo

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}