Module 0: Who was I back then? by Sabrina Zehender

I wanted to be the very Best

kjgellica — 2021-12-07 12:08:18 UTC

So I made this quick illustration. I drew myself as Ash while wearing the AdDU uniform, Pikachu and other people in the background.
While reminiscing about my first years in my college journey, I was reminded of my favorite cartoon which is Pokemon. The main character there is filled with passion. He was very determined to achieve his goal and he wouldn't let any obstacles to hinder him from getting his goal. That reminded me of who I was back then. I was very passionate about getting that CPA title. It might not the same today, however, I had fun reminiscing the past.
The Pikachu and the people behind me serve as my companions towards the journey. They helped me survive throughout my college years and I am very grateful for that. Without my friends, I wouldn't be able to keep my sanity in this melancholic journey.

A Hopeful Dreamer

gmescobal — 2021-12-07 12:28:31 UTC

A hopeful dreamer- that was what I was when I entered college. I've always believed that everything is possible, that all stars and galaxies in this universe were just within my reach, that after college, everything in my life will be perfectly figured out. However, as college life unfolded in front of me, I gradually realized the bitter, harsh truth of reality; that all those things taught inside our four-cornered classrooms were insufficient to fuel the rocket towards the moon of our dreams. We have to build our way there from scratch most of the time. Some people even spend the rest of their lives looking for the resources to develop their rockets. Others might not even have the courage to find them. There will be people who would just settle to stand and look up at their dream stars forever.
Sometimes it frightens me to take a leap out of this world I am currently in. The fear of the unknown outside my comfort zone makes me agitated. If I take my rocket at launch, fears, doubts, and tremors will be my pieces of baggage as I propel this journey, for I know nothing about the path ahead. But one thing that's keeping me sane and daring is my trust that the One who conspired everything in this universe has a great plan for me; that the only way to go from here is up.

I really don't care

vlbcabahug — 2021-12-07 12:42:35 UTC

I made this illustration in which shows how i really don't care on joining in this course, I was not a high achiever in senior high because for me grades doesn't really matter. I do things that makes me happy playing games, eating, and being with friends, and hoping one day to find love char.
But I when I look upon the stars, I always hope that I would do something great in my Life.

2 Cool 4 Sk00L

ajmpaler — 2021-12-09 14:27:05 UTC

I've grown to be an achiever--an honor student back in my elementary, JHS, and SHS days. I entered college with the same mindset and goals because I wanted to make my family proud, even if my heart was not really into the degree I'm pursuing. Despite that, I was confident with my abilities that even if I am unsure of the path I have taken, I know I will still excel. However, I became lenient with my responsibilities, too confident to study harder, and focused more on trying not to die inside. And that was my mistake--the start of my downfall. I felt like my life has a lot of missing puzzle pieces. I felt dumb. I also realized that life is brutal. I've wanted to reach the stars, but it felt too far to reach. But, in that year also, I found my peace. I discovered different hearts through volunteering. The smiles, sadness, and FOOD helped me in my 'sugakod' journey. Most of all, He was there to lift me up. And so, these were what I brought to my journey even now. Life continues. Padayon!

Buzzy Like Bees

2021-12-10 03:45:41 UTC

Talkative. Friendly. Bubbly.

These are the things that most people would describe the 18-year-old Cindy, and I believe they're right. I felt good about myself when I started my journey as a freshman. I had a lot of friends. I joined different organizations inside and outside the university. I had high remarks; that's why I was always on the president's/dean's list. I was very hopeful and motivated to do things even if everything was complicated and challenging to handle. I constantly reminded myself to keep going because it would be worth it in the end. We're not rich, so I cannot afford to lose my scholarship and repeat the semester. Thus, that 18-year-old girl strived hard to make her family proud, pass all the exams, graduate on time, and get an excellent job in the future. But now I don't know where the girl went, and I think she's lost. I wish I could bring her back to help me unload the baggage I have now and to get through all of these. For now, I just want to win one day at a time.

