A journey of grit: how Reese found her calling at ZFF

Therese Solinap grew up in a close-knit family in Antipolo, Rizal, the youngest among four siblings. With her father working at Don Bosco School Manila in Sta. Mesa, she and her brothers managed to study through scholarships and the school community’s support. She learned early on the importance of gratitude and perseverance. “Laging tinuturo ng tatay ko na mag-thank you. Kapag meron, meron. Kapag wala, didiskarte. Gano’n ‘yung buhay namin,” Reese recalls.

Growing up, Reese faced the pressure of being the ‘only girl’ in the family. Her parents were strict when she was growing up, with limited room to voice her opinions, forcing her to navigate her emotions alone. “Grade school pa lang, napilitan na akong maging adult,” she says. 

Taking charge of her own future

After completing senior high school, Reese was uncertain about what college degree to pursue. But she pushed through and chose Psychology, motivated by the thought of landing a job to help support herself.

During the pandemic, her independence was tested further when she had to undergo surgery for a breast lump. She reached out to friends and the college community for assistance, a big step for someone who rarely asks for help. But Reese was overwhelmed by the support from her college community and high school friends, allowing her to undergo the procedure successfully. In November 2020, she made a brave decision to leave home and live with her partner in Manila, choosing her well-being over family expectations.

By the time she was looking for an internship, she stumbled upon Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) almost by chance. “Nag-share ako sa group na wala pa akong nahahanap na OJT (On-the-Job Training). Sabi ng friend ko, saluhin ko na lang ‘yung company na hindi niya kukunin. It turned out to be ZFF,” Reese shares with a laugh. Despite feeling nervous during the interview, Reese was accepted, marking the start of her journey with ZFF.

During Reese’s first encounter with ZFF as an intern in 2021, she viewed the Foundation as just a place to complete her 600 internship hours while juggling her college requirements. However, she quickly realized that the HR environment was something she genuinely enjoyed. After completing her internship, Reese got a call from ZFF offering her a consultancy role in HR. By January 2023, she was a direct hire and landed her first full-time job even before graduating—an achievement she considers a turning point in her career.

Thriving despite challenges

Working at ZFF has been a learning curve for Reese, especially in recruitment. She recalls moments when she felt overwhelmed, often breaking down in frustration. “Naiyak ako no’n. Ang dami kasing vacancies na hirap kaming mapunuan. Kailangan ko nang magtino,” she recalls. These tough moments pushed her to be more proactive, adaptive, and resourceful. “Kailangan laging one step ahead.”

Reese’s understanding of the Foundation’s mission deepened as she took on more responsibilities, including conducting orientations for new hires. Initially, she struggled with complex topics like the devolution of the healthcare system. But over time, she learned alongside her work, gaining a better appreciation of ZFF’s focus on healthcare and community service.

Now two years into her role at ZFF, Reese is focused on her growth within the organization. She aspires to deepen her expertise in HR and is working towards becoming a Certified HR Professional. 

Reese sees herself growing alongside ZFF, and she is excited about what lies ahead. “Siksik, liglig at umaapaw ‘yung natututunan ko,” she says. Her vision is clear: to continue learning, help strengthen the HR team, and contribute to ZFF’s mission of empowering communities.

“I am very much willing to continue my journey with ZFF,” she concludes. “Hopefully, as I grow, mas makakatulong ako sa HR, and HR can continue supporting other units, who then continue serving the community. It’s a cycle of growth and support.”