In the arena of accounting alone, where precision meets productivity, technology stands as both the compass and the engine. The twenty-first century has ushered in an era where mastery of technology is not just an advantage but a necessity. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and to remain competitive, accounting professionals must embrace the tools of the trade. The alternative is a stark reality: falling behind the younger, tech-savvy generation and finding oneself at the losing end of the professional spectrum. While there are challenges in adapting to new technologies, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, making it clear that the integration of technology is non-negotiable in today’s world.

In my experience at a bank, technology transformed our workflow, elevating efficiency, security, and productivity to unprecedented heights. Software like QuickBooks and Oracle Financials streamlined complex tasks, reducing what once took hours to mere minutes. Automated systems replaced manual processes, allowing for real-time data analysis and more accurate financial reporting. Cybersecurity tools fortified sensitive information, protecting clients and the institution from threats. These technologies were not mere conveniences; they were the backbone of our operations. Without them, the gears of the financial system would grind to a halt, leaving employees overwhelmed and clients dissatisfied.

On a personal level, computers and smartphones have transcended their origins as luxury items to become essential tools for daily life. In the twentieth century, these devices were novelties; today, they are necessities. They connect us to a global network, provide instant access to information, and enable seamless communication. For accountants, this connectivity translates to enhanced collaboration, remote work capabilities, and on-the-go access to critical data. Imagine a musician without an instrument or a painter without a brush—an accountant without a laptop or smartphone is similarly handicapped.

Admittedly, the integration of technology is not without its challenges. Learning new software can be daunting, particularly for seasoned professionals unaccustomed to rapid change. Initial implementation costs may be high, and the risk of cyberattacks remains a persistent threat. Moreover, reliance on technology can sometimes lead to over-dependence, where the failure of a single system disrupts entire operations. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable; they are stepping stones to progress. Proper training, robust cybersecurity measures, and contingency plans can mitigate these risks, ensuring a smooth transition to a tech-driven future.

To ignore technology is to fall behind. The younger generation, raised in a digital world, navigates these tools with ease, leveraging them to gain a competitive edge. They are the marathon runners of the professional race, while those clinging to outdated methods risk becoming spectators. Being tech-savvy is not just about keeping up; it is about leading the charge. It is the difference between being the hunter and the hunted, the innovator and the obsolete.

In conclusion, the advantages of technology in accounting—efficiency, security, productivity, and connectivity—far outweigh the disadvantages. It is the bridge that connects professionals to the future, a ladder to climb higher and reach farther. To resist its embrace is to anchor oneself in the past, while the world sails forward. In the symphony of modern accounting, technology is the conductor, orchestrating harmony in a field that demands precision and speed. Let us not lag behind but rise to the challenge, embracing the tools that shape our profession and redefine our possibilities.

On a side note, scientifically, one of the defining characters of our ancestors, fellow Homo sapiens, was the creation, use and dependency to technology. Let me be clear: If one thinks it’s pure digital—that’s wrong! Yes, it’s the current age. But men by nature are techy or tech savvy. Therefore, no technology is dispensable.

Every holiday season, our home comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a Filipino-American feast in the making. The kitchen transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition meets innovation, laughter mingles with sizzling oil, and family ties grow stronger with every dish prepared.

At the heart of the commotion is our lumpia—both vegetable and banana varieties—always on top of the list. We guard our lumpia recipe like a treasure; it’s a family secret passed down from grandma to Mom, and now the torch has been passed—to me. The filling is a perfect balance of finely chopped vegetables and a seasoning blend that mama insists must be just right. “Too salty, and you’ll ruin it,” she warns, her expert hands deftly rolling the wrappers. Beside her, the kids carefully stuff bananas into thin sheets of turon wrappers, giggling as the sugar spills everywhere. It’s a little chaotic, but that’s part of the charm.

At our front or backyard, is the grill waiting for the steak. I do the prepping—ribeye, our favorite cut, though sirloin and prime rib sometimes make an appearance. I season the meat with my signature blend of spices and Arnel (my other half) grills it to perfection, making sure the sear is just right. “This one’s for the grown-ups,” he says with a wink, though the kids always manage to snag a piece when he’s not looking.

On another counter, pancit bihon is taking shape, a dish the younger ones claim as their absolute favorite. I carefully sautés the garlic and vegetables before tossing in the thin rice noodles, seasoning everything with a deft hand. “It’s all about the balance,” I says to my nephews and nieces, which words an echo of my mom’s own advice. The pancit is always the first to disappear, proof that some traditions never grow old.

And, of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without the star of the show: the roasted turkey. While lumpia may represent our Filipino roots, the turkey symbolizes our embrace of American traditions. Arnel takes his time basting it, ensuring it’s golden and juicy. It sits proudly at the center of our table, flanked by dishes that tell the story of our blended heritage.

