From a love of the arts as a child to a curiosity about human behavior, Claudette has turned her passion for learning into a career of sharing knowledge. Her colorful path intertwines different fields while supporting her mental health and child protection advocacies.

At the young age of 3, Claudette already wanted to be an artist. Throughout her student years, she excelled in academics and the arts, driven by an insatiable curiosity for everything from mathematics to sciences and literature. She would study everything if it were possible. She decided to major in psychology during her college years, yet her passion for the arts never waned. She was known as the artist in all her classes, teaching herself creative design software and learning to play musical instruments. She was active during her college days. She was a member of the school’s official publication and part of the institution’s chorale. She is a natural artist, though she never enjoyed dancing.

After graduation, Claudette didn’t expect that her childhood dreams would come true while pursuing a career in psychology.

She began as a Research Assistant in psychology field, followed by three years as a guidance designate in a public school. This role provided her first-hand experience with students struggling both academically and emotionally, which deepened her commitment to child protection advocacy. She handled challenging cases that required collaboration with teachers, administrators, LGUs, and other stakeholders. These three years felt like ten, given the intensity of the experiences and the traumas she witnessed in children.

Her communication and facilitation skills flourished during this time, inspiring her to become a teacher. This role allowed her to better understand her students while continuing her own learning journey. She took teaching units, passed the licensure examination on her first attempt, and was hired as a public school teacher, despite having no prior teaching experience. Her students adored her, and she discovered a passion for shaping young minds into future leaders, a cherished experience she will carry forever.

Unexpectedly, Claudette’s career in the arts took off during the pandemic lockdown when she was hired as a cartoonist. Despite previous rejections for art-related positions due to a lack of professional experience, she took a brave step and applied. This marked the beginning of her journey as an artist. She balanced full-time teaching with freelance artistic work, accumulating four years of experience in the field. The rapid changes and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic flew by as she adapted and thrived.

Her advocacy expanded from child protection to human rights as she delved into teaching social science. She is also passionate with mental health advocacy. In May 2023, she represented the Philippines as a delegate and team leader for the Debate 2 Regulate (D2R) Future Online Safety Leaders Program in Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership and the eSafety Commissioner, this program allowed Claudette to engage with policymakers, experts, and delegates from across ASEAN and Australia. She led Team Philippines in a Model UN-style debate, resulting in an Honorable Mention for Professionalism and Diplomatic Values.

Currently, Claudette is a full-time multimedia specialist, freelance tutor, and graphic artist. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology while supporting her family’s business with her marketing and creative expertise.

How does she manage her time? She doesn’t—she simply does what she feels like (within the rules of her work). Does she still get enough sleep? Indeed, she actually gets 8 hours of sleep. Does she have hobbies? Many. Can she do her hobbies while working and studying? No, but she finds time for them—sometimes in the middle of other activities. She has a very short attention span. Does she have a love life? Yes, a very supportive one and is also a multipotentialite. Does she have a life? Yes, and it is indeed a colorful one, with a wide spectrum of hues.

“Contrary to the saying that a jack of all trades is a master of none, I believe that one can master anything if they commit and pour their heart into it. While one may not master everything, they can certainly excel in more than one area. Why choose one when you don’t have to?”

– Claudette

Info for hyperlink: https://linktr.ee/clautercias

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES