Hi everyone!
I’m Denise Antoinette Rebaya, a Class of 2020 graduate in Economics and Administrative Studies with a concentration in Financial Accounting on route to pursue an Accounting career. During my time in KATI, I was Treasurer my 2nd year and a dedicated member over the past four years. I worked for APSP, was Marketing Director for ASUCR Elections Committee, and was a Brand Ambassador for Peet’s Coffee. As an alum, I am currently a Mentor for UCR Collection, Brand Ambassador for Goli, Nutrition Coach, Staff Accountant, and CEO of a small business.
My goal when I joined Katipunan PSO was to bridge a connection between Filipino-American businesses and KATI to emphasize our Cultural and Community Pillars. With that, I introduced the relationship with Seafood City and other allied businesses to give opportunities for KATI to grow. It has been something I’ve been most proud of and I truly hope it continues to develop in future generations of KATI. My time in KATI was the most challenging yet rewarding experience that shaped me to be the woman I am today and I continue to implement these values in my everyday life.
For those still in school, these are the most crucial years of learning and growing so take every opportunity with gratitude and don’t let anyone dim your light. Online learning has been an adjustment but I hope you continue to have the motivation to pursue your degree. These college years will fly by and you will miss how “easy” things were.
For the Class of 2021, Congratulations on almost completing a full year of online learning and earning your degree. As someone who entered post-grad life, it has been a rough transition. Not only we didn’t get the proper “goodbye” or have the same opportunities as previous graduating classes but also we’re experiencing postgrad during a pandemic. Even though life does not go as planned, you are in control of what you want to achieve in life. With your degree you will be in the next chapter of pursuing goals, challenging yourself, and creating new experiences.
Due to the competitive job market, I continued my education, earned a certification as a Nutrition Coach, and took classes for an accounting program at UCSD. To earn extra income, I filed for a small business: Nourish by Deni. My advice for everyone is to reach out to alumni or mentors for potential connections on how you can advance your career. Some advice for you all is to save money, invest in stocks, keep learning (Masters, Med School, Coursera, Google Certificates, UC Extension), and gain experience (internships).
Be open to change and take things at your own pace. We are all on unique journeys so there is no reason to compare our accomplishments, struggles, failures with one another but only with ourselves. I hope your support system inspires you to challenge yourself in some way. To be the person we aspire to be we must take chances and create an abundance of opportunities.
Maraming salamat para sa lahat.
Take Care
Email: denise.rebaya@gmail.com IG: thedeatsqueen Business IG: nourishbydeni
