THE PATH AHEAD seemed uncertain when I first set foot at San Beda University. It was like a blank canvas waiting for its first strokes. As my college journey comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the footprints I’ve left behind—each one is indeed a testament to the challenges, memorable experiences, and the growth I had to go through. In many ways, this period has felt like a journey with its own set of paw prints—each step a story of personal evolution, from overcoming fears to discovering new passions.
Over the past few years, I have experienced significant personal and academic growth. Initially, I found it challenging to step out of my comfort zone. However, I gradually learned to embrace new opportunities and experiences. One of the most significant challenges was overcoming my fear of making mistakes. The pandemic added another layer of difficulty, but it also provided unique opportunities.
As I look back on my college journey at San Beda, it’s striking to realize how much I have evolved from those uncertain steps. Despite having navigated the halls of this institution during my senior high school years, I entered college feeling like a fresh-faced novice, overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of new opportunities and challenges. Each of my early days was marked by a sense of being lost, despite the comfort of familiar surroundings.
In many ways, my college experience has been a transformative journey—full of moments where I had to confront my fears and embrace new passions. The demands of the academic curriculum and the leadership roles pushed me to grow and gain confidence in my abilities to tackle complex problems. During the aforesaid tenure, I had to overcome as well personal challenges such as setbacks pushed me to gain resilience and determination.
Participating in a range of extracurricular activities allowed me to delve into my interests. I began as the head of the graphic and arts committee in my professional organization, and later, encouraged by my seniors, I took on the role of public relations officer during my second and third years. These experiences boosted my confidence, leading me to apply for a position at The Bedan before I started my final academic year. Driven by either a sense of courage or a fear of missing out, I sought new challenges, including a role as the secretary general in my departmental organization and joining another special interest group focused on photography.
Although it was exciting for me to try out new things in my life, balancing these commitments with my personal and academic responsibilities eventually became quite demanding. I still feel that joining The Bedan later in my third year limited my growth opportunities. At first, my sole goal was to join as a cartoonist. But as life often does, it presented me with many opportunities. Despite my lack of confidence in writing, I managed to produce at least four articles in the previous issue and one now as my last.
I felt somewhat frustrated being a senior who was new to the organization. It was funny to see the younger staff’s surprise when I mentioned I was a fourth-year Financial Management major. It felt a bit awkward at first, as they seemed more skilled in writing than I was, but I tried to find my footing. From then on, my typical day included attending finance classes, participating in organizational meetings, working on photography and cartooning projects, and socializing with friends. Balancing these activities taught me valuable lessons in time management and multitasking. Looking ahead, I aspire to combine my finance background with my creative interests. I plan to explore careers that allow me to use both my analytical and artistic skills.
As I bid farewell to this cherished community, my gratitude overflows for those who have supported and believed in me along the way. With the encouragement of our former Managing Editor, I was able to remain with this publication organization and continue expressing myself as a cartoonist, a role I found much more aligned with my skills. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to enhance my photography skills under the guidance of our Chief Photographer. To all the members who welcomed me despite my quiet nature, I am sincerely grateful.
While I often felt my expressiveness was lacking, the warmth I received from everyone at The Bedan was truly heartening. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my classmates and friends, Gerome Erick Salapong, Stephen Carl Rustia, and Allyana Jeulianne Lee, for their unwavering support during group projects and our countless hangouts. Their steadfast presence has made every challenge more manageable and every moment more enjoyable. I also want to acknowledge Bernadette Tausa and Joaquin Francis Saguin for their constant encouragement, despite the distance and our busy schedules.
Lastly, I am profoundly thankful to my seniors and mentors in various organizations who believed in me. Each word of encouragement has been a pillar of strength, and I deeply appreciate the role each of them has played in my journey. Here’s to the paw prints left behind and the new paths we’re about to embark upon.