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Today was our final proposal defense for PET CONNECT, and though we were the last presenters on that day, it turned out to be a great learning experience! We delivered our presentation smoothly, but the panelists pointed out areas for improvement, such as refining our objectives, adding the missing questionnaires in Chapter 3 as evidence, and enhancing the web interface with clearer button labels. Despite these revisions, the overall feedback was constructive, and we’re truly grateful for their insights. The process was both nerve-wracking and fun, and in the end, we made it through! I’m also so thankful for our instructor, who made this entire semester both enjoyable and meaningful -- their guidance, patience, and encouragement helped us grow not just as developers, but as a team. Now, we’re excited to polish our project further and apply everything we’ve learned. It’s a rewarding feeling, and we’re ready to take PET CONNECT to the next level!

#PetConnect #FinalDefense #Grateful #OnToTheNextChapter 🚀

Today, we were scheduled to present our updated Pet Connect project via Google Meet. However, only two of us from the team were able to attend—Merasol and me. At first, I was a bit worried about how the presentation would go with so few of us present, especially since our leader, Kent, couldn’t join because he was taking an exam. Despite the unexpected situation, Merasol confidently took the lead in explaining our project updates to our instructor. She clearly shared the progress we made and also informed sir about Kent’s situation. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and our instructor was understanding.

Even though I had a PIT presentation in my Electives class at the same time, I still managed to join the GMeet and support our group. It wasn’t easy juggling both responsibilities, but I knew it was important to be present for our team. I’m glad we pushed through and represented our project well. It showed our dedication and teamwork, even when not everyone could be there.

This week, we had another oral recitation, this time centered on Modules 10, 11, and 12. The focus was on three important areas of our system development: System Architecture, UI Design, and Project Management. Just like the previous session, we followed the module roulette style, which added a bit of unpredictability to the activity. Thankfully, we were allowed to use our notes, which really helped in organizing our thoughts and answering more confidently.

For the part on System Architecture, we discussed how the different elements of a system work together, especially how the front-end and back-end support each other. It made me appreciate the structure behind a system's functionality more deeply.

When it came to UI Design, we tackled the key ideas behind creating a user-friendly interface. We highlighted the importance of clarity, consistency, and designing with the end-user in mind. It reminded me how crucial a clean and well-thought-out layout is to the overall user experience.

Lastly, Project Management was about applying tools like Gantt and PERT charts to plan and monitor progress. It was a good opportunity to reflect on how we’re managing our own project schedule and making sure we stay on track.

I’m happy I was able to respond well during the recitation. It felt rewarding to see how much I’ve improved in explaining technical topics clearly. With every step, we’re getting closer to turning our project into a working system—and each activity like this brings us one step further.

Today in class, we had a quick attendance check followed by the presentation of our updated project or manuscript for Pet Connect. It was an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking moment because our group was scheduled to present the latest version of our GUI website. Thankfully, all of my team members were present and ready to showcase the progress we’ve made. We walked through the features of our GUI, explaining its purpose, design, and functionality. It felt great to share how much effort we’ve put into improving the project. What made it even more rewarding was that our presentation also served as Quiz 1. We gave it our best, and our hard work paid off—we received the highest score in the class! That moment filled us with pride and boosted our motivation to keep pushing forward with the development of Pet Connect. Presenting as a complete team, seeing everything come together, and getting recognized for it was definitely the highlight of our day.

Today was supposed to be a significant moment for me in our PM subject—we had an oral recitation covering Modules 7, 8, and 9. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend because I had to take my final exam in our CNS subject. The schedules of both subjects overlapped, and it put me in a difficult situation. I really wanted to finish my CNS exam early so I could still catch up and participate in the oral recitation for PM. I tried to manage my time and even considered rushing the exam, but it turned out to be much harder than I expected.

The questions were challenging and required a lot of focus, leaving me with no chance to leave early. In the end, I missed the oral recitation completely. It was disappointing because I had reviewed the modules and wanted to show my preparation. Missing it felt like a lost opportunity, but I know I had to prioritize my final exam. Still, I hope there will be a chance to make up for the oral or at least show my efforts in another way. Today was a reminder that sometimes, even with good intentions, we face choices where we can’t do everything at once.

Today, our professor informed us that we would not be having our regular class meeting. Although we were expecting to meet, sir made an important announcement through our class platform. He uploaded Modules 7, 8, and 9 and instructed us to study them ahead of time. He emphasized the importance of going through the materials because we will be having an oral assessment next week. This means we have to be well-prepared and understand the lessons thoroughly since we won’t have a formal discussion beforehand.

