One on One: Reflections on Change and Impact
A One-on-One with CPAf's 2025 Student Excellence Awardee (Page 3)
When I hear about change, the quote "change is the only constant in life" comes up. Yes, it is constant, but it is not always intentional. When we let life be, it is a beautiful thing. And, when we lead an intentional life, it can be quite powerful. CPAf's 2025 Student Excellence Awardee, Zara Mae C. Estareja, also known as Zamae, made a big change that led to a positive impact not only in her life but also in her community.
So what changed? For Zamae, it's her renewed drive to try again. Forced to let go of the grad school dream, she found her way almost a decade later, even finishing her degree with flying colors and a General Weighted Average of 1.10, fueled by her late Mamay's words of support: "Susuportahan kita kahit anong gusto mo, basta maging mabuti kang tao at lagi mong iisipin kung ano ang makakabuti hindi lang sa'yo kundi para rin sa iba [I will support you in whatever you want, just stay kind and always think of what's best not just for yourself, but for others too]."
In the midst of the pandemic, Zamae decided to pursue a Master's in Public Affairs (MPAf) major in Education Management at CPAf, while also working full-time at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
"I realized na mas stable na rin ako both financially and mentally, and I felt ready to try again. [I realized that I was more stable both financially and mentally, and I felt ready to try again.]"
As narrated in her valedictory address, Zamae was motivated to learn how to integrate theory and practice, which led her to make an impact in the agricultural sector. Sure enough, this materialized through her field study titled, "School Gardening as an Experiential Learning Tool for Environmental Education in an Elementary School in Laguna, Philippines." After four years, she has graduated and is currently SEARCA's Senior Associate for Public Relations and a youth ambassador for the Center's youth initiatives.
"As a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication, Major in Educational Communication, I saw the MPAf program in Education Management as an opportunity to better connect the theories I learned during my undergraduate studies with practical applications that could create a tangible impact."
Where there is intentional change, there is impact. Zamae explored an unrealized dream by making a change, by saying, "I want to try again." We owe it to ourselves to try again. Even if there are people at the starting line who are no longer with us, we can always count on ourselves to be there at the finish line.
"I hope she's smiling. I hope she's proud of me."