I am my mother's child.

wbsalinas — 2021-12-11 05:46:16 UTC

Hello! I'm Wynbelle, more widely known as Wynbelle Fox because of my Facebook handle. When I entered Ateneo as a freshman, I was overly independent. This was both a blessing and a curse but I was raised that way. I struggled opening up to people too but I knew how to listen. I knew how to listen to my intuition, others, and the great unknown. Because of that, I didn't fear being alone because I knew my angels would guide me to the right people in this journey. (And they did.)

I wouldn't say I brought doubt with me in entering this course. I came in willing to learn with an open mind and an open heart. I knew how much I was going to sacrifice to survive the first two years of being in the program. For context, the first two years of college were the toughest years of my life. For everybody, maybe. We struggled a lot. From 13 sections, we decreased by half on the second semester of our first year. As for doubt, maybe it came in around during college. Not before this journey. In my second year, I was failing a lot of quizzes. Preparing for every quiz at 7 am was equal to conquering your inner demons at 3 am. Every Philosophy Class with Sir Maboloc made me feel undecided about the path I have chosen. But despite all these emotions and thoughts, I kept stoic. I brushed them all on the side because I knew that I just had to be patient. I just have to trust the process and put in the time and effort. There is no instant gratification in this course.

Despite it all, the reason I started was just that I wanted to make my mother proud. I was highly motivated. Fake it 'til you make it became my motto. I wanted to make sure that I would finish what I started despite feeling like I'd be best studying other things.

Resilience amidst Adversity

msencabo — 2021-12-12 14:43:50 UTC

As a freshman in the University's BS - Accountancy program, I was full of energy and eager to take on the challenges that lay ahead of me. I was confident that if I put my mind to it, I could accomplish a lot. I was driven, motivated, and hopeful. Aside from all of these, there were also fears that I’ve felt entering college because that was the first time that I would be away from my family in the province. Nevertheless, I was very focused on my goal and it is to graduate and make my family proud thinking that all of their sacrifices for me will be worth it. However, what I felt at the start of my college journey is now very different from what I am feeling now in my Senior year. I'm exhausted and unmotivated. There is no longer any passion in what I do. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful. I am hopeful that I will be able to go back to the reasons why I chose this path and for whom I am doing this. I keep reminding myself that I am capable of overcoming all of the challenges that lie ahead of me.

Buzzy Like Bees

cczunio — 2021-12-12 23:09:57 UTC

Go with the Flow

lpcellona — 2021-12-13 08:11:57 UTC

As a freshman, I was eager to meet new people, learn new things, and experience what it was like to be a college student. I was anticipating a lot of good times, especially because I'm among my close friends. When my close friends chose to change their plans, I was astounded by the realization that I needed to step beyond my comfort zone and interact with new people. There were many highs and lows, and there were times when I doubted my ability to succeed due to peer pressure, expectations, and ambitions. I've always had issues with the results I've gotten, even when I'm giving it my all. I realized at the time that putting too much pressure on myself prevents me from enjoying what I have now, so I decided to just go with the flow as long as I put forth an effort and enjoy my journey. I feel like I am capable of doing so because I am equipped with the necessary abilities, values, and knowledge, and I am surrounded by people who believe in me.

My Parents' best student

ngcablinda — 2021-12-13 10:04:10 UTC

I am Nikkomarc Cablinda, and I am my parents' best student. Since I was a child up until now, I have never experienced pressure from my parents. Back then, I gave no importance to my grades; I simply did things when I felt like it, not until I entered college. When I was in the first year of my college journey, I thought that I could do things at a bare minimum until the accountancy program made me realize that mediocracy isn't enough. In my second year, I started trying harder as it would cost me my accountancy life. I kept on trying to improve myself, pushing myself to my limits, and luckily by God's grace, I was able to pass the second year by pushing myself to my limit. However, reality slaps me that my limits are still not enough; third year made me realize that I still need to overcome my limits and continue to grow. I still need to push harder and continue to go beyond my limits. Now that I am near the finish line, I am now in the final level of this battle, and on the final floor of this dungeon, I will hold on to my experiences, my hardships, and hopefully defeat this final stage like a superhero, which my illustration depicts. My parents never failed to let me feel that I am the best student through highs and lows. They never put pressure on me as well as expected any achievements. This made me stronger; this gave me strength, and this made me feel that regardless of my grades, I am still the best student in the world in my parents' heart.

