“Yes! Maka-third year jud ko!” And with this, I’ve finally gained the confidence to put in the education section of my FB profile the words ‘BS in Accountancy’. You see, when I was still starting out in college, I’ve sort of made a pact with myself. That I will put my school’s name and my course in my account’s info only when I reach third year—when I’m positive enough that I won’t be kicked out from the program anymore (unless it’ll cross my mind to shift to BS Bio).
Putting or writing your course in the info corner of your FB account is probably not much of a big deal for you. But for me, it is. It is an affirmation of the decision I made, of this dream I’m chasing. For some, reaching third year might not even be something worth celebrating and bragging about. But for us Accountancy students, it truly is. They say that once you reach third year, ‘safe na ka’ because what you only need to do is to try not to get a grade of F. So long as you stay away from that F pit, the chance of you graduating is not completely faint.
Now enough with the celebration. Honestly, the mere thought of reaching third year makes my knees tremble. I know it’s going to be tougher and more taxing this time. I know that this time acing my subjects will be more of like a dream, an unreachable one, rather than something I know is hard to achieve but nevertheless is something I’m confident about. I also know that I’ve got to step up my game as I’ll be bracing myself for what will only be a Hunger Games-like journey in that arena of booby traps and mutts such as Cost, Tax, Law, Audit, et cetera, et cetera. I’m even sure there’ll be no enough time to be hanging around the Cornucopia of procrastination and complacency.
Making it this far is also harder than it seems. The farther we get, the fewer we become. From nine blocks in first year, now we’re down to like two or three blocks for third year. It’s painful to see people whom you’ve become friends in the short span you were together to part ways with you as they traverse another path. It’s hard to cramp altogether the feeling of being joyful because you’ve made it to the next level and the feeling of being separated away from your friends as you inevitably continue to dwindle in number. However, the friendships established will always be kept in ablaze. Surely, the bond created will not that easily break off.
Two years have passed; two more years yet to be surmounted. It’s all so surreal, indeed. And now, I’m almost halfway there. With the tides surely gonna be more fierce and ominous ahead, I could only hope for things to continue sailing towards the right directions.
For those of you who are thoughtful enough to ask how I am doing right now or whether or not I’m still alive, good news (assuming that you think it’s good too): I’M STILL ALIVE. And kicking.
Okay. So the last time you heard from me probably was four months ago just before my summer classes began when I decided to make an account of my AY ‘10-‘11 second semester roller coaster ride. I was technically a freshman student then–clueless and terrified. The ride was undoubtedly wild, not to mention, unforgiving. Its ups, downs and loops were nauseating, unpredictable and extreme that it literally shook and threw some of its passengers out of their seats (You’ll get a clearer picture of this when you’re taking up Accountancy. Swear!). Glancing back, I just couldn’t help but be thankful to God that I survived.
Hey, hey. Before things ripen into drama, let me fulfill first my purpose of writing this account–which is basically to make a recap of everything that transpired during the short period of time I was dormant.
***
Scorching tough summer
I originally planned of making a separate account of my summer classes experience but as you may have noticed, it unfortunately did not materialize because of uhm, well, laziness getting the best of me. Anyways, last summer was actually my first summer term here in college. I had Rizal, World Literature, and Applied Chemistry. I was at first flabbergasted of how insanely fast the lessons were covered. Everyday was a marathon of taking up as many chapters or lessons as possible, leaving us by the end of the day perplexed and worn out. Major examinations were held every after two or three weeks and yes, it was tormenting. But, when I finally saw my triple ‘A’ final grade for all the three subjects, boy, I was floating on cloud nine!
Welcoming the freshies
ORSEM or Orientation Seminar is a three-day orientation for the freshmen which is usually held a week before the opening of classes. It is an annual university event which started in the year 2008.
Sporting my yellow I ROCK ORSEM ‘11 shirt, I, together with my blockmates, mustered all my courage and confidence as I faced the freshmen last June 1 to 3 for the ORSEM 2011. It was actually unplanned when I enlisted myself to be an ORSEM volunteer. Honestly, I was only swayed to do it because most of my classmates were taking part of it (now that’s a cool volunteer right there! XD). But in the end, I surprisingly found myself enjoying, feeling and rocking the entire colorful event.
Off to the next level
Things are much more different now that I’m a second year student. Apart from less-Facebook, more-Face-your-Books policy that I am now setting for myself, here are some of the new things about me and around me which I think are worth sharing:
I am currently taking eight subjects, namely: Eng. 20, Math 13, BA 1, Econ. 20.1, RS 20, CWTS 1, PE 3 (badminton baby!) and the ever-whatever ACCTNG 4 (Financial Accounting 1, all about assets).
The university now adopts the M-Th, T-F scheme which means that there are no more lecture classes on Wednesdays (except for some laboratories and PE and NSTP classes).
Two of my new blockmates are Koreans. I do not know how to spell their names so uhm, let’s just proceed to the next.
Xavier University has a new president. His name is Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ. His hair has a natural bounce and I think he is a great person.
The university just opened a new college–College of Computer Studies and erected a new building–P41 M Magis Student Complex which looks dashingly gorgeous from the outside.