But food is only part of our family’s tradition. The true essence of the holiday is in how these recipes and rituals pass from one generation to the next. As our elders teaches us the art of rolling lumpia, they shares stories of their childhood in the Philippines, of festive gatherings under coconut trees and kitchens filled with love.

Year after year, these moments become memories, and the recipes turn into heirlooms. One day, it will be our turn to teach the next generation how to roll lumpia, grill the perfect steak, and sauté pancit just right. And when that time comes, we’ll tell them what mom always tells us: “Food is love, and tradition keeps us together.”

So every holiday, as we gather around a table filled with Filipino-American flavors, we’re reminded of who we are—a family united by culture, strengthened by tradition, and nourished by the meals we share.

Pursuing a graduate degree is not just an academic endeavor; it is a profound investment in oneself, a deliberate step toward growth, and an affirmation of one’s commitment to a brighter future. It’s about more than just acquiring knowledge—it’s about expanding horizons, unlocking potential, and living in pursuit of dreams that refuse to fade with time.

The decision to pursue a graduate degree often comes with hesitation. There are doubts about cost, time, and whether the effort will pay off. For many, age becomes an imagined barrier, a whispered doubt: Is it too late for me? But dreams don’t come with expiration dates. They persist, waiting patiently for our courage to bring them to life.

Age, in my case, and in the grand scheme of learning, is irrelevant. Education is a lifelong journey, and every year, every day, brings new opportunities to grow. Whether I am 25 or 55, the decision for me to chase a graduate degree is a declaration that my aspirations are valid and that my belief in my ability to achieve them. Experience, after all, is an asset, not a hindrance. There are older students than me who bring unique perspectives, wisdom, and focus to the classroom—qualities that can enrich not only their learning but also the learning of those around them.

Investing in myself, though daunting, is always worth the risks. The costs—whether financial, emotional, or time-related—are temporary, but I have faith that rewards are lasting. A graduate degree can open doors to new career opportunities, personal fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of my professional field. It’s not merely about achieving a title or earning more; it’s about becoming more. It’s about sharpening my skills, broadening my worldview, and proving to myself that I am capable of more.

The pursuit of a graduate degree is also a powerful reminder to myself and others: that dreams are meant to be chased, not shelved. It’s an act of defiance against fear and doubt, a refusal to settle for less when more is within reach. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Every class, every late-night study session, is an investment in a version of myself that I am working to create.

So, it is my dream to earn either a JD or an MBA. My dreams matter to me, regardless of my age or circumstances. The cost may seem high, but what is more expensive than regret? The risks may seem intimidating, but what is more courageous than betting on myself?

On a more personal note, I went through extreme hardship. I endured unemployment for many years. But it didn’t bring me down. I didn’t let fate beat me. Instead of doing anything negative; I volunteered to many legal institutions here in Oahu. And in volunteering I found my passion for numbers and helping others. I ended up enrolling myself to an accounting program at the University of Hawai’i. Today, I carry two associate and one baccalaureate degrees. I am employed to a decent statewide company with a national affiliation. I invested in myself—and I flourished.

To end, the pursuit of a graduate degree is a leap of faith—not in the program, the institution, or the system—but in you. And since I have the passion, the drive, and the willingness to take that leap, I am sure that the reward isn’t just the degree itself. It’s the person I become along the way.

In the warmth of my inner circle, there exists no hierarchy. Each person holds a piece of my heart, not because they’ve earned it by competing, but because they are uniquely themselves. Favoritism, I’ve realized, is not just an injustice—it’s a distortion of what relationships are meant to be.

Every relationship I have is as distinct as the individuals who form it. Each bond carries its own rhythm, its own story, and its own irreplaceable depth. How could I possibly compare the laughter of one friend with the wisdom of another? Or weigh the tender support of a family member against the spirited encouragement of a mentor? To do so would cheapen the beauty of what we share.

I love all of them—not equally, because love is not a scale—but fully, in a way that embraces their unique place in my life. My heart does not work like a leaderboard; it is a tapestry where every thread is essential to its wholeness.

Favoritism, I argue, is a shallow game. It thrives on insecurity, breeding competition where there should only be connection. To pit the people I cherish against one another is not just immature—it’s a betrayal of the love I feel for each of them. What a waste it would be to let comparison pollute what should be pure and unmeasured.

To those in my circle who have ever doubted their place, let me be clear: You do not have to win my heart. You are already there. Not because you outshone someone else, but because you are you. That’s all you’ve ever needed to be.

Let love be the glue that binds us, not the wedge that divides us. Let us rise above the petty temptations of favoritism and instead honor the individuality that makes each relationship irreplaceable. When love is sincere, it leaves no room for competition—only gratitude for the gift of connection.