THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, I kept a narrative of how the Bedan dream lives within me. Getting inside the Red Lion’s Den was a dream planted in the heart of my 16-year-old self who experienced a traumatic and mismanaged student exchange program at my secondary school; Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP). From there, I’ve always longed for a change of environment — to transfer and pursue my higher education to another institution. With me was the quest and the realization of my aspiration to become a lawyer—an instrument of justice. I thought to myself that San Beda University (SBU), known for its school of law would fairly aid me to seek rectitude and recognize my identity. Along the way, I understood that a dream stays a dream if not pursued.
I was a Junior High completer back then when I first tried to enter the red school. I can clearly remember how my father and I had to travel at least 12 hours from the province to the city, and stay anywhere near Mendiola overnight, just so I could take the one-day SBU-Senior High School (SHS) entrance exam. Well, I passed it, but we had to stop from there. Due to financial challenges my family met, my parents had to prioritize more urgent concerns which I understood. I supposed my Bedan dream could wait.
After a couple of years, I did not lose sight of the vision. I took an entrance exam again, but this time under the SBU-College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Evidently, I made it in, as I am able to share this journey with you, in writing. Herein, I discovered a lot of difference between wanting to be in the jungle and fighting in the same jungle. It was indeed two different worlds. I’m afraid I was culture-shocked. I struggled to make friends with my blockmates in such a strange environment.
In recollection, we, the class of 2024, were a batch born during the pandemic era. The pandemic was generally a perilous time, but I found a silver lining in the dark clouds. I eventually convinced my parents that we could afford the lesser tuition and lower cost of expenses brought about by the online set-up. Yet again, another challenge came with it, we lived in a far-flung area where internet connectivity couldn’t be reached. Back then, it was almost a normal display for me to have a black screen during Zoom conferences.
My parents had to ask favor from others situated on the highway just so I could stay at our family friend’s house to attend my online classes. It really took a lot for us to hurdle the two years of full online or hybrid learning modality. But the transitioning year to face-to-face class was tougher, we didn’t know how I would make it in the city alone, with nowhere to stay, and no relatives nearby. At one point, I gave up. I lost hope in the pursuit of my dream. The voices of other people questioning me why I had to aim so high and pursue my college education in Manila when I can just stay in the province, slowly crippled inside me.
The Bedan dream I hold dear suddenly was out of my reach anymore UNTIL I received a call from the San Beda College Alumni Foundation (SBCAF) informing me about the result of my longstanding application for a scholarship — I was chosen to be an SBCAF scholar which sustained my Bedan education. What a timely news it was, or must I say a blessing graced when one needed it most. That was when realization dawned on me—I wasn’t the one who planted the Bedan dream in me, it was Him. The Man Above orchestrated and planned it out in a way I couldn’t comprehend at the outset. God used all my tears to water the dream, and so, He made way for a clearer vision for my life. From failing Constitutional Law 1 class, shifting to another course, and being an irregular student — I rounded out my college years by regaining my regular status, topping our Human Resource (HR) class batch, experiencing the Japan international educational exposure, and being accepted to a Juris Doctor program under College of Law (COL).
Now, I am a graduating HR scholar, a Certified Human Resource Associate (CHRA), who survived the red lion’s lair packed with practical educational experiences from valuable Bedan organizations.
To Red School, thank you for meeting me halfway and for making me realize how far I can go for my dreams. I am forever indebted to SBCAF Administrators and Board of Trustees for taking a chance on me. As I always say in my letter of gratitude, you made the Bedan dream within my reach.
To Bedan professors, mentors, pastoral friends and comrades I came across, you all played a part in my college journey which I will always remember one way or another.
To my parents who trust me wholeheartedly, we made it, Mama Elena and Papa Rodelio! You have the first Bedan graduate in our family. All I ever hope is to make you feel happy and proud of the life you brought into the world.
To my elder sisters, Ate Mel and Dete Jam, no one sees me and sticks with me during the difficult days like you both do. I love you with all of our umbilical cords connected.
To the 16-year-old Vida, we have come a long way. You’ve already learned how to make decisions on your own and stand up for it. We made one of our dreams come true; a big leap towards our life’s purpose. Wherever our path leads us, I promise to never disappoint you.
To fellow-dreamers, may this shared story be a testimony that dreams can turn into realities if we have the grit enough to pursue it. May we never lose our drive to find our purpose. To be fueled with unwavering faith, unyielding perseverance, and a flickering hope — that even amid periodically losing sight of our vision, we recuperate and bounce back — wiser and stronger.