WBW 1: Underachiever in Accounting, but I Overachieve in what I am PASSIONATE about

Are you math's worst student? Does chemistry mix up your neurons? Or did accounting make you feel like addition and subtraction was rocket science? If you're like some of us who've been really working hard with all-nighters but still getting grades that were not higher than our ages, then maybe these subjects are not for you. In this session, Dwight Co, a recent shifter to Fine Arts of Ateneo de Manila University, and a start-up entrepreneur discusses his experiences in turning away from the norm, finally succumbing to what he is passionate about - graphic design.

Who is Dwight Co?

Dwight is a 2003 Xavier High School graduate. A simple guy, Dwight was a former Business Management student at Ateneo de Manila University until 2005, he admittedly sucked at accounting, pushing him accept his weaknesses and focus on his strenghts. He then shifted to the school's Fine Arts program because graphic design was simply what he was passionate about. His works ranges from digital paintings of luxury cars to humorous cartoon characters, to stylish logos and layouts for paying commercial projects he took for experience and extra income. Recently, he decided to take a leave of absence from school as he pursues his future independently as founder of 2 start-ups, 1) a marketing and design firm that aims to serve SMEs' need for proper branding and design, and 2) online project that concerns Philosophy (also one of his "loves").

When asked what's his greatest failure?

Not being as close as he can be to his family.

When asked what's his greatest success?

He is doing what he loves to do.

Show notes:

Dwight discusses his school days.

• Dwight was always comfortable being an "honor student" during his grade school days.
• He experienced competition and being compared to his A-grade classmates during high school.
• He failed college accounting.
• A friend reintroduces him to drawing and gets invigorated with it.
• While on the way to deciding what course to shift to, he spends his time and money buying and reading books, learning through websites about graphic design.
• He decides to take Fine Arts.

Dwight's lessons:

• Being thankful for knowing what he wants in life at a very early age.
• Always question who you are, your values, your experiences and the path that you are taking.
• "Imposibleng 100% laging tama yung ginagawa natin, laging mayroong something to improve on."

"The Board" message:

This is a sample of Dwight's work. Entitled "Hell's Pumpkin". We'll post his "under construction" online portfolio here soon.