THIS IS FINE

rjpjamil — 2021-12-13 10:06:12 UTC

Hello, my name is Ronah Jane Jamil. I illustrated my first-year self as a version of this meme I found on the internet." I may look chill during my first year and don't care about anything, but deep inside, I am panicking and stressing out." I was really driven and passionate about my course during my first year. I wanted to achieve a lot of things and be productive. But, as I started my journey, I realized that my journey wouldn't be an easy one. I once thought I was smart, but college slapped my face back to reality, and I was stressing out to maintain my grades in accordance with the retention policy. The illustration does not only represent my life as a first-year college student, but it represents my life throughout college. Throughout all the hellish exam weeks and multiple projects, I tried to stay calm and be chill and to just go with the flow and pray for the pain to be over, as I am sure that it would all be worth it in the end.

I'm back!

ejecartin — 2021-12-13 10:37:16 UTC

The moment I stepped foot in Ateneo, I promised myself to have my graceful exit after four years with flying colors as an Accountancy graduate. I've come far, and I will not go home empty-handed. Everything was new to me, and I had no one to share my struggles with, so I tried my best to adjust quickly as possible and step up my game. The achiever in me kicked in once the semester started, and I was happy to be on the Dean's List. But then, sleepless nights, the never-ending quizzes, and requirements to comply - I was exhausted. I wondered what happened to the very motivated girl, to the achiever who never settled for less, and I wondered where my passion went. I was near, but then, I lost myself too. Studying became toxic; I was doing the tasks for compliance and settling for the bare minimum. Then, I was slapped by reality and woke up, delaying my dreams for real. Then everything came back. The reason, the passion, and my first-year self are now in full gear, willing to finish my journey, back in chasing my dream.

Unapologetically Ambitious

klsbraga — 2021-12-13 11:19:22 UTC

Hi, My name is Kiara Lei Braga, and I am currently in my 4th year studying BS in Accountancy. Since I was a kid, I've always been ambitious for my dreams; I have never settled for simple and easy things. I put all my heart out in everything I do, especially in my academic and career performance. In fact, I finished my junior and senior high school years with impressive academic and extracurricular records. I always take risks and make everything possible (even when it's just too impossible to do it). I joined pageants, singing contests, sports, debates, and other activities requiring excellent skills. Hence, I'm always up for a challenge.
That is why, when I entered college, I got high aspirations. I wanted to graduate from a tough and intense course, a respectable major. I was doing well during my first year, and I hustled hard to achieve my desired results. I spent most of my time studying and sacrificed family outings and vacations. Although the difficulty level was quite shocking and overwhelming for me, I fought hard and broke barriers to success in every semester. At that time, I was pretty happy and satisfied with my performance, and I was still certain that I could continue being excellent until graduation. My goal was not just to pass and be retained in the program but ultimately to be excellent and impressive in the batch. Every year, I tried to discover new techniques to cope and survive in the program, and there were no real doubts in myself.

However, the pandemic happened, and it has drastically broken my momentum. The shift to an online class set-up happened so fast that I was not able to adjust, there were fewer class discussions, but more self-study sessions were required, which did not work for me. The situation worsened as the department decided to go for a 100% grading system dependent on our summative results. Even though I already expected the bad results, I was devastated. I was clinically diagnosed with anxiety and depression, so I was forced to take a break from my academics.
In 2020, I started to invite a stress-free life. I started going out with friends and traveled a lot. From there, I found myself renewed and much happier. I was not the ambitious type anymore; I became more practical and conscious with my mental health and well-being. Doing this does not necessarily entail that I have already ditched my course; I still plan to continue what I started, but there is no pressure this time.

ARTISTIQ

2021-12-13 18:32:13 UTC

If someone will ask me, "why accountancy?," wala jud ko kabalo huhu. Before I entered Accountancy, I had already planned to take up MedTech, together with my roommate in SPC. I wanted to become a Doctor kay dako daw sweldo xD and I felt so sure about this plan already until nameet nako si Aubrey charot jk haha

Accountancy was never my choice in the first place, it was my Dad's decision. This was because my father was a frustrated lawyer (niundang siya law school para mag work kay para maka skuyla iyang younger siblings). With this, he wanted me to become a lawyer (toxic Filipino trait) and he said that the best preparatory course for law is accountancy so mao naa ko diri nabuang na course :'> So if you'll ask me again "why accountancy?," maybe my answer would be "because I love my Dad".

