Learning to thrive like a queen

Many young women look at their college graduation as crossing over from school life to the formidable world of careers and mature self-awareness. In a mix of excitement and intimidation, how do they get ready for this pivotal step?

Classrooms provide a large part of this preparation, instilling discipline and academic know-how, yet real world readiness may require a different kind of class. Growing confident and resilient requires knowledge that comes from lived experiences, a kind of mentorship that can only come from a savvy superwoman or qualified queen. This is why Cream Silk decided to embark on creating the Cream Silk Queen University, in partnership with GMA.

Recognizing the effort students put into becoming their best selves, Cream Silk brought to the campuses some amazing personalities that the youth could relate to while learning about how to thrive in the world of dreams and careers. Davao’s University of Mindanao, STI West Negros University in Bacolod City, and the University of Bohol in Tagbilaran City became venues for women supporting women with several Kapuso Queen speakers: GMA Regional TV’s One Mindanao news anchor Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, Balitang Bisdak news presenter Cecille Quibod-Castro, and Sparkle talents Kyline Alcantara, Chanty Videla, and Michelle Dee.

Bringing together these women with experiences of empowerment provided a space for imparting a wealth of knowledge that could inspire every young woman’s journey of fulfillment through lessons such as:

Find lessons in risk and failure.

The path to success is not instant. Calculated risks are essential not only in your career but in life as well. Failure makes us resilient. It reveals our limits and how far we are willing to push them.

Challenge stereotypes.

Don’t let being a woman hinder you from pursuing a male-dominated field. This can inspire other girls to break barriers and find the courage to pursue what they really want versus what is expected of them. 

Keep learning, especially out of the classroom.

In every field, being adaptable and up to date is what can set you apart. The way we grow and change with new discoveries and advancing technology will keep us valuable in our chosen careers.

These are only a few pieces of advice that can guide a person to success. The series of Cream Silk Queen University encouraged conversations that aimed to help the transition from classroom achievements to facing the future in a desired field. It raised the issues that both developed leadership and eased feelings of uncertainty.

Students also enjoyed activities such as Queen’s Walk, a mini-challenge where participants showed queen-like confidence on stage, and Queen’s Station, a mirror selfie booth that celebrated beauty and empowerment. To further boost their confidence, the students were given Cream Silk Repair Booster Treatments that help repair damaged hair, empowering them to step boldly into their next chapter with beauty and strength.

With the lessons learned from each journey, students were inspired to cultivate career readiness and defy expectations. The talks were not about prescribing a definite path but equipping every young woman with the wisdom to thrive, not just survive. Through the Cream Silk Queen University, women learned that beauty can be found in both grace and grit whichever path they choose.