On the bright side, not having class today gave us extra time to focus on our manuscript project for Pet Connect. It was a helpful break that allowed us to make progress on our write-up, organize our ideas more clearly, and review our previous sections. Balancing the advanced study of the modules and continuing our project was a bit challenging, but manageable. I feel a bit nervous about the oral exam, but I know this is also a good opportunity to test how well we can study independently and stay productive with our other academic tasks.

Today’s class took a different turn as our professor instructed us to use the time for manuscript instead of holding a regular lecture. Though we didn’t have a formal class session, the work continues—we’re focusing on completing our Pet Connect manuscript, as there’s still much to refine before final submission. Attendance remained mandatory, so we all gathered at the CPE Office during our scheduled class time. Sir even took a group photo of us as proof of attendance, ensuring everyone was accounted for while giving us the flexibility to work on our project.

This independent work session was actually a great opportunity to make solid progress. Without the usual classroom structure, we could dive deeper into our respective tasks—whether it was polishing the system design, improving documentation, or finalizing research sections. Some of us used the time to collaborate quietly, exchanging feedback on tricky parts of the manuscript, while others focused on individual writing. The change of pace helped us stay productive in a more relaxed setting.

Working outside the usual lecture format reminded me how important self-discipline is in project development. Pet Connect isn’t just an academic requirement—it’s a system we’re building with real-world applications, so every detail matters. Today’s session allowed us to strengthen weak points in our manuscript, clarify technical explanations, and ensure all components (like pet matching algorithms or user interface flows) are well-documented.

This week was packed with both exciting learning opportunities and important responsibilities! 🌟 As part of our CNS requirements, we had a mandatory field trip that I absolutely couldn't miss. I made sure to properly inform both my professor and my amazing groupmates about my absence in advance - communication is key after all!

To my awesome groupmates: Don't worry! 😊 Even though I had to miss some of our project work time, I promise I'll catch up on everything I missed. I'll check all our messages and notes to make sure I understand what the group did while I was away.

The best part was our visit to STEAG State Power Inc.! After our serious classroom discussions about healthcare, we got to take a cool tour of the power plant. It was so interesting to see how everything works in real life!

During the tour, I learned many new things about cybersecurity that surprised me:

How power plants protect their computers from hackers

Why it's so important to keep our electricity systems safe

What happens if someone tries to attack these important systems

Walking around the big power plant machines while learning about their digital protection was really exciting! I never thought a power plant would need so much computer security, but now I understand why it's so necessary.

Even though I was away from my group project for this trip, I was still thinking about how what I learned might help our work. Maybe some of these cybersecurity ideas can give us new ways to solve problems in our own project!

I'm really thankful to my teachers for letting us have this experience, and to my groupmates for being so understanding. It's not easy balancing different school requirements, but I'm doing my best to learn from everything!

A Productive Week After Exams

This week felt like it should have been a rest period after our stressful exams, but our group never really stops working on our project. Even though we didn’t have face-to-face classes, we didn’t let that slow us down. Instead of taking time off, we decided to use this opportunity to focus on moving forward with our manuscript.

We organized an online brainstorming session where we could all share ideas and discuss our next steps. What made this session special was how everyone actively participated—throwing out suggestions, asking questions, and helping each other improve our concepts. Some team members suggested new ways to organize our content, while others helped refine the details to make our manuscript clearer and stronger.

One valuable part of our discussion was when we reviewed the structure of our manuscript section by section. We debated different approaches, voted on the best ones, and assigned tasks based on each person’s strengths. For example, one teammate had great insights on how to present our data more effectively, while another helped simplify complicated explanations so they would be easier to understand.

Even though we weren’t meeting in person, our teamwork was just as strong as ever. We used messaging apps and video calls to stay connected, making sure no one fell behind. It was a good reminder that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom—sometimes, the best progress comes from working together outside of school hours.

Exam Preparation and Focus During Test Week

This week was exam week, which meant I had to carefully balance my study time while also taking care of my mental well-being. Exams can be stressful, so I knew that managing my time and keeping a clear mind would be extremely important. If I didn’t plan properly, I could end up feeling overwhelmed, which would make it harder to concentrate. To avoid this, I made sure to organize my schedule wisely—setting aside enough time for studying while also allowing myself short breaks to relax.

The Night Before the Exam

I understood that getting enough sleep was one of the most important things I could do to perform well. Staying up too late to cram would only leave me tired and unfocused the next day. So, I made sure to finish my review early and avoid last-minute studying. Instead, I relaxed by listening to calm music and went to bed at a reasonable time, aiming for at least eight hours of sleep. This way, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to think clearly during the exam.

