What’s in It?

I have spent more time inside the Ateneo rather than at home
and this is the reason why for the past 3 years this school has
greatly influenced me in areas such as professional excellence,
leadership, character, spirituality, and service.
Having studied and struggled for my majors, I have learned to
value my education and strive for what I can reach. With professors
teaching me how to interact with people in the work place, and
projects forcing me to have relations with big companies; these
experiences have proven to be something that had made such great
impression on me in terms of professional relations. One should be
able to judge an individual not entirely based on what position he
holds but rather on the totality of the person’s being.
In connection to that, is the development of my character,
which I attribute mostly to my Philosophy classes with Dr. Leovino
Garcia. I have understood what it meant to be human and that all of
us have the infinite responsibility for the other. It all boils down to
ethics, which is doing what is right instead of what ought to be and
hoping that by the end of the day wake up to have an ethical
society.
Continuing on to the development of one’s character is the
opening up of different leadership opportunities that test and make
use of the person’s character being formed. The different
organizations inside campus have proven to be helpful in honing
one’s skills of being a leader and gave opportunities for service
towards under people especially to those who are under privileged.
Being part of the Ateneo Resident Students Association (ARSA) and
the Ateneo Mathematics Society (AMS) has given me time to lead
people and be an active participant in attaining not only the goals of
the organization but also the mission and vision of the university.
Service on the other hand follows with leadership, for
leadership is in itself service not only to others but to the self as
well. Being a scholar has helped me to open up myself in service to
others through the service hours being imposed upon us. I don’t see
this as a hassle to my daily goings in life but rather an opportunity
to give back and meet other people that would be very happy upon
receiving my help. I always keep into mind that what I am doing is
service not only for other people but more importantly service to
God.
In terms of spirituality, the different theology classes and the
activities of the College Ministry Office has paved the way for the
development of my spirituality. I am now fully aware of my life as a
student in line with the ideals of the church and my faith.
With all these aspects of development being given to me by
the university I can surely say that I have the edge when I scout for
a job or more importantly, when I traverse through life’s difficult
paths. After graduation I plan to continue on with my masters
degree and hopefully get a PhD outside the country. After that, I
would aim to get a position in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and
hopefully help in solving the country’s financial needs through my
learnings in school and my interactions with different people.