However, when I entered Accountancy in Ateneo, I had lots of realizations in life. First is, I realized that it will only be me who will live with the decisions I made in my life, even if I had let other people decide it for me. In the end, it was still a decision I made. With that, I realized that life is too short to waste on something that doesn't make you feel alive, especially on something that was dictated for you to do. That's why I fought for my remaining freedom to stop this journey to become a lawyer. My Dad eventually realized after countless breakdowns and one-on-one talks, that I was not living for myself anymore. Thankfully, he loved me more than his dream so he stopped pressuring me to enter law. It's not selfish to start loving yourself first, it's not selfish to choose your happiness that provides you the satisfaction of existing. You're not giving your parents a favor just by doing everything that they want you to do, at the expense of your mental health and your identity.

The second thing that I realized when I'm already in the accountancy program is that, you'll never know what you want in life or what you want to be, unless you expose yourself to those things. Being in the accountancy program and getting exposed to the business field made me realized that I like the idea of working something business-related, maybe in the field of entrepreneurship. I also realized that I have skills, both inherent and acquired, that are tools that could help me excel in this field. I could say that, I'm still thankful to my Dad because I get to expose myself in business field that I never thought that I would love and that would make me know myself more. Everything really has its own purpose. I never expected to survive all the retention hurdles established by the accountancy department and I will always be thankful for that. Even if Accountancy wasn't my first choice, nor my current choice, I'm forever grateful for the skills that I've acquired and the friendships that I've established from this course.

Also, even if I was not able to pursue medicine, my first choice, God really made sure that I would still be exposed to the thing I thought was for me. I had a roommate who was a MedTech student and I had experienced getting blood samples, injecting formalin to a dead frog, and other medtech-related activities. I realized that this was something that I don't want to do for the rest of my life. So, exposure is really a significant tool to help us know what we really want to do. Even if you think you're not a dancer, or a musician, you'll never know it unless you try and expose yourself to it.

Also, I want to thank God for a great support system in Accountancy - my friends. They make accounting life less stressful that it was already. And even if we have bagsak moments, we always find time to recuperate together, may it be illegally play the piano in the Chapel, or jam near the lockers to annoy the architecture students. It's really nice to look back and reminisce those memories, and see how much we've grown as individuals. With the online set-up, honestly it's really hard to motivate ourselves and be driven everyday, but we always remind ourselves that we're nearing the finish line and the blessing we've been waiting for, is too close for us to give up now.

The True Hue

rarromares — 2021-12-14 00:51:57 UTC

Rae= RAmillo and Eligia
Aigile= eligiA

Hi! My name is Rae Aigile Regidor Romares, currently in 4th year BS in Accountancy. When I was young, I never spoke a lot, just a shy little boy around the corner. As time progressed I explored a lot of things, I broke boundaries and discovered my true hue, the real me. I embraced the gifts that God has given me and used these through my passion for service.

Elementary, JHS, and SHS indeed shaped me, thanks to the values and teachings of my beloved alma mater Assumption College of Davao (ACD). I graduated with high hopes and dreams to enter and finish my college study at Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).

I've always dreamed to become a lawyer one day, a public servant who puts a premium on the needs of the community. Therefore I entered Accountancy, a course that not only challenged me mentally but also, physically and spiritually. The motivated and optimistic Rae Romares slowly deteriorates from time to time but I joined organizations that will help in nurturing my skills in leadership and public speaking and service. They are the ones that kept me sane, they are the ones who molded me to be strong and always strive to be better each and every day. If I were to go back, I will never regret my decision in joining organizations, because they are not just a club, but they are a family to me.

The Bamboo is me, who provides help to those who are in need, and a person who stands firm and tall and embraces all challenges in life. I may bend or back down but I will never fall.

The Rainbow symbolizes the knowledge and values I have acquired and am willing to share with everyone I come across in my journey.