Morning of the Exam

I started my day with a healthy breakfast because I knew that eating well would help my brain function better. I chose foods like whole-grain toast, eggs, and fruit—things that give long-lasting energy rather than just a quick sugar rush. I also drank plenty of water to stay hydrated since dehydration can make it harder to concentrate. Before leaving, I double-checked that I had all my exam materials—pens, pencils, and any allowed reference sheets—so I wouldn’t panic later.

Arriving at the Exam Venue

To avoid unnecessary stress, I made sure to leave early. Rushing at the last minute would only make me anxious, so I gave myself extra time in case of traffic or other delays. When I arrived, I found my seat, organized my things, and took a few minutes to breathe and calm my nerves. I reminded myself that I had prepared well and that staying relaxed would help me do my best.

During the Exam

Once the test began, I took my time reading the instructions carefully to make sure I understood everything before starting. I also quickly looked through all the questions to get an idea of what was ahead. To manage my time wisely, I divided the test into sections and set a rough time limit for each part. This way, I wouldn’t spend too long on one question and run out of time for others.

If I came across a difficult question, I didn’t let it panic me. Instead, I took a deep breath, skipped it for the moment, and moved on to the next one. Later, I returned to the tough questions with a fresh perspective. Staying calm helped me think more clearly, and pacing myself ensured that I could answer as much as possible without rushing at the end.

After the Exam

Once the test was over, I avoided overthinking my answers. Instead, I focused on the next exam or took some time to relax before continuing my studies. I reminded myself that I had done my best and that stressing over what I couldn’t change wouldn’t help.

Balancing exam preparation with mental well-being wasn’t easy, but by planning ahead and staying calm, I was able to stay focused and perform to the best of my ability. This experience taught me that good preparation isn’t just about studying—it’s also about taking care of myself so that I can think clearly when it matters most.

Introduction

This week proved challenging for me as I had to balance conflicting schedules between my CNS and PM. On the day of our group work, I was particularly delayed because I had a reporting obligation in CNS that I needed to complete first. Despite this scheduling conflict, I made sure to communicate with my groupmates and catch up as quickly as possible on our analysis progress. I regularly checked our group chats and asked for updates to stay informed about what had been accomplished and what still needed to be done on that day. My groupmates were understanding of my situation, and we worked together to ensure everyone stayed on track.

Data Preparation and Organization

Once I joined my team, we began organizing the collected data for analysis. Our first step was to carefully transcribe all interview recordings word-for-word. This meticulous process was crucial because it allowed us to fully understand and reflect on each participant's experiences. We created a systematic filing system, labeling each document with the participant's identifier, interview date, and duration to keep everything organized.

Coding and Theme Development

With the transcripts prepared, we started the coding process—reading through each response multiple times to identify and label important patterns. We highlighted key words and phrases, grouping similar ideas together under common themes. Through this methodical approach, several major themes emerged:

Communication in Veterinary Care – Many participants emphasized how clear explanations from veterinarians improved their experience.

The Role of Empathy – Both pet owners and veterinarians highlighted how kindness and emotional support made difficult situations easier.

Accessibility of Services – A recurring concern was the challenge of finding affordable and convenient veterinary care.

Analysis and Key Takeaways

Our analysis revealed that good communication and empathy are essential for positive veterinary experiences. However, accessibility remains a significant barrier for many pet owners. These findings will help shape our recommendations for improving pet care services.

Despite my late start due to scheduling conflicts, I contributed to the analysis and ensured our work stayed on track. My group's cooperation and understanding made it possible to complete this phase successfully.

Preparation and Departure

Our team had planned to meet at exactly 8:00 AM (Filipino time) at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) before heading to the veterinary clinic. However, as often happens in Filipino culture, our actual meet-up time ended up being closer to 9:00 AM—a classic case of "Filipino time" at work! Despite the slight delay, the three of us who were assigned for the clinic visit remained enthusiastic and ready for the day’s tasks.

Finding a suitable clinic required considerable effort, as we spent a significant amount of time calling and researching nearby options. Some clinics were fully booked, while others were unavailable on our scheduled interview day. After persistent coordination, we finally secured a clinic that could accommodate us, ensuring our visit would not disrupt their usual operations.

Visiting the Clinic

Instead of conducting interviews in a separate venue, we chose to immerse ourselves in the actual environment where pet care takes place—the veterinary clinic. This approach allowed us to observe real interactions between pet owners and veterinary staff, capturing authentic experiences that would have been difficult to replicate in a controlled setting.

