Rosanele Romero-Groleau (PC 94-96) is currently an Exploration Geologist for Shell UK Exploration and Production as part of her cross-posting to the Global Projects team in Aberdeen, UK working on Central North Sea, NW Borneo and Niger Delta projects.

 

Previously Rosanele was based at Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. as an exploration geologist and was involved in the Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project and NE Palawan exploration. 

 

Rosanele received her BS in Geology from the University of the Philippines in 2001 and four years later pursued her MSc in Petroleum Geoscience at Imperial College London where she graduated with distinction. She was also awarded the ChevronTexaco award for the Best Field Geology report.

 

"I grew up and completed most of my studies in the Philippines, until 1987-88, when my family spent a year in New York City.  During that year, I attended school in Queens where I was amazed by the cultural diversity of my class.  This was where I had my eureka! moment and realised how much I enjoy being part of a multicultural society. It was also during this time that I realised that I could maximise my potential just by the opportunities given to me. I became the class president, joined the choir, participated in the Talented and Gifted programme and I still excelled in my academics. Back in the Philippines, as a result of my extra-circular activities, my school nominated me for the orientation for the UWC programme.

 

"UWC campuses are unique; the locations selected are truly conducive to fulfilling the UWC ideals. The fact that the UWC only accepts students by merit means a lot as we are all on equal footing when we live in the colleges. As we are all of a similar age, it made learning about world events and living together such an intimate and intense experience.  At the end of those two years, we all left with shared values and we were made stronger by the challenges we faced. These helped prepare us for the real world regardless of which path we pursued.  Without UWC, my world would probably have been smaller and much simpler and more straightforward but lacking that sense of purpose and adventure.

 

"My passion in life revolves around travel. I feel very lucky that I was able to discover more of my country because of my geology studies. I also made it a policy that I have to visit one new country each year --- and so I have!

 

"Although I can never say I have done enough, I would like to think that my main achievements relate to how much I have helped other people just by inspiring young Filipino students and to make them realise that there is so much to discover about the world. Among the memorable moments I had was as a volunteer teacher in Baler, Aurora and as a student leader in university.

 

"Professionally, the best decision I made was taking the risk to switch my university major from Economics to Geology (mainly because I wanted to make sure I travel all my life). Since then, I placed fourth in the Philippine Geology Licensure Examination, I have earned a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geoscience from Imperial College London and I am now slowly creating my niche within Shell – so far I believe that I am the only Filipino female geologist within the company.

 

"UWC has given me a higher purpose in how I should live my life – and that is to make sure that I always pay forward.  Although I work for the petroleum industry, I was also a student of Environmental Systems under David Milne-Ives and Garry Fletcher and as a result I have always been a firm supporter of sustainable development projects. As an exploration geologist, I struggle at the thought that people in general may think that my job and my mission contradict each other. I am still learning on the job but I do hope that I will be a positive influence within my company to ensure that we do more to help sustain the local communities and the environment we work in because that is how future exploration should be done.

 

"I remember a time at Pearson College, just a few weeks before the One World concert, when it was so alive and bustling with activity, everybody was bringing out the best in each other. Various groups would be rehearsing their dance, their skit, their song in between doing afternoon activities and preparing for the dreadful mock exams. I long for those late nights in the art room, our famous Asian dinners, wilderness trips, falling in love and out of love…. All these experiences have shaped who I am and will always be cherished.

 

"I am currently a member of the Philippine National Committee. Now that I am living in the UK, I mainly provide assistance through financial support and when possible, I write to share my experiences with current students and interested applicants. Previously, I have served as the graduate contact and organiser for past UWC selections. My husband, Francois-Xavier Groleau and I also helped create the 1st UWC Philippines website. Since moving to the UK, my husband and I take part in the beach cleans-up in Forvie Beach and last year, I joined the Ladies’ Driving Challenge to raise funds for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.