AS THE GATES of San Beda University (SBU) swing open for yet another academic year, a fresh and diverse wave of new Lions will be roaring their way into the campus halls filled with excitement and nervousness—similar to how every Bedan first started their story here at the Mighty Red School.
Entering a new environment, we know that it’s hard to make new friends especially if you’re the new kid in town. But don’t worry, The “B” has you covered to help you all find your tribes that will help get you on your feet during your stay here in San Beda. And what better way to find your circle, other than by discovering the distinct types of Bedan freshies during the FWD.
The OG Lion Cubs
Are you ready to explore San Beda like a true-blooded Lion? If you are, the OG Lion Cubs are going to be your new best friends. These are the types of freshies that bleed Red, both literally and metaphorically. Having finished their Senior High School (SHS) at the Mighty Red School, they are the ones who decided to continue their collegiate journey and transition from a cub to a Red Lion. Because they already spent some time in the University, they are well-versed in terms of the local lingo, University culture, and all things San Beda related.
As such, it’s beneficial to have at least one OG Lion Cub in your roster as they are familiar with all the best places to eat and hang out, may it be inside the University or along the streets of Mendiola. Moreover, they are also the approachable kind, with the right amount of fun and outgoing. Think of them as your local Bedan Guru.
The Eager Beavers
You’ll know them when you see them. Eager beavers are usually the ones to arrive early, with a spring in their step. They are filled with enthusiasm—having already explored the campus map, familiarized themselves with the local tongue, and maybe even got to know some of their block mates and potential cliques.
Additionally, they are also the ones you’ll see actively participating in the orientation, engage in the icebreaker games, and maybe even initiate in creating the class group chat too. For these freshies, the start of their University life is nothing but an adventure waiting to unfold.
The Nervous Nellies
A sheer contrast to the second type, nervous nellies are the ones with wandering eyes desperately trying to find a friendly face amidst every person they encounter. With their eyes filled with excitement and anxiety, these types of freshies are usually the introverted ones who tend to stick around to people who can make them feel comfortable and remind them of their tribe back home.
Moreover, the nervous nellies are usually the first people to get homesick as they navigate their way in a new and overwhelming environment. Though once they’ll find their people and get a hold of their footing, they’ll eventually warm up and adjust to the chaotic and exciting University life! Until then, be a Bedan and have patience with our nervous friends.
The Legacy Kids
From the name itself, the legacy kids are the freshies who considered stepping into the gates of SBU as their rite of passage. They are the ones with parents, siblings, or even relatives who are Bedan alumni. These are the type of freshmen who carry themselves with a sense of tradition and pride behind them and are often well-versed in the University’s history and values.
Moreover, being a Bedan is more than a title to them, as they share a deep connection to the institution that has molded the people who walked the walls of the University before they did.
To put it simply, they are eager to uphold their family’s legacy and tradition while carving out a different path than what was set for them by their predecessors. On a lighter note, behind their tough exterior, these freshies are fun to hang out with as they can often share fascinating stories about the University’s past and their family’s experience as a Bedan.
The Social Butterflies
Effortlessly fluttering their wings from one group to another, these types of first year students live on making new connections. There is no perfect event to make new connections for a college student other than the FWD. This is the social butterfly’s home turf, constantly striking conversations with new people and making sure no one feels left out are their specialties.
They will usually end up as the heart of your block or as a part of a student organization as they play pivotal roles in fostering camaraderie among their peers.
These students thrive on the social element of the FWD, forging newfound connections that’ll last throughout their college life. You’ll often mistake these students as the OG Lion Cubs because how could one person have that much energy to talk to them, right?
The Ambitious Overachievers
Usually, you wouldn’t notice the ambitious overachievers in the crowd, especially at a social event like the FWD. But as you observe them more, they usually carry themselves differently just like legacy kids. These are the types of freshies that are almost always on their A-game.
Whether aiming for top academic honors, like the Dean’s List or Latin honors in graduation, these students are driven by their burning passion for greatness. They know what they want and know how to get it. As much as their presence is intimidating, their palpable determination will inspire those around them to strive for excellence and perfection.
Ultimately, each student who enters the gates of San Beda contributes to the dynamic and enriching environment that makes the University the perfect environment to grow and learn. This list is merely just a guide and an introduction to the plethora of students that you’ll encounter during your stay at San Beda University. By identifying your tribe in the overwhelming chaos of college, you can find an invaluable sense of belonging throughout your collegiate journey.
(with Lawrence Rosales)