SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY was a school that I never dreamed of. I remembered once when I felt devastated that I couldn’t continue my dream of pursuing Political Science in the University of Santo Tomas, where I took up Humanities and Social Sciences in Senior High School. But looking back at the four-year adventure in the red school of Mendiola, I will say that this unplanned choice is the best one that I have ever made in my whole life. 

At the height of the pandemic, I was able to keep in touch with my blockmates who would eventually become my friends in the long run. Two of them have become my best friends—Ethel Mae Glodoviza and Jestony Lumabi. For Ethel, who I thought was the smartest and hardworking college friend I have met ever, was someone that I couldn’t imagine I could be the closest to after she helped me in Mathematics in the Modern World. From then on, my gratitude towards her was never-ending. As for Jestony, not only do we share the same love for anime, but I was also able to have a lot of conversations with him, most especially when it comes to San Beda in general. He is basically the student who almost knows everyone who either studies or works in the university. Having these two together made my college life more memorable, especially when I am with my bloc 4CPL. 

During the transition from online classes the face-to-face setup, two professors stood out for me the most—Sir Kerwin Martinez, M.A. and Ma’am Alyssa Dispo, M.A. For the most part, there were strict professors when it comes to requirements and academics, yet Sir Kerwin was always that teacher who is accommodating. Not only is he available 24/7, but does he show compassion by lending students a hand whenever a problem arises. As for Ma’am Aly, as strict as she may be, her strictness shaped me for who I should be in the future. It is to remind me that recognizing my mistakes, sometimes letting someone tell me so and to do better next time shall strengthen myself even more. And for that, I am truly grateful for those lessons. 

And of course, my college life would not be that memorable thanks to The Bedan. What was meant to be just working as a staff writer for the official student publication of the College of Arts and Sciences for the whole four college years turned to leading research and junior staffs as the News Editor of Volume 81. While I had my share of downs since being a News Editor was something that I didn’t expect to get assigned to, the ups are the ones that I will always cherish. I was with you all, research and junior staffs, writing articles or covering live events was great for me. Especially when I have a heart-to-heart talk with them alongside making stronger connections with other staff of the university such as Ms. Jennifer Comabig, M.A.Ed.- LS, R.L. and Ms. Rosalinda Robles, R.L. of the SBU Library. Thanks Phoebus, for always being supportive of me, as the former news editor and Paul for reaching out to me no matter what. 

But of course, my journey to graduation would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the unconditional support of my very own family. To my pets, thank you for always greeting me whenever I come home from busy days at school. To my sister who now has a family of her own, thank you for inspiring me to become better, knowing how tough life may be, but it is more reason to keep going. But of course, to my mother and father who raised me, looked out for me, and loved me for who I am today, I am truly grateful for the unconditional love and support that you have shown to me. I just wish that no matter what happens in the future, you will continue to love me for whatever next decisions I will make next. 

As I look back, I do feel very sentimental as I am writing this. I never imagined I would graduate. Maybe not with many awards and recognitions but with a lot of experiences that I have gotten from professors and students. Something that I noticed in my fourth-year level is that there is always that doubt in me, as if I do not see myself succeeding in everything.  

But considering how my professors, classmates, and most especially parents, see potential in me, it seems like Anxiety in Inside Out 2 is always with me. It’s good because I become realistic about what future I want to have and bad since opportunities might get wasted due to the fear of failure. To be honest, I have yet to figure out what I want to be in the future. But at the very least, I should be true to myself, think of what I want to do and hope that the people who supported me will understand why I will make those decisions.  

I can’t believe this college chapter has finally ended. All good things must come to an end as the saying goes. I could not believe I could make it this far in my life. And for that I am thankful to the Lord our God, who blessed me with such wonderful people, reminding me how important it is to make friends along the way and meet professors whose lessons are essential in the real world. From the bottom of my heart, I am forever grateful to San Beda University – Manila for giving me such an unexpected yet memorable experience. This chapter might have ended, but the story shall continue as I carry these memories and lessons moving forward.