unedited acknowledgement

The day has arrived. And I couldn't have done it without the many people (and things) that helped me get to this special day. The acknowledgement page of my thesis is limited to one page only.... and that simply is not enough space for me to express all the gratitude that has filled my heart. This is, therefore, my acknowledgement - UNCUT.

I am grateful for all the blessing my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ has given me. Sometimes, I am not as appreciative of those blessings as I should, but the Lord's hands and His tender mercies has kept me going in all my endeavors. He is a God of miracles, and I have a strong testimony that I am engraved in his palms.

I am grateful to BYU. My journey to BYU was not easy, in fact, I almost did not get in. But through the grace of God, I came to BYU and started my advanced education. I decided to study family and human development. It is a social science of its own, with theoretical roots from psychology and sociology. Some people might think family life is plain common sense. I beg to differ. I believe in the long held sociological assumption that things are not always what they seem. The same applies to the family. Now, more than ever, we need to re-assess our understanding of the family as a microcosm of our society. I am blessed to be studying family science in BYU - where traditional family values are upheld. In a lot of ways, it gave me the moral ground which served as my perspective through all the theoretical and empirical assumptions that does not always sway toward the divine design of the family.

I am grateful to Dr. Rick Miller who served as my mentor and advisor. He is an amazing person. When I applied to the program, I did not have a preference as to which professor I wanted to work with. When I got accepted, I learned he picked me from the roster of accepted students - and working with him has been absolutely amazing. He's one heck of a smart guy, and yet he is a very down to earth never to brag person. He is a big person, both in physical stature and in his academic career - but his HEART is even bigger. He wasn't only my academic advisor - he was also a friend and a father. Without Rick, I would not have accomplished anything!

I am also thankful to Dr. Dean Busby and Dr. Jason Carroll. Dean helped me a lot with my methodologies. He, and a couple of other professors, are in charge of the RELATE Institute, where all the data I've ever used while in the program were gathered from. He is an amazing person, though some people are intimidated by him. He looks pretty intimidating, but his humor is just a little bit different and that's why some people don't get him. I took his methods class my first semester in graduate school - it was horrible in the beginning. I scored the lowest in the class during our first quiz in statistics. By the end of the semester, he told me I HAVE COME A LONG WAY and he was VERY IMPRESSED. With the grade that I received in that class, I was impressed of myself too. I've NEVER received a grade better than B in any of my research methods class - in Dean's class, I received an A-. Jason is my go to professor when I am having trouble with concepts. My background is in psychology and some sociology, but I am a newbie when it comes to applying sociological/psychological theories in family studies. But when I ask Jason anything, he can go on and on and on and on and by the end of it I feel like I've learned so much. When I consulted with him by the end of my first year in the program and told him my research directions for my thesis, he immediately asked if I would like him to be in my committee! That's how invested he was in my academic success. Without these two great men, I would have butted heads with Rick every time I sent in a draft of my manuscript.

Dr. Jason Carroll and Dr. Dean Busby

These two ladies are angels. La Rita made sure my contracts were updated and I got paid, my scholarship funds were always available, and my research related expenses were reimbursed. Shannon made sure my academic plan was in line - from deadlines to evaluations and books I need for teaching - She made sure I was covered. La Rita and Shannon made my graduate life a lot easier to handle.

Most of my time in graduate school was spent in the "lab." But I wasn't alone - I was in the company of amazing people who provided each other with academic, emotional, even spiritual support. We went through crazy data and models together, and made sense of statistical output together. Some days were crazy, but they became fun because we were in it together!

Of course, I am grateful for my family and friends. Without their prayers and support, it would have been a lot more challenging to get through school. I am lucky to have family who supports me in my pursuits, and to have friends who know when to pull me out of my rut. 

My parents were not able to come celebrate with us because my youngest sister's college graduation was the same day as mine, in the Philippines. But even in their absence, I know they feel how grateful I am for the great influence they have in my life.

congrats dear sister :)

Last but not the least, I am deeply grateful to one my eternal love - Carl. For everything he does for our family, and for the love that he has for me... I am the luckiest woman on earth.