“Choosing to go back to Ateneo is without question the best decision I’ve made in college. I took a leave for a year and I guess coming back was quite frightening for me. I was scared to get delayed and fall behind, I was scared that one day in the near future I’d be watching the people I’ve come to know and love leave– having to say goodbye to the memories and moments they’d take with them. Other than that, I was also scared of the unknown– such as the changes I’d have to face head on coming back. I guess the truth was it was definitely different to hear change and feel stagnancy from a distance and then to experience the plethora of life alterations that unravel before your very eyes.
However, regardless of my doubts, my decision has proven to be a blessing because it was in coming back that I accepted the challenge of living life the way I knew I’ve always wanted to –to live for God always and in all ways. It was then that I committed to the course that I had shifted to which is BS Health Sciences, It was also then that I took on opportunities in community and health related organizations whose advocacies have sincerely grown close to my heart and ultimately to the life I hope to continue to live. And it was in coming back that I got to surround myself once again with the majority of people who inspire me every day to work harder and to be better, such as my family, my friends, my teachers, the security guards and pretty much everyone who I come in contact with on a daily basis. Never in my life have I been so sure of where I am and what I am doing– And truly I have God to thank for that.”
Marga Antonio
2 BS Health Sciences
“The best decision I made in college is missing the first 4 days of college. Prior to that, I also missed OrSem. I was chronically ill with dengue hemorrhagic fever. My platelets went as low as 11. Thankfully, through countless blood transfusions and other treatments, I survived the ordeal just right before classes started. I was given the option to miss the first year of college to give my body time to recover. I decided to not take a year off and only miss the first 4 days of class which would set me off a couple of lessons behind everybody else. It gave me time to reflect on life and my future in college.
My decision was not easy. College started rough for me, and my grades reflected it. It was about time I started to put in the effort and remembered why I decided to be here. With the right motivation, my grades slowly got higher just like my how my platelets did. Every storm has their own silver lining and I really found mine in Ateneo’s motto: Lux in Domino. I found my light in my darkest hour and I was given a second chance in life. Those 4 days I missed would be start of my 4-year journey in college and I would not have started it in any other way.”
Jay Sainz
1 BS Management Engineering
“I guess at this point, it’s to keep going, to keep pushing forward. It’s so easy to just throw in the towel when acads, org work, and personal life all start to overlap and suffocate you; and it’s even easier to simply be apathetic to it all when the stress has run its course on you. But the hard thing is to choose to remember why you started in the first place, to draw strength from that, and to keep going. It’s so much easier on the weary soul to just give up. But, I’ve found, that it’s often the harder way out that reaps the most rewards, that gives you the most fulfillment. It’s as if at the end of the journey, you get to look back and to tell yourself, ‘This is for all the times you thought you wouldn’t make it but still plowed through. Look at you now.’ That’s the best feeling, and it only comes from the best decision.”
Tiffannie Litam
2 AB European Studies
“The best and most difficult decision was deciding what career I should take. With all the values Ateneo has instilled on me, it was hard to find direction for it in a corporate setting. Hopefully the path I chose will lead to me being a man for others.”
Giovanni Ong
School of Management Professor
“The best decision I’ve made in college, as cheesy as it may be, has been the choice to be happy, no matter how hard times may get. It’s really as simple as just seeing the bright side in things, because it’s through this that you can make the most out of everything life throws your way. It’s been instrumental in managing the stresses of life, especially with how hectic things can get, and it’s kept my passions burning through even the coldest of nights.
I think it’s just really nice to choose happiness all the time because it adds even more depth to your every day; you start to see things for the best of what they can be, and eventually, you end up being able to change the way you see the world.
There are no bad days, only days where you learn more than others. There are no failures, only other perspectives to see the world with. There are no setbacks, only new ways to keep on moving forward. That’s why I choose happiness—because when I choose happiness, the world gets a little brighter.”
AJ Wang
3 BS Management Engineering
“The best decision I made in college was to stop revolving my life around school too much. In high school, I was very studious, grade conscious and involved in many extra-curricular activities. While there were some activities I genuinely loved, there were others I did for the sake of ‘resume building.’ I did not want that for myself in college. My education is still very important to me, but over the past four years, I was able to find that nice balance between school and the other aspects of my life. I don’t feel that guilt that I used to feel when I go out with my friends because I should have used that time to study. In terms of extra-curricular activities, I didn’t try to get involved in many different things but chose to focus on what I am passionate about. I decided to invest my time on one org, ASEC, which became my home and my family in college.”
Kamille Villareal
4 BS Management
Ateneo Student Exchange Council President
“My best decision in college would be shifting out from Management Engineering. Although, it didn’t seem like such a great idea at that time. I felt like i was taking a step back. However At the moment, I feel like I made the right decision. I’m happy with my current situation, and I’ve grown a lot since then, which wouldn’t have been possible without me shifting out. I do admit that some regrets still linger, but then either choice would’ve had its what ifs. That is why I’m not quite sure if this was actually my best decision since I wouldn’t know what would have happened if I decided otherwise. All I know is that it was a decision I do not regret.”
Patrick Chua
3 BS Management
Ateneo Junior Marketing Association Force Officer
“I believe that the best decision I made in college was to join organizations that are related to my hobbies and interest. I love playing golf and I love playing music, especially with the guitar.
Firstly, I tried out for the Ateneo Golf Team. There was obviously a little bit of pressure during the tryouts, but I was accepted, thankfully. Low and behold, I eventually became the team captain! Although we are one of the smaller varsity teams, it was a great honor and an amazing experience that I will always take great pride in for the rest of my life.
Lastly, I auditioned for the Ateneo Musician’s Pool. This was nerve-wracking but I was able to overcome my inner demons and luckily was accepted! I may not have been as active as I wanted to be, but I have done my fair share of gigs and always have a great time performing on stage.
Finding common interests with people is a sure way to make friends, especially when you are forced to spend time together, just like in golf and music. Joining these organizations has allowed me to continue what I love doing while pursuing my college degree. It has eased some pressure off of academics and has made my college much more meaningful. I encourage anyone entering college to be more bold and confident to join the organizations that suit their hobbies and interests. Fear and shyness will always be there, but I am telling you, it will be worth it!”
Pio Neri
4 BS Legal Management
Ateneo Golf Team Captain
–
What’s your best decision in college? Let us know in the comments below!