Turning back time is never easy (also, impossible); plunging down deep into the abscesses of the past awakens memories of dark and uncertain times, after all. But the idea of taking a step back in order to move further forward brings about a golden opportunity—to foster change and betterment in the year to come. Taking a huge leap forward with no regrets would not be complete without a meaningful look twelve months back in time. The GUIDON asks Ateneans—what did you learn this year?
“Pagpapahalaga sa mga tao.”
– Ate Alma,SEC B photocopier
“This year, I learned a deeper appreciation for words like humility, strength, and family.”
– Missy Maramara, Fine Arts Department
“Being young is never an excuse not to do or achieve anything.”
– Elisa Aquino, II BFA ID
“Be patient. In time, everything eventually will fall into place.”
– Jason Escueta, Ateneo Blue Eagles
“What it truly means to be men and women for and with others.”
– PC Magnaye, IV BS Psy
“Don’t worry if there are people who hate you. It’s a sign that you’re getting somewhere when people who’ve never met you or spoken three words to you in person can’t stand you. Also, it pisses them off even more when you’re polite and civil, so always be nice.”
– Regina Belmonte, AB Comm ‘09
“I’ve learned that it’s not impossible to get a negative score on a quiz! No matter how much you study or prepare for a goal, there are just some things you can’t control. As for those things, well, that’s where your sense of humor comes in.”
– Billie Dumaliang, I BS Mgt-H
“The most valuable thing I learned this 2010 is perseverance. This year [being my first year in college] was not at all that easy. I have already faced certain challenges that sometimes make me just want to give up but I’ve learned that despite all these obstacles that come our way, there will always be hope. Just as long as you stay dedicated and determined, you’ll be able to rise above any situation.”
– Ina Roa, I BS ME
“That change begins, continues and ends with commitment—from changing the country through an election, to changing the systems of an institution to unlock its potential, to changing one’s life to respond to everyday challenges. Our commitment largely affects the sort of change that takes place and conditions us to the consequences of that change.”
– Rob Roque, Sanggunian President
“I’m speaking from the point of view of a teacher here in the Ateneo. As I grow older, I realize more and more over the past two or three years that you cannot do everything. You have to choose your battles, you have to choose the things that you want to focus on, you have to give up some, not because those things you give up aren’t important, but you have limited time and limited energy. When you are not focused, I have realized in myself that I don’t do the things that I do as well as I could have if only I have time and focus. Our energies are afraid, our energies are dissipated, and you end up being superficial. You are spread out too thinly and you realize it might give you the impression of being busy and being occupied…and you realize, ‘I think I’ve wasted my time.’ I think it’s a realization of somebody growing older.”
– Fr. Adolfo Dacanay, Theology Department Chairman