And because we’re now sophomores, we are now officially members of JPIA or the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, an org for the BSAc students. In fact, JPIA held a couple of weeks ago its JPIA Week culminating program which we had the chance to take part of. It was a night of fun and glam as the Accountancy students competed neck to neck in various competitions, including the Search for Mr. and Ms. JPIA for which our block candidates were Sheena and Leonard. There was also an awarding for the previous semester’s DLs (oh, did I already mention that I was one of them? Wuhahaha)
I just learned like three weeks ago from my FFP teacher, Mrs. Bobadilla, that my Synthesis Paper in FFP (a subject of mine last year) was actually published in the June issue of the Xavier Magazine (not same as The Crusader). How cool is that? I mean, this is huge deal baby! :P
Our boarding house is now much more lively because of the boisterous new bunch of freshmen in the house. XD
***
Changes are indeed mushrooming in almost every corner now. What's more is that they happen in almost a split-second. Yesterday I was the anxious freshman, and now I’ve grown to be the more confident sophie. And as constant as these changes are, is the understanding that life must continue on. That the roller-coaster ride is still on. That the ups and downs and loops are still there–unpredictable and extreme. That I'm still gonna keep my grip firm. Still gonna work my butt off. Still gonna buckle up for whatever lies ahead.
(PS: ayha pa nahuman amung midterms. YEEEAAAAHHH!! XDDD)
It was just last year when I had mine. And today, they had theirs.
And as I watched them march on stage—on white togas and all—I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about my own high school graduation.
As I watched them receive their diplomas, I remembered how rewarding graduation could be—how the four painstaking years of toil seem to suddenly become so brief.
As I listened to some deliver their speeches, it was like I was hearing again my own voice—the shivering voice of a graduating student who was afraid of what’s waiting ahead of him, but at the same time joyful for reaching such significant moment of his life.
As I watched them swarm around in front of the cameras for their final group pictures, I couldn’t help but miss my high school classmates and schoolmates. Now I realize I should have taken more pictures with them. I shouldn’t have kept the camera on my bag just because I knew that uploading our photos afterwards would be tiresome and a long process. I should have been more patient.
As I looked at the graduates’ proud parents who seemed ready to shout to the world that today their son/daughter is finally graduating from high school, I also wanted to see again the smiles on my parents’ faces—the proud faces of the two great persons who made my high school graduation come into existence.
As I heard them sing their graduation song, I too just couldn’t help but replay in my mind our own graduation song—that song which bespeaks both the happiness of success and the pain of parting.
As I felt the joy emanating from their very souls, my soul too just couldn’t help but rejoice and feel proud of seeing another batch of students who will soon traverse their individual paths towards their dreams.
I know how it feels to finally reap the sweet rewards of your labor.
I know how it feels to finally part ways with your high school friends. It’s painful.
I know it’s frightening to leave your comfort zones. And you think you’re not yet ready.
I know also that it sounds exciting.
The feeling, the mixed emotions— yeah I know it’s overwhelming.
It’s indeed a lot to take in. And it’s bittersweet.
But don’t worry a thing now. Just savor the moment.
Frown and cry because you’ll soon part ways with your friends. It’s normal.
But don’t forget to also smile. Smile because you’ve made it. It was hard-earned, and you deserve it.
Today is your time. Claim it. Cherish it. Live it.
‘Coz a year ago, we had ours. And today, you had yours.
“That bench,” I muttered to myself. “That was the sole witness of our friendship.”
I am now the CPA I dreamt once of myself to become. I am now twenty-five. Ten years ago, I was sitting on that bench – that bench that was used to be painted with no hue, just the natural color of the concrete it was made out of - not just with myself, but also with the people whom I called friends. Now, as clearly as I remember, we were there laughing boisterously, chatting incessantly... and doing stuffs that afterwards or by tomorrow, would just become another forgotten fragment of our innocent memories.
It was on that bench that I learned the real essence of having friends and of being a friend. Life is not merely a sojourn that one is to endeavor all by himself; rather, it is a voyage of a pack... a journey of a flock of birds or a school of fish... a pilgrimage of a multitude... an instantaneous story that one creates together with the cherished persons he refers to as FRIENDS. And in my part, testified by the earth beneath it, that bench I am now looking at had witnessed the different stories I consciously and unconsciously fabricated back then with my friends.
And then for an instant, vivid memories of high school started to flashback overwhelmingly, like a fall profusely cascading its white waters down on earth.
On that bench, I saw Archie Cabacab expertly trying to adjust the sling of his sling bag. I never saw him do this on a backpack before for I never saw him carrying one on his back. He is now ready to go home, hurriedly leaving to catch a cab that would take him to his destination. Archie is a diligent and a comical friend who showcases an array of talents such as acting, singing, dancing and even mimicking. Loyal and true – that’s definitely him!
On that bench, I saw Judel Cleopas. In deep contemplation, he observes his crush who is now busy on sweeping their porch. Judel has long been eying this lady from the neighborhood, but hasn’t taken any action over her in the fear of being rejected. Judel is certainly timid, but he sure is wise in many aspects, an ideal character of being leader. No wonder, as early as this stage in high school, he’s already being hailed as ‘Kapitan Judel’.
