WHEN THE FINAL bell echoes, students pack more than notebooks and handouts, for they carry with them stories of struggle, growth, and quiet triumphs that define the year. This later unravels not just about academics, but about perseverance, identity, and hope. 

At the closing of this chapter, we sat down with three Bedans representing different walks of campus life. A freshman finding his voice, a sophomore navigating the pressure of precision, and a junior balancing personal challenges with academic goals. Their stories together impacted how to move forward, not perfectly, but purposefully.  

“Those mistakes are lessons; they don’t define you.” 

For AB English freshman Dirk Aeron Uy, stepping into college came with more questions than certainty. He was not entirely sure if he had chosen the right course.  

He shared, “In some cases, I do wonder if I am on the perfect course, I wouldn’t say perfect, but am I in this right course?” 

That lingering uncertainty followed him early on—until one moment shifted everything. “A professor said na bagay talaga ako sa course na ‘to,” he explained. “And it really gave me an uplifting desire to pursue this.” 

Dirk confessed that he did not start the year with lofty academic ambitions. However, as the months went by, something shifted in him. Quietly, he began to grow—not just in skills, but in self-awareness. 

And then came a moment he never saw coming. 

“First, nung nakita kong maganda ‘yung grades ko.” But the real surprise? Making it to the Dean’s List. “It was such a proud moment for me because even if kaya kong magkaroon ng good grades, I never expected how I would make it into the Dean’s List.” 

However, the journey was not without struggles. “Inconsistency was one of my real enemies,” he shared candidly. “I had two, three assignments na nalimutan ko.” On top of that were the doubts that crept in during study hours: “Tama ba nirereview ko? Am I reviewing the correct lessons?” 

Through it all, the support around him became an anchor, saying “My peers really often look to me for leadership… they have a lot of respect to me as the class president.”  

His professors, too, saw something unique about him. “She points out how my unique way of approaching assignments… is something that is new to her and she really admires about me.” 

Looking forward, Dirk knows where he wants to grow next, explaining “I think mas kailangan ko maging punctual… Time is of the essence,” he said, recognizing how simple habits like timeliness can shape his future. 

To the Dirk of tomorrow, he offers a grounded reminder: “Those mistakes are lessons and those aren’t something to define your entire academic journey. At mas lalong hindi din ‘yun ang pinaka-pinakang Dirk na malalaman ng buong mundo, ng pamilya mo, ng friends mo.” 

“Progress doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be meaningful.” 

For Erin Kendrice, a sophomore from the Department of Accountancy and Taxation, the year felt like a rollercoaster—full of ups, downs, and important lessons learned along the way.  

“It was a bumpy ride, but definitely a valuable learning experience”, she reflected.  “Pero proud naman ako na nag-push through ako despite the difficulties.” 

Looking back at her goals, Erin admitted she did not fully accomplish everything she set out to do at the beginning of the year, although recognizing the progress she made as she went along.  

One moment she recalled with pride was a particularly “tough” accounting quiz.  

“There was this difficult accounting quiz… I took time to study at saka, I asked for help din sa mga friends ko… It paid off naman. I was very proud of myself.” 

What kept her going? The encouragement she received from the people around her was great. “Pag-encourage sa ‘kin na maging mas consistent ako sa pag-manage ng time ko at saka ‘wag rin dapat akong matakot or mahiya na mag-ask ng questions.”  

She was especially grateful for the guidance of their Department Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Jackqui Moreno, C.P.A., D.B.A, who shared valuable advice on time management and healthy study habits. “May mga sinabi siyang tips about ‘yung pag-manage ng time at saka yung pag-se-set ng healthy study habits… very thankful po ako sakanya.” 

One strategy Erin discovered that helped her manage the stress was clearly separating her academic work from personal time.  

“Kapag nase-separate mo talaga ‘yung pagsa-study mo or ‘yung mga academically related stuff mo from your personal time, nakakatulong siya to not get too overwhelmed,” she explained.  

Looking ahead, Erin plans to stay organized and tackle her tendency to procrastinate. “Kapag nililista mo lahat ng gagawin mo… ma-maintain mo ‘yung pagpapasa ng schoolworks on time.”  

Moreover, she is determined to build a stronger foundation in her studies—not just to pass, but to truly understand. “To build a stronger foundation,” Erin articulates, “I will study not just to pass, pero para to truly understand.” 

To her future self, Erin offers a heartfelt message rooted in kindness and resilience: “I’ve made it this far for a reason… I shouldn’t let it stop me from showing up and at least trying again… I should be kind to myself. Since, hindi naman dapat perfect ‘yung progress para maging worth it siya.” 

“Focus. Just focus.” 

Miguel Villaflor does not sugarcoat junior year in the Department of Psychology.  

“I would think na sobrang learning experience sa ‘kin. And that was very abysmal. I do need to improve a lot for next year,” he said, showing his honest self-assessment. 

Despite juggling the demands of school and work, Miguel found a meaningful breakthrough in his academic journey—finally building better connections with his professors. 

“Ever since kasi never ako nagkaroon ng maayos na relationship with my professors,” he recalls. “Pero this coming year, medyo nagkaroon na ako.” 

Balancing multiple responsibilities wasn’t easy, but that growing rapport made a noticeable difference in how he navigated his classes and how his efforts were acknowledged. 

“May mga times na it becomes very personal… so pag nakikilala ako ng mga ‘yan… mas naging valid ‘yung mga assessments,” he said. 

Miguel’s biggest challenge, however, was organizing responsibilities, as he shared that “Feeling ko kasi nag-juggle ako between work and other stuff… So, hindi ko gusto ‘yung naging grade ko for most of my subjects.”  

Yet, he embraces these challenges as part of a learning process, saying “Lahat ng nangyayari this school year was a huge learning experience. As in, lahat ng failures and successes talagang naging learning experience for me.” 

A piece of feedback that stuck with him was blunt but impactful ‘Di ka na pumapasok ah.’ “Ayun, naging feedback siya para sa ‘kin na okay, kailangan ko pala pumasok,” he shared.  

Looking ahead, Miguel plans to reset. “Plan kong hindi muna ma-indulge in any academic experiences… para at least ma-gather ko ‘yung stuff together.” 

Heading into his final year, Miguel is keeping his goals simple but essential. With heavier responsibilities such as thesis and major subjects on the horizon, he says, “Gusto ko lang talaga pumasa. As an incoming fourth year…lalo na ‘yung mga important stuff like thesis and subjects.” 

To his future self, he offers a firm reminder grounded in experience— “Focus. Just focus… Just to at least try your best to focus more than what you’ve done for the past year.” 

Each of these Bedans had different experiences, but their stories echo a shared truth: growth rarely comes easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether it’s about finally believing you belong, learning to balance work and rest, or starting over with more clarity, each step forward is a success. 

As San Beda closes another chapter, it also opens a new one filled with possibility. For Dirk, Erin, Miguel, and thousands of others, the future is still unwritten—but it’s being shaped by the lessons of today. Because in San Beda, endings are just beginnings in disguise. 

(with Maria Jamille Perolina)