LIFE IS SHORT, that is why we have to make the most of it! People say that choosing a university is a significant milestone in a person’s life, with some choosing the well-known big four Universities that are widely known across the country. With various options, San Beda University was my chosen option. 

International students are commonly seen in well-established institutions, may it be in the Philippines, but most commonly those well-known schools abroad which have also been my original viewpoint in such matters. 

“…as we are able to learn not just from the four corners of our classrooms or of the institution but alongside those other people that we call friends.” 

As an international student myself who is currently still residing abroad and must go back to the Philippines for the semester. Studying in San Beda University has made me realize it is not just the reputation and name of the institution. 

Despite having a nice ring to hearing the term international student, from leaving your comfort zone, living independently, moving away from your parents or family, experiencing new cultures or new things, seeing new places and as well as meeting new people of whom have different experiences and perspectives in life. 

It also comes with its downsides, from the reality of homesickness where it is really draining mentally and emotionally, facing the realities of the world alone without your family by your side all the time, personally preparing daily your own necessities, and as well as managing your finances properly. 

Though despite experiencing such challenges, it is also observable that the university’s capabilities to accommodate the needs of international students are to be somehow still inadequate. 

As though with the development of an online student portal providing the ease in processing student concerns in relation with email and mobile communication, does still provide an adequate concern for various paper processing related concerns, where at times could be better to be processed online securely. 

In which requires an individual to process such paper-related concerns in-person and despite still being abroad to spend the limited time with family and friends at home, it is to be cut short or is to be delayed, especially whenever a late notice is to be provided. 

Despite that, it is a reality that an international student studying in the university needs to face and adjust to. Despite these shortcomings, it is through those people around me, reminding me that everything would be alright and that graduation is just coming near and that it would be knocking sooner than expected. 

From staying and going around the campus for longer times than the average student, participating in various organizational activities to pass the time and to help other people, and from handling various concerns that need urgent attention, alongside the need for attention to academic and organizational workload. 

With these, I was able to experience various things from meeting the various international delegations of students and speakers in various institutional events, along with seeing places that are uncommon for me from the Presidential Palace, community partners areas, and even in NCAA sporting venues. 

Personally, I could say that going to such places and meeting various people, each and every one of us does have a story to tell and to share, where other people may be able to learn from and relate with, as well as being a psychology major myself. 

It could be said that humans are social animals as described by Greek philosopher Aristotle, in which they are able to be supported by various psychological concepts and theories. 

As interacting and communicating with other people whether they be within or outside our comfort zone, is something that we should be critical with and provide importance with, as we are able to learn not just from the four corners of our classrooms or of the institution but alongside those other people that we call friends. 

Where, with all of us possessing various experiences, specializations, background, and perspectives in life, may they be the cafe staff in a cafe or may they be those with high-ranking positions in various institutions or are people in authority, or those people that we surround ourselves with. 

It is in those kinds of people that one should seek and try to engage with, as we are not always in our classrooms but are able to be alongside our friends most of the time, as we take out our stress from either our academics and other problems may they be both personal or on various matters. 

Through those various learnings and talks with family & friends, we have learning opportunities from their own personal experiences, and those people that we meet along the journey. Could assist our university life, as through these understanding and learnings, we are able to adjust and grow for the better and enjoy each moment. 

As to why, as I close this next chapter of my adventure novel story, I would like to express my appreciation to these people that have helped me and inspired me to be the best version of myself despite any circumstance that may come. 

Starting with my family, Casilag Family and Carumba Family, as well as my sibling-like friends, Ate Geddha, Frances, Myka, Ianah, Meera, and so much more. 

Along with, family friends like, Otieco Family, Ramos Family, Rosales Family, Rodriguez Family, Yrac Family, Busa Family, Lerios Family, Danque Family, Bernardo Family, Gongalez Family, QPALS Family, Group A-ffort Family, and much more to mention. 

That had been with me despite any challenges or circumstances that had come into my way and journey in various times for the previous years and have continuously supported me in the years that passed and those to come, as to keep on going forward and enjoy life through the best way possible. 

As well as, ate Mika, ate Gela, Hannah, Xyza, John Paul, Jestony, Kjel, Akira, Joanna, Joi, Dums, Coleen, Mari, Angel, Julien, Jessica, Francine, and so much more to mention from the University administrators, University personnel, Organization friends, Department friends and professors, and etc. That has stayed with me despite any challenges I experienced during my stay in the University. 

In them, I found the true Bedan hallmark of community and camaraderie, which has been instilled upon each and every Bedan student, and everything that we’ve been through would stay in my memories. As once a Bedan, is always a Bedan! And so, let’s go on to the next chapter of this adventure that we call life!