+ THIS IS ME +

I have here my college life story. It’s only a preview though. It’s quite long. Just bear with me. Well, it’s up to you if you’d read this.

Ateneo – the most famous university in Davao I guess. I never really dreamt of studying here in the first place for one single reason – I hate the students. I heard they are “bitches”. They are sosyal, mata-pobre, and maarte type of studs. But my parents really wanted me to study here. And so I did since I also got a slot in the scholarship grants given by the school. Believe me that news arrived when I was about to enroll myself at Brokenshire. I should have been taking up Nursing by now. Anyway, moving on, I’m a bit petrified of those monster-wearing-uniform people. But my fighting spirit weighs more than my consciousness.

First day of class started. I was heading towards the covered court for the students’ orientation. I looked for my section 1Z. I found it. However, I was surprised to see that there were so few of us and I’m the “only” girl. I gulped. I’m a bit “allergic” to boys pa naman (laughs). I sat at the back silently observing my classmates. Two boys seated approached me and introduced themselves. They were Chino and Jedd. In fairness, they were friendly. That made me glad. We became friends or rather acquaintances. I think it would be more appropriate. A mass was held a short while after. Then, we went to our respective rooms to know our classmates, I guess. We had our ates and kuyas with us. I mean the up-class assigned to introduce the freshies to the school and other stuff about it.

I thought 1Z and Z1 were just the same and I’ve seen my highschool classmate and he told me that they really are. So, I transferred to their classroom. But I was not on the student’s list. Hahaay! How stupid of me! (laughs) I went back of course. When I opened the door, woah! I never expected a lot of guys and gals inside. There were so many of us numbering to about 20-30 I guess. And thank goodness there were girls!

While the two ates were telling something about the school, I can’t help but silently looked around. They were not what I expected them to be. The gals were just so simple, no make-ups and much jewelries. Well, the guys were just fine and harmless. At least, the atmosphere made me feel at ease. I even participated with the activities. And I won in one of the games. That was really unexpected! (laughs) Well, it was about knowing each and everyone inside the room and right after, the winners will tell their answers in front of the class and be rewarded. What’s funny was that every time I answer the “who” questions, I just pin pointed at someone and say kanang naka-red o or kanang naka-orange”. Tanga kayo ko ug nawong. (lol) It had been hard for me to remember their names though I remembered one. I remembered Ryu. And I remembered they teased me. Well, I recalled his name since I was seated beside him during the mass and we’ve introduced ourselves to each other. That’s all. (laughs) That’s some of the unforgettable things I had during my first day at Ateneo. Not what I expected it to be. I had really thought I’d just silently sit aside feeling out of place.

A year passed. And I’d gain many friends in a short period of time. First with Sugar and Din-Din and then, with Paul, Jedd, Neng, Kenneth, Jay-R, Prem, Sonito, Tracy, JekJek, Robert, and Ryu. The bonding grew stronger each day. Then, section Y1 was mixed with us. Cathy, Pidz, Jethro, Carl, and Jeev became part of the barkada. We also befriended the Chinese community (Earl, Steven, Mark, Chino), Shaddai, Nicole, Ressee, Carlo P., and Rey-An. College life became more fun and exciting with our FYCF adviser, Sir Efren Sabado. He’s the best teacher ever. Not too serious. Funny but so sensible. We’ve learned so much from him. One word of wisdom I got from him was “it’s your decision to be happy”. That’s when I realized that eventhough Computer Science wasn’t my type of career, I shouldn’t be dismayed with it. There’s nothing I can do but continue what I started. Tutal I got my friends with me who always make me happy.

Speaking of ComSci, it had been tough that some of my friends quitted. I was really sad that time especially that my bestfriend, Prem, shifted to Psychology. Felt like I’ve became weaker and less-determined. However, as what they said, “kung may nawala, merong papalit na mas maganda”. Well, meron nga. Not better than the 1Z pipz but not also worse. What I meant to say was that they each had different impact on my life. And so, I gain friends in Tetle, Carmel (whom I later called Nanay), Arian, Kakai, Prenzy, Jaye, Alex, Jan Paul, Bryan, Riki, and Richard. I’ve become much closer to Paul and other 1Z pipz still left surviving. I’ve also bonded with Hyangelo, Marvince, Aton, Williever, and Denmar.

As I’m about to end this “story-telling” (though it’s just an overview of my college life), I just want to say that I am so glad to belong here, to study here. If I could have studied at Brokenshire, I wouldn’t have met these significant people who had changed my life in one way or another. For one, I gained a social life. I admit back in H.S., I was really this serious-looking nerd living in her own world with just one goal – to achieve many awards. I believe I didn’t enjoy my life back then and I’m so sorry myself. Back to what I was just saying, they really taught me to get a life, to live a life. Second, I was truer to myself and to others. I didn’t mean I was so pretentious back in highschool. I was just “so controlled” by the rules at school. I was really so careful with my actions because I was this “good student” at school trying real hard to live up to my title as you-know-na. I’m not saying I’m a rebellious student now. I am still a “good student” but in a good way. Now, I’m more comfortable with what I look and how I act and more “kalog” (most probably) when relating to my friends. Now, I’m not so stiff and prim and proper as before. Third, they made me live life to the fullest. Life is really tough at times but we are tougher. Fourth, they taught me the value of tinabangay. Believe me this is our favorite word. We believe that we can survive CS if we will help each other not just mentally but if possible also financially. Lastly, they made me realize what FRIENDSHIP really means. It’s real and not pretentions and taking advantage. It’s when you are all partners in crime. Sabay sa mga kabuang. It’s knowing when to have fun and when to get serious. It’s all for one and one for all. You know what I mean, guyz. It’s tinabangay no matter what happens, against all odds. It’s sharing whatever you got labi na pagkaun. Hmmm..lami! It’s being brothers and sisters to one another. It’s not just listening to one’s problems but it’s also trying every means to cheer him/her up. It’s accepting each other. Understanding. Caring. Loving. Being real friends.

Thank you guyz for the important lessons, for showing me how beautiful life is. Char! Murag mamatay nako, noh? Hehe. We’re already third year. And the end is so near. Now, the scary feeling comes back again. Not scared with the students of course. I loved them now. (I’ve learned it’s wrong to stereotype people.) But I’m scared of the parting. For now, I just have to enjoy every minute with you. Because for me, this means hundred times more better than achieving awards.