By: Ania Iries M. Inot & Raeka Xiomara P. Gutierrez | April 23, 2026
The Department of Home Economics Education (DHEEd) socials have been turning heads lately with its vibrant and engaging presence. It’s finally time to introduce the team, especially the talented Student Assistants (SAs) who make it all happen—Ania and Yeka!
Get to Know Ania:
Ania is a fourth-year BA Sociology major, joining the department in the second semester of academic year 2024-2025. She came to know of the Student and Graduate Assistantship (SAGA) Program through her friends and decided to try it out for herself. While she tried her luck with a few departments and their own calls for applications, she was grateful for DHEEd to be the first to accept her as a student assistant.
"I'm very thankful na nauna si Ma'am Justine and the department to accept me. My SA friends and I are always sharing stories and experiences of what it's like working in our own offices, and doon ko talaga narealize na I'm so lucky to experience a warm and kind working environment."
The department is no longer just a workplace to Ania. Through academic challenges and personal struggles, she finds herself constantly supported and encouraged by the members of the department. The student assistantship is now more than an avenue to nurture her skills; every day in the office is a learning experience she can bring to her Socio classes, and every takeaway is a step forward to her growth as a person trying to make it in the world.
"Beyond making pubs and articles, I think the most important takeaways I have are from the stories and experiences that the members of the department share with me. Like, from acads to how to basically be an adult—nasa DHEEd ko natutunan. It feels like I have my own crash course on home economics with none of the requirements and all the fun! And I'm so lucky to learn from the most supportive and kindest people there."
Get to Know Yeka:
Raeka, also known as Yeka, is a second-year BA English Studies student. Yeka joined the DHEEd family earlier this 2025-2026 academic year. For her, becoming an SA was a goal she set early on, and when the opportunity appeared on her Facebook feed, she jumped at it.
Since joining, Yeka has found the department to be more than just a workplace. She describes her time here as a "truly warm, fun, and enriching experience." Whether she’s navigating the fast-paced world of social media management or collaborating with members of the department, she approaches every task as a chance to grow.
Beyond professional development, Yeka admits that being part of the DHEEd family has given her a newfound sense of purpose and energy. Having a meaningful role within the department has helped her stay productive and motivated.
“Super grateful for this opportunity and the things I've learned here. Being part of this department and surrounded by such amazing people is a true highlight of my year. I’m very happy to be part of such a wonderful community and I can’t wait to grow even more with the department.”
Both Ania and Yeka prove that being an SA at DHEEd is about more than just work—it's about finding a community and space to truly thrive.
Introducing the mastermind: Ma’am Auwie
After completing her doctoral studies in Seoul, Ma’am Auwie returned with a vision to diversify and enrich the DHEEd’s online presence. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic social media culture she experienced abroad and the active online engagement of her Korean university, she introduced a multi-platform strategy upon her return: the website as a repository for full-length articles, Facebook as the hub for community engagement, and Instagram for real-time updates. Since launching the official Instagram account, Ma’am Auwie has worked closely with student assistants and contributors to ensure the department’s socials highlight not only faculty work but also the voices and experiences of students, alumni, and staff.
“My goal has always been to make our socials more reflective of the whole DHEEd community. That’s why we started featuring students, alumni, and staff, alongside faculty members. We’re also featuring more about our curricula and specific courses.”
Looking ahead, Ma’am Auwie is already cooking up new ways to expand the department’s reach and enrich its content. Beyond the current mix of articles, updates, and reels, she envisions more collaborations and features that will keep the community engaged and informed.
“For me, this is more than managing social media; it’s a personal extension activity that turns our platforms into spaces for information, connection, and storytelling. I’m grateful for the support of everyone who contributes, especially the SAs and the UP Circle of Home Economists (the reels are made by Pres. Keeshia). Much of the legwork is done by them, so really hats off to our hardworking students.”
Managing socials can be demanding, but with our team, it feels rewarding to see our community represented in such a vibrant way. Keep an eye on our socials to see more of our amazing work!