Things I Learned in the University of the Philippines

I write this in hope that I will continue to love the university that has helped me gain a lot in my personal life. I have gained more than what I bargained for. There are regrets I am afraid, but there are also lessons learned.

I learned how to figure things out on my own without asking anyone for help.

I have learned that sometimes, your best intentions are sometimes the paved road that leads you to hell.

I have learned that your best efforts, can still give you a 5.0. And sometimes, if you try a little less, and just be yourself, you'll be rewarded with a 1.0.

I have learned that I am really a bad student. If a subject or a professor bores me to death, there's really nothing I can do. My brain automatically shuts down. And I can't do anything about it.

I learned that friends may come and go, but your real friends will stick with you no matter what.

I learned that the people you never imagined you'd be close to will be the best friends you'll have.

I learned that by being yourself, you are rewarded with things you did not know you deserve - I got a job offer at the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism without even applying for it.

I learned that sometimes going the extra mile for somebody would cause you so much pain and hassle.

I learned that being a responsible student will make things easier for you. I swear.

I learned that every question has an answer; and your questions can, most probably, be answered by your Students Affair chair.

I learned that a smile can really brighten up a bad day.

I learned that not everyone from UP is smart. Some are smart-asses. Some are just, well, an ass.

I learned that gaps, diversity, indifference, and apathy, are really a way of life. And some people really do not care.

I learned that being too nice is not so good. Some people will protect you, but some... will just abuse you.

I learned that complaining is FUN. LOL.

I learned that it is better not to speak at all because people, will most probably misinterpret you.

I learned that friendship has no age limit. And that love knows no boundaries.

Of all the things I have learned in UP, what I learned best is that it takes a lifetime of willpower, strength, understanding, passion, and inspiration to be able to teach people; to instill knowledge in the people surrounding you; to make a difference in their lives.

I bid goodbye to my dreams and ambitions. My ambition of being the University Student Council chairperson. Rofl. I have to go and be somewhere else. I have to go and do more important things. I learned that letting go, is sometimes, the best thing to do. I am now taking the path to what we call – life.