How has your HES journey changed or shaped you?
My Harvard journey transformed me to become the best version of myself by inspiring me to have faith in my capabilities and equipping me with the skills I need in establishing my law firm, Cruz & Villavert Law Office, and my organization, Lawyers Near Me PH, with my partner while earning my master’s degree.
My HES on-campus experience led me to discover the Harvard Innovation Labs, the ecosystem that guided and supported me in my entrepreneurial journey as I applied the concepts I learned in class.
The University is filled with people who made me feel like a part of their family, even though we all came from different countries. They transformed this experience into something that I will cherish for a lifetime.
The University is filled with people who made me feel like a part of their family, even though we all came from different countries.
In addition to the lessons that I have learned in the classroom, coming to understand each and every student’s background is such a marvelous opportunity that I was only able to experience at Harvard.
I am eternally grateful to this institution for opening the doors of world-class quality education for professionals like me who cannot afford to stop working due to the demands of our careers and personal lives.
I pray that I will be able to translate these learnings into giving back, not only to my own Filipino community, but also to the world.
What’s something unexpected that you learned about Harvard?
I learned that I am not alone in this journey and that there are several other hardworking and career-driven women who are going through the same struggles as I am.
They inspired me to reach my full potential and helped me utilize the lessons I have learned at Harvard.
The school facilities and resources are also exceptionally designed — I couldn’t help but notice how much the University’s administration truly cares about us. They sincerely listen to our needs and equip us with everything that is essential for us to make the most out of our studies.
In addition to the lessons that I have learned in the classroom, coming to understand each and every student’s background is such a marvelous opportunity that I was only able to experience at Harvard.
During my time, I appreciated Harvard’s free evening bus service that ensured that I could go home safely from campus to our houses every day. I also cannot forget the day when my laptop got broken and HUIT lent me a Macbook Pro so that I could still fulfill my school obligations until the end of the summer term.
Undeniably, the privileges that Harvard provides to its students are beyond one’s imagination!
What are you going to miss the most about HES?
The inspiring people — professors, classmates, and staff — who made me feel accepted and loved during my time at Harvard are the ones I will miss the most.
The daily summer grind of studying for my master’s while taking care of my clients in the Philippines, plus the fact that I am 8,408 miles away from my beloved family can be very challenging, but because of the people I met at Harvard, everything became easier.
They encouraged me to believe that no matter how challenging life gets, through prayer, perseverance, and hard work, everything is possible.
Describe your HES experience in one word.
Amazing.
