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AUDRIS ABESAMIS
I can still remember the first day of classes of my freshman year, when i walked through the gates of the Ateneo, as if it was just yesterday. How quickly time flies. Another year has passed, and now I am standing on the link between a beginning and an end. I have just indeed surpassed the first of my fruitful years to come in my college life. I can't help myself but look back and try to reminisce on the fondest memories of my own experiences the past year. Adjusting to a new environment…gaining new friends…joining organizations that promote things that interest me the most…these made my freshman days truly memorable and noteworthy. But aside from all these enriching experiences, no one should overlook the importance of Atenean education. I can never forget the day when I met the people who then would be my benefactors. Luckily, these beautiful people from Bukas Sarili chose me as their scholar to help me not only with my tuition but also with my social and other personal weaknesses. They unselfishly offered support to make things a lot easier for me. Atenean education seems like an uphill climb for me, with the road getting steeper and steeper every step of the way. But with the people around me who devotedly share their assistance, I am confident that nothing would go wrong. It is the newfound courage, coupled with the immense treasure chest of memories and learning experiences of my days in school, that enable me to face the even bigger and tougher challenges I will meet along the way. Gladly, I was able to overcome the struggles of having sleepless nights, long tests, crammed projects and other requirements. I realized that one's development should be wholistic. I have realized the true essence of education. Not everything is learned from the book. I was always given the proper space to make mistakes and have enough time to learn from them. The teachers were only there to supervise but never to dictate what it is I had to do. I was given choices but it was always my own decision that matters, it would be up to me to be responsible for it. Being too serious is not always healthy and I truly believe in the saying that "Laughter is the best medicine." To summarize it all, there are five things I learned so far in college-discipline, piety, strength of character, prudence and love of neighbor. Truly, a lot has been learned and realized although I've just stayed in the Ateneo for a year. Relating and dealing with others is strongly imbued to us by our alma mater. I have realized that sometimes, things happen to us. Though it may sometimes seem painful and unfair, we learn to realize that without overcoming these obstacles we would have never recognized our own potential strength, will power or heart. Everything happens for a cause, for a reason…nothing happens by chance or by means of either good or bad luck. The people we meet who affect our lives and the successes and downfalls we experience, create who we are. Bad experiences can also be learned from. In fact, they create a greater impact than the good ones. Through these experiences, we learn to appreciate what is good and to right what is wrong. We should learn to make everyday count, appreciate every moment and take from it everything that we can possibly gain, for we may never experience it again. Always be willing to face the truth because when you do, fears and illusions will no longer restrict you. I would never, never forget to look back and appreciate the good memories of the past. This is only the beginning. For sure, I'll still be encountering a lot of the trials and pains of college life. But coupled with the memories worth treasuring, and friendships worth cherishing, my next years in college will truly bring out the best in me!
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