The clouds in the sky stand for my hopes and dreams, to reach for them through thick and thin.

Right now, one last push is all I have, the years of hard work and determination will carry me to the end, and look back saying a Good Job, and Thank You RAEROM!!

UPs and DOWNs

ajbnad — 2021-12-14 01:40:36 UTC

Before entering Ateneo, I thought my knowledge and skills were enough because from high school to senior high school, I was really doing well in my studies BUT the knowledge and skills that I brought were not enough. At the beginning of my journey, I was so eager to get the CPA title, without thinking that Accountancy is a really hard course. I was focused on my “WHAT” – “what to get after I graduate” and never focused on my WHYs. My journey in Ateneo is like riding a roller coaster, there are times where I feel I am on the top of the world and sometimes I feel like I am on my lowest. Perseverance and Hope – I always bring these two when I’m having difficulties sometimes. With perseverance, I hope that the efforts will pay off in the future.

I Have Nothing

ajccalunsag — 2021-12-14 08:38:56 UTC

Sawadee krup!

My name is Aubrey John C. Calunsag, and I am a fourth-year BS in Accountancy student. Everything begins with my curiosity. After graduating from Senior High School, I have a lot of plans. To be honest, I had no idea about Ateneo when I initially arrived in Davao City. I'm a typical provincial boy who doesn't know everything about city life.
So, I remembered it was summer when I took the exam and, thankfully, passed it. Then, the institution provides me with a scholarship to continue my studies at Ateneo. I enrolled in Accountancy because I enjoy mathematics. But it was all a lie regarding the course. I had to study every day and night to absorb all new concepts.
The first time I entered school, I swore to graduate with honors. Unfortunately, I could not pass the compulsory QPI every semester, and I did not even make the honors list. That's why I've stopped dreaming of being on top, and I just want to graduate in Accountancy.
I am very ambitious. I always have to finish everything that I have started. But, despite all of the adversities I've faced at Ateneo, I've realized that I am human. I am easily destroyed, frail, and feeble. I cried a lot during exams since I didn't earn the required scores. I had to sleep frequently instead of studying. I was lost at the moment, and I didn't know where to begin.
But, there is a chapel that has always rescued me. I always go there when I'm pleased, depressed, or despairing. I pray to God, asking if this thing is worth it. I always have a tough time understanding that I'm not perfect.
After all of these realizations, I know my value and I don't need anyone's approval. I need to stay focused on my goal and discover new things that will considerably improve my well-being. If this course isn't for me, I'm looking for ways to perceive myself as joyful and pleased.

opportunity seeker

mftpainagan — 2021-12-15 16:43:28 UTC

Hi! My name is Merr Fe T. Painagan, you can call me Mipay :) I am a 4th year student of BS in Accountancy at Ateneo de Davao University. Back when I was grade 10 up until now, I started working here in our city which is called a SPES grantee, if you don't know, it stands for Special Program for Employment of Students. This is a program from the Department of Labor and Employment which helped students to pay their tuitions and help their parents. When I entered college, I engaged in online business which has helped me in my allowances and other expenses here in school. Through this business, I regretted taking up accountancy as my course. But I don't have any choice right now so I need to finish it. I may not be an achiever but I am really proud that I was able to save money through my business for my future expenses and to help my family especially with this pandemic.

Loud Thunder, Misdirected Lightning, Bursting Energy...

cgomaquiso — 2022-03-24 03:39:32 UTC

I represent my SHS and early year in AdDU as a lightning. I am so confident, too self-determined. My energy, laughter, greetings, confidence are all over the campus. My passion to do every tasks has never overwhelmed me. I trust my support system, and everyone around me. I am just innocent and feel secured. I have peace of mind, enough to focus on my academic life. The challenge on those years was, I mismanaged my energy. I wasted too much energy on superficial and unnecessary things that didn't serve me, and overlooked the things that should matter. My challenge for these coming years is how to allocate my time and energy to important things. I will allocate my time to my significant others and family and friends. I will allocate my energy to build my dreams through this burning passion. I want to have that energy I had pre-college, but for this time, it will be more guided and prudent. So help me Lord. <3