Education, Culture, and Career Growth

In 2025, I had the opportunity to return to the Philippines to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. This experience was not only about completing my studies, but also about growing as a person. Studying in a different country, especially in an Asian academic environment, exposed me to a new level of discipline and focus. The subjects were challenging and required more than just hard work. I learned that having a clear goal and knowing the right steps to reach it is just as important as studying hard.

During my studies, I realized that accountancy is not just about numbers. It is about understanding how money moves in a business and why certain financial decisions are made. This helped me think more deeply and strategically. Instead of just completing tasks, I started asking myself what the purpose was and how it connected to the bigger picture. This way of thinking has helped me both personally and professionally.

Living in the Philippines also taught me many life lessons. The city life was exciting, with bright lights, busy streets, and easy access to the latest products and trends. It was easy to get distracted and spend money on things I did not really need. Being away from home meant I had to become independent. Though I was raised with the idea of “living within your means”, I had not really experienced the reality of the dilemma until I was in Uni. I had to manage my own budget, pay for my needs, and make sure I did not overspend.

Because of this, I learned to be more careful with my money. I understood how small daily spending can quickly add up. I became more disciplined in saving and planning my expenses. These lessons were very practical and helped me apply what I was learning in class about budgeting and financial management.

All these experiences have helped me in my role as Finance Supervisor at Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands Ltd (KPSI). My job involves making sure that company money is facilitated accordingly and is properly recorded and used wisely. My studies gave me the knowledge to understand financial reports, while my life experience taught me to be careful and responsible with money, which practically correlates.

Most importantly, I learned that numbers tell a story. Financial reports show how the business is doing and where improvements can be made. My journey in the Philippines helped me become more disciplined, independent, and confident in handling financial responsibilities.

By Nikki Wano

KPSI Finance Supervisor

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