Mary Ann Richel T. Dy – CSR, ESL Tutor and Administrative Assistant
A lot of my friends and colleagues jokingly say that I got “filled up” with a lot when there was a heavy downpour of talents and abilities. They considered me as a “jack of all trades”; that I could do so many things and achieve seemingly impossible tasks. I am grateful and humbled if they truly see me that way, but I wouldn’t really be that “filled” if I haven’t been inspired by my family.
THE YOUNGER ME
I grew up as the youngest of two siblings and was raised well by my loving and dedicated parents. We lived a humble life in Cebu City, with my father as our breadwinner and my mother as a homemaker. My parents were my perfect examples of diligence, responsibility, and humility. My elder brother is my inspiration for creativity; he has been into visual arts since he was young. Such qualities have continually inspired me to go the extra mile in terms of my student and work life.
THE ARTS
I was so passionate about the Arts including Music, Art, Literature and Theater since elementary. I joined choral groups and a couple of bands and performed in musical plays. I have designed posters, streamers, yearbooks, tickets, t-shirts, logos, and invitations for different school organisations. Yes, I wanted to enhance my creativity, but at the same time, hone my leadership skills. I was a student leader for my entire College life and served as an organiser of major events and other functions. I have been very passionate about writing, copy-writing, proofreading, joining essay contests, contributing to the school paper, and getting into other writing engagements.
CAREER
I graduated with a degree in Education, major in English, at Saint Theresa’s College of Cebu, and immediately became a faculty member in the same institution. I taught numerous subjects, but I spent so many years teaching Arts and English. I was chosen as a mid-level administrator to supervise teachers, as well as interact with top-level administrators. I was given so many opportunities to initiate big events like concerts and intramurals, which helped me hone my administrative, organisational and interpersonal skills. I had to deal with persons of all ages and do transactions with concessionaires. I kept on saying “YES” to the challenges given to me. I loved to explore and excel in so many things. I did all of this for 8 years.
THE TURNING POINT
Things changed when I got married. I transferred from the city to a new home which was 25 kilometers away from my workplace; which is at least a 4-hour commute, back and forth. The traffic situation here in Cebu is quite complicated. Since I needed to have more time for my very young daughter and husband, I decided to leave the institution. I got my next job as a High School English teacher in a school in the next town from our home. It’s my 9th year as an educator, but I realised that I could go beyond the four walls of a classroom, and do the things that I truly love. So I decided to leave the academe-industry and be a freelancer. As of the moment, I am spending my extra time studying Social Media Marketing and applying what I learned to market a friend’s businesses. I have also joined a team of events and wedding coordinators, in which I also do invitation designing and prenup styling. I am now exploring opportunities for me to apply my administrative skills, organisational and leadership abilities, and aesthetic capabilities as a Virtual Assistant.
My life is an adventure. I mentioned so many things that may not be necessarily be related to the VA post, but I am very proud to say that all these years, I have genuinely lived these two words my entire life: PASSION and COMMITMENT. These are the gifts I could share with you and your clientele.
For a copy of Mary Ann’s resume please click here.