Conducting the Interviews

We worked closely with the clinic to schedule interviews during their less busy hours, minimizing any inconvenience to their daily workflow. A quiet, private room was provided for our discussions, ensuring participants felt comfortable sharing their thoughts openly.

Each interview brought forth unique and heartfelt stories. Maria, one of the pet owners we spoke with, shared her emotional journey caring for her aging cat, Whiskers. Her story highlighted how empathy and clear communication from veterinarians can make a significant difference in a pet owner’s experience. On the other hand, Dr. Santos, a seasoned veterinarian, emphasized the importance of building trust with pet owners to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.

Observations and Insights

Being inside the clinic gave us a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by both pet owners and veterinary professionals. We noticed how a welcoming and well-organized clinic environment helped ease pet owners’ anxieties. Additionally, we observed how crucial it was for veterinary staff to communicate with patience and compassion, as these qualities fostered stronger relationships and better care experiences.

By the end of the day, we had not only gathered valuable interview data but also gained a renewed appreciation for the dedication of veterinary professionals. The firsthand experience in the clinic provided us with meaningful insights that will undoubtedly shape our recommendations for improving pet care services.

With the preliminary data collected, our attention turned to the careful preparation for the upcoming interview day—an occasion we anticipated would be rich with authentic narratives and meaningful interactions. In the days preceding the event, our team collaborated closely to ensure every aspect was thoughtfully arranged.

During our team meetings, we meticulously reviewed our plan, examining each step to guarantee a smooth and productive session. We agreed to begin the interviews with straightforward, approachable questions designed to create a comfortable atmosphere, allowing participants to feel relaxed from the outset. Our intention was to gently remind attendees of the purpose behind the discussion—to genuinely hear their perspectives, gather insights, and use their experiences to enhance pet care practices. We practiced our introductory remarks, refining our tone to convey warmth and sincerity. It was important to us that every individual understood this was not a rigid interrogation but an open dialogue where their input was valued.

Additionally, we outlined a structured list of key discussion points to guide the conversations, though we remained flexible, recognizing that the most compelling insights often emerge organically. Our approach emphasized attentive listening, allowing us to explore noteworthy topics further with follow-up questions. In the final preparations, we tested our recording devices, verified virtual meeting links, and ensured the physical and digital environments were properly configured—adjusting seating, lighting, and audio for optimal conditions. As the event drew nearer, our team felt a blend of enthusiasm and anticipation, aware that the following day would bring a wealth of stories and valuable knowledge to light.

Before we started our fieldwork, our teacher gave us some important tasks to prepare for our research. These are, writing a permission letter, create interview questions and ofc reading and summarizing related studies.

The permission letter was the most important thing to do first. This letter was our way of asking for official approval to interview workers at pet clinics related to our study. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to talk to veterinarians, vet techs, or clinic staff to get the information we needed. We planned to visit local pet clinics to observe their daily operations and ask questions about how they manage appointments, handle patient records, and deal with challenges like scheduling or communication with pet owners.

Writing the letter took some effort. We had to make sure it looked professional, was short and clear, and explained why we were doing the research. We included details about our goal: to explore whether a digital system for managing appointments, records, or communication could make their work easier. After writing and revising it a few times, we finally finished a good letter that was ready to send.

Once the letter was done, we could focus on preparing interview questions and reading more about our topic. For the interviews, we came up with questions like:

How do you currently manage appointments and patient records?

What challenges do you face with scheduling or communication?

Would a digital system for these tasks be helpful? Why or why not?

We also read studies about how technology is being used in veterinary clinics and how it improves efficiency and customer satisfaction. These steps are really important because they help us build a strong foundation for our research. They also help us show why a digital system for managing appointments or records in pet clinics could be helpful.

"🌟 Week 1 Vlog: From Brainstorming to Approval! 🌟

This week was such an exciting start to our project journey! Before presenting our idea to our instructor, our team spent time brainstorming what kind of website project we should create something timely and relevant to today’s generation. After a lot of discussions, we came up with the Pet-Connect Project! 🐾 The idea is to improve access to veterinary care, making it more convenient, efficient, and user-friendly for both pet owners and vets. We also thought about travelers who need quick and easy access to vet services while on the go. This project is all about connecting pet owners to the care they need, no matter where they are!

When it was time to present our idea to the class, it was a bit challenging to explain everything clearly, but we did our best to share why this project is important and how it could help solve real problems. After our presentation, we nervously waited for our instructor’s feedback. Luckily, he approved our project! But he also gave us a great suggestion: to include a subscription package in our website to generate additional revenue. It was such a relief to get his approval, and now we’re even more motivated to make this project a success!