VENTURING INTO COLLEGE can be a journey filled with doubts and adjustments. With freshmen bringing their hopes and goals to mind at the start of the semester, it is, without a doubt, a fresh start that challenges and hones their capacity for resilience and adaptability. 

With this, The Bedan sought the perspectives of different freshmen of the University, sharing their journeys as they navigate their steps in their freshman year. 

New environment, heavy workload 

Studying in a competitive institution like San Beda sets the tone for a student’s academic journey. For those setting foot into the University, it can be a hint of unfamiliarity with unique faces, routines, and spaces. 

Sam Pascual, a freshman from the Department of Psychology and the daughter of a Bedan alumnus, entered San Beda with expectations already in mind. Familiar with the institution’s culture and traditions, she thought the transition would be smooth—yet adjustments still came her way. 

Coming from an all-girls school, Pascual admitted the new environment took some getting used to. Still, she found comfort in her blockmates, whom she described as “approachable, willing, and very sociable.” The bigger challenge, however, was the academic workload. “Parang sunod-sunod siya,” she explained, recalling how papers were assigned on the second day and quizzes followed right after. 

Despite being no stranger to time management, as a former student-leader and athlete, college demanded even more discipline. One of her lifetime goals, she said, is to become a psychologist—something she believes San Beda’s values will help her achieve. Rooted in the motto of prayer and work (ora et labora), Pascual shared, “I put that always in my life, in my lifestyle in general. It’s a goal for me to instill it all the time.” 

With her high expectations for San Beda’s academic environment, Pascual hopes the institution will not only mold her into a capable psychologist but also into someone who can “contribute to society more and not be self-centered in a way.” 

Homegrown pride 

For Gabriel de Jesus, a freshman from the Department of Marketing Management, San Beda truly feels like a second home. A graduate of the University’s senior high school department, he was proud to continue his journey within the same institution. “San Beda being my SHS school, I expected nothing less than a welcoming environment and fun people,” he shared. 

Still, college brought new challenges. The biggest adjustment for him was the night classes—a hurdle he managed by reshaping his sleep schedule. “As a freshman, the biggest adjustment would most likely be the fact that I have night classes, which I solved by adjusting my sleep schedule,” he explained. 

When asked to describe his experience so far, Gabriel summed it up as both chaotic and fun. “It’s a mix of hectic academic studies but surrounded by fun people,” he said. 

Beyond the academics, he also took note of the values deeply embedded in campus life. “I learned that San Beda values the Benedictine core values a lot and the students and staff embody these values,” he observed. 

Looking forward, Gabriel hopes to leave his mark at San Beda. “My goal would probably be to finish my collegiate journey as a well-decorated student and one with a lot of experience to support my future career,” he said with determination. 

Learning under pressure  

Among the many trials college students face, recitations stand out as one of the most daunting. This rings especially true for Fulgar Dwyane, a freshman in Legal Management—a course notorious for its intimidating recitations. 

Moving to Manila, he admitted he was overwhelmed at first. “Many people had told me that college would be difficult. Right now, I’m still adjusting, and while it’s challenging, the professors are very nice and approachable,” he shared. 

His biggest hurdle has been adapting to hybrid learning while keeping up with the heavy workload. The pressure of constant recitations only adds to the struggle, but Fulgar copes by leaning on his blockmates. “Together, we’re managing well, and I’m trying to enjoy it even when it’s difficult,” he said. 

Despite the challenges, he sees growth in himself. He shared that he was once prone to procrastination, but due to responsibilities and the weight of his course, he began practicing better time management, following stricter study schedules, managing tasks more carefully, and even using apps for time management. 

Even with the weight of expectations, Dwyane remains ambitious. His ultimate goal is to graduate magna cum laude, though for now he is focused on keeping pace with the program’s strict grade requirements. More than titles, however, he hopes he and his peers “make good progress in our academic journey, work toward our goals, and graduate in line with our passions—while keeping a healthy mind and body.” 

Turning doubt into drive 

Stepping into San Beda without knowing anyone, Ira Mantes carried with her the familiar worries of a freshman: Would she fit in? Would she find her place? As a Political Science student and newly elected batch representative, the weight of expectations only heightened those doubts. 

But those fears did not linger for long. She recalled how seniors in her department extended a hand from the very beginning—guiding her through unfamiliar routines, offering advice, and making her feel that she belonged.  

“They made sure I’d have a memorable experience,” she said with a smile, grateful for the warmth she received. 

Her aspirations, however, go far beyond her first year. With a dream of one day pursuing law school, Mantes sees her current course as the foundation of that journey. Yet, what excites her just as much is the community she hopes to build along the way.  

“I look forward to my journey in San Beda—not just in academics or extracurriculars, but also in building relationships with my batchmates and people from higher batches,” she shared.  

For these freshmen, University life at San Beda is filled with struggles, camaraderie, and resilience, honed by the Bedan culture and the Benedictine values that shape them as time progresses. In the years to come, these experiences will not only be defined as passing moments but also lessons of struggle, hope, and becoming. 

(with Aliyah Buene Aya-ay)