On that bench, I saw Alvin Coñado, small in size but large at heart. As usual, he’s now bubbling jokes, with a wide smile etched up to his ears. Like a “Black Phoenix,” his signature in his text messages, Alvin dares to be fiery especially when he cheers up the strained atmosphere of his surroundings, as clearly depicted by his smiley, cute face. Optimism is certainly what Alvin is made of, despite the dimness which persists to overshadow the scene.
On that bench, I saw Jireh Cuarto. As if letting the wind caress him, Jireh is now again being deeply absorbed by the enigmatic songs of Mariah Carey that his MP4 has been playing repeatedly. Jireh as well loves composing songs. He is a humorous person and is undoubtedly easygoing himself. Living life to its fullest makes a big deal of sense for him as he himself simply does what he can in everything that he might be into.
On that bench, I saw Haryl Stephen Daluan with his dearly treasured drawing tools. He’s now again up for scribbling lines and curves on his drawing pad. You bet he wants to take over his parents’ profession as engineer. Haryl is an artistic and creative fellow who also shows the potential to lead the group. Moreover, his groovy talent in dancing is stunning, as his being independent in various things is as well amazing.
On that bench, I saw Joemar Dellaban soaked in sweat. Their basketball practice must have probably just ended. Aside from the court, the next arena for him is the internet cafe - a battlefield where raging wars of computer games take place. Joemar is sporty, physically fit guy who, despite his sturdy features, can also be as tender and sweet as anyone else whenever he decides to do so.
On that bench, I saw Al Savior Dimo. As usual, he’s now again busy singing Lady Gaga songs, unmindful of the their correct tone and melody. In euphoric reverie, he assumes himself as a versatile singer, singing songs of extremely high pitch. Ambitious? Perhaps just too optimistic. Al is anyway an intelligent and extrovert lad who can deliberately be very serious unto something when he sees the need to do so. ‘I get what I want’ – that’s him.
On that bench, I saw Anthony Edmund Dumaog somewhat like rehearsing another dance presentation. While waiting for the bell to ring, he possibly might have decided to consume his free time in a stuff that no one but himself alone can really appreciate – the hip-hop dancing. For he aspires to be a Dance Instructor someday, he sure is wise enough to start off his venture in the grounds of school.
On that bench, I saw Glen Mark Enloran. With seemingly impatient look, he is now waiting for the school gates to open so that he could immediately check out his farm and aquarium on a popular social site in the nearby internet shop. Glen is a practical and a diligent schoolboy who is also perceived as an approachable person. Hardworking and determined – qualities of Glen which propel him in achieving what he wants.
On that bench, I saw Alemar Genabio literally engrossed with his cellular phone. With the peculiar joy portrayed by his face, he is again no doubt exchanging text messages with his talked about girlfriend from the neighboring class. Alemar is a keen, silent-type of guy who prefers to cage himself in the solitude of his own world. Nevertheless, he is an organized fellow who does things in a systematic mode.
On that bench, I saw Jaime Hayson. With a facial expression so hard to interpret, Jaime is now whimpering in front of his mirror, somewhat agitated with the small pinkish pimple popping out at the tip of his nose. Jaime has always been vain about his looks. But truly, Jaime is a very funny lad who is always fond of showing his reactions exaggeratedly. Sorrow? That’s absolutely not his word.
On that bench, I saw Ronnel Lumintad, once again being so preoccupied with the company of his cellular phone, and probably stealing glances to any pretty girl schoolmate that would luckily pass by his sight. Precariously silent, Ronnel is surely a boy whose words are as sharp as that of a double-edged sword. He is just simply full of mysteries. If one word can mirror his personality, the would be ‘unpredictable’.
On that bench, I saw Arvin Pagutayao. Now, or perhaps as always, no one can really tell what he might be into as he strikes up conversations that seem nonsense for everyone. Arvin speaks English very exaggeratedly and absents from his classes very frequently. His towering height eclipses with others, as his changing moods sometimes annoy them.
On that bench, I saw Ellsworth Miller Orlasan. With voice so loud and sharp, his naughty giggles about the girls he fantasize about, and the squeaks made from yelling “Regards lang ko!,” are very audible no matter how far you may be from him. But definitely, he is a magician of numbers as shown in his Mathematical prowess during classes. Ellsworth is however very delicate and sensitive with a lot of things – ‘war shock’, so they say.
On that bench, I saw Norman Umala Jr., now strumming the guitar as he soothingly caresses everyone’s aura with his versatile, powerful voice. As much as he acts independently on many things, he also remains firm in his principles despite having the world go against him. In addition, Norman wonders on a lot of things that surround him. Curious and eager – that’s how his personality is summed up.
On that bench, I saw John Rey Viola, a lad whose totality remains a puzzle for everyone. But to think that he’s able to magnetize heaps of girls, many should learn then that being a silent-type of guy can afterall serve as one’s sure weapon in attracting a lot of admirers. Apart from this, John Rey sometimes tends to be overly serious with things he considers as his own business.
