My Social Responsibility Class

Most people believe in instinct. Almost all women trust their first instinct. I had a hunch that I should enroll Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) this term. So even with some minor subjects behind, I signed up for Dr. Dennis Berino's CSR class, a core course in the MBA program.

I know, I did break some rules. However, during our first Tuesday night session, I asked Dr. Berino, who is also coordinator of RCBC campus, if I can proceed with the subject despite my student status as a first year student (second term). After a short explaination, he said that I can proceed with CSR considering that after this second term, I only have one minor subject left plus the IT workshops.

Aside from my inkling for CSR, I really want to finish my MBA by 2011. Two years. I also know that on the average, it takes three years for a working student to finish his or her MBA. But my I-know-I-can-do-it attitude nudged me again to trying taking three subjects this term. Since I already decided to take BusCom and BusEcon as my move to advance faster in my game plan, and I wanted to validate my IT workshops and InfoMan, I was left with a choice of ManSci, ManAcc, Ethics, and CSR. After a week of analyzing my strategy that includes a term-break from intense qualitative subjects (after Manstat, come on!), I finally chose CSR.

Now, I feel like a wild card in this class. I thought CSR was my wild card this term, but after knowing that 90% of my classmates have ID numbers starting 1-0-8, I became...timorous. So in terms of tenure, I am the youngest in class. You have to understand, people don't believe me if I tell them I'm shy. Believe me. I tried a hundred times--and I failed. Now I wonder when did I ever start having this reputation of being extrovert, confident, and decisive--which I'm totally not.

Since I don't know anyone in class, I took the front seat, facing Dr. Berino. There I felt a little comfort. My own corner. At least the only person I needed to focus my attention on was my professor. Que sera, sera to my other classmates. That's what I thought...and I was wrong. My senior classmates are amazing.

As days goes by, the subject becomes more demanding--and interesting. Well, on one hand, it is demanding because we are compelled every week to use Moodle, an e-learning portal where Dr. Berino posts his teaching materials, the course outline, and our individual and group assignments. Moodle is also a facility where we engage ourselves in discussion fora and upload our assignments. I call it "Moodle Marathon." Sometimes, we would stay up until one or two in the morning just waiting for our groupmates in the discussion forum. On the other hand, it is interesting because the discussions are engaging, the topics are relevant, and the challenge is tough. The subject helps us realize what we can do for others using our position and our influence in our companies.

Confession: In CSR, I am in my element. I have already charted it as one of my favorite subjects in the program. The subject simply captured my heart. And I already know why. Every since I was young, I have been exposed to community outreach and service. Over the years, I have been involved in various organizations and volunteered in different mission groups. The only difference now is that I see clearly the purpose of having the influence (and position) to make an impact in the lives of people, in the community, and eventually in the country. I have and will have a handful of examples (corporate foundations and other NGOs) as my guide in crafting my future companies' CSR activities.

I look forward to better Tuesday nights at RCBC campus (for the lectures, reporting and group discussions)...and on-line sessions in Moodle (thanks to my groupmates Will and Lits). Finally, I am so excited for our Service Learning activity at the end of the term where our class will organize a one-day community service for a particular marginalized group or organization.

Animo La Salle!