IN A BID to prepare freshmen Bedans for the “challenges of adulthood,” the San Beda Student Council (SC) kicked off “Adulting 101: Flourishing to Adulthood” at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium last February 7, with the second part of the event being a registration drive for the National ID and ID Printing Booth at the Lydia Tan Sy Building grounds last February 19.
The event served as a guide for freshmen students as they try to navigate their transition into adulthood, which includes discussions on future and practical skills, and conversations instilling a sense of responsibility and prudent decision-making among students.
The Event Chairperson and the SC First-Year Representative, Beige Benedict Campbell, emphasized the importance of addressing adulting amidst the excitement of starting college. “While contemplating, I took time to ponder on adulthood. As first-years, we have much to learn – new environment, new place, new friends. It’s easy to forget about adulting amidst all this motivation,” Campbell explained. He added that “adulthood entails decision-making and navigating our ways in life.”
Additionally, Ms. Ma. Lorena M. Galang, the Head of the Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO) of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), also highlighted the importance of psychological support in this transitional phase.
“First-years are in transition, from adolescence into adulthood. Our collaboration [with the SC] aims to provide holistic support, bridging psychological assessments with practical guidance for their journey,” Ms. Galang mentioned.
Guest speaker Joan Macrise Corrado, reflecting on her experience during the seminar, emphasized the significance of community involvement in shaping adulthood. “It’s never what you think it is. Taking your experiences and what you learn here to be part of who you are as an adult,” Corrado remarked, expressing her pride in contributing to the development of the next generation.
In the second leg of the SC’s program, with an estimated 170 Bedans from the different colleges of the University participating, a National ID Registration Booth was launched with the help of the Philippine Statistics Authority to help those who are interested to take their “first step to adulthood” by having a valid government ID.
Campbell emphasized the multifaceted benefits that having a valid ID brings and that it extends beyond mere identification. “The outcome that I want to see is that not just the first year, rather the whole San Beda community, will benefit from this project. We would use the national ID as a sign of identification, as well as they are going to use this as a formal and valid ID in times of transactions with the government or in the private sector as well,” he shared.
“I do believe that with the National ID or a Valid ID, this will help us navigate our ways towards our adulthood, and as well as in a sense na we are now dignified or we have proper documents that identify us as humans,” he added.
Subsequently, Campbell thanked Race Zamora of the SC’s Corporate Communications Commitee (CCC) for his “huge contribution” to the event.
Through initiatives like “Adulting 101” and its program continuation the “National ID Registration Booth,” the SC remains committed to nurturing its students, equipping them with the tools needed to flourish in adulthood.
(with Jake Evangelista)