UP and Proud
7:48 AM
Every graduation period, there seems to be an essay writing contest going on for every graduation picture post and here's my entry to the Class of 2017 Graduation Essays.
UP Integrated School was my roots. At an early age, we were trained to be critical thinkers, exposed to various social issues, and honed to always be grateful for the opportunity to study in UP. I would never forget our Social Studies teacher asking us, "Magkano ang binabayad mo kada araw na pumapasok ka sa klase ko?" I already forgot the answer but I never forgot the question and the lesson. I guess that's why as much as possible, I don't skip classes and I don't like people who do because that teacher made me realize that everytime we skip a class, we waste a portion of our parents' money and also a portion of the people's money. College in UP Los Banos was somehow similar but in more ways different. I became addicted to the freedom I experienced here which was why I insisted to stay. For four years I had a taste of bittersweet independent life - living without curfew, surviving on a fixed allowance, cooking my own food, and even doing my own laundry. It was scary at first, until I slowly realized that I need to learn to live away from my parents because sooner or later, I have to move out and be responsible for my own being. I learned beyond what was being taught inside the classroom. Yes, I learned to drink (but not smoke plsss), but I also learned my limits. I learned to go home late but I also learned to manage my time. I learned to assert but I also learned to listen. I learned to cry over my failures but I also learned to get over them and start again.
I don't want to involve myself in those "taga-UP kasi, kaya mayabang" or "aktibista yan kasi UP" issue these days. While others criticize UP students for rallying, we see it as a way of serving our country - by being loyal to our people and not to a specific person. I don't want this post to be political but even if I do not support the current administration, I still intend to help it in some ways which I deem beneficial for the people and continue to criticize what I see as wrong. We know our responsibilities and duties to this country, thanks to our professors who constantly remind us about it.
For 15 years, I was able to gain a lot from this institution. But what the University of the Philippines taught me the most is that always, always, give back to the people. I owe my education to this country.
Maraming salamat, UP. Lagi't lagi, para sa Bayan
xxxxxxx
always,
Rya
0 comments