Graduates Recount Their Undergraduate Journeys, Impart Advices to Younger Benildeans
Graduates Recount Their Undergraduate Journeys, Impart Advice to Younger Benildeans
14 November 2024
Being an undergraduate is arguably one of the best years in anyone’s life, however, it is also a time for bittersweet endings. For College students, their journey may culminate in perhaps a grand graduation ceremony.
During De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Commencement Exercises last October 26, five alumni shared how their Benildean experiences have been, what the future holds for them, and their messages to younger learners.
For Daniel Carlito Abalos, a graduate of the Multimedia Arts (ABMMA) program, his best experience in the College was getting to know other people. “I’ve met a lot of great fellow aspiring artists and people from other programs and fields as well,” they express.
This sentiment is echoed by another ABMMA graduate, Natasa Gabrielle Guzman. She commented, “All throughout my stay in Benilde, I’ve met different people and learning from them was a bonus.”
Meanwhile, Jann Earl Madriaga—also an ABMMA graduate—said it was his Film course that made his Benildean journey memorable. “It was where my peers and I experienced ‘yung paggawa ng film, and our film got featured at a film festival. It was a very big opportunity for us,” he remarked.
Benilde truly is a community rich in its own culture, people, and programs. For Charles Benedict Manalastas, the College is an institution steeped in upholding inclusivity. The Communication Arts graduate also said that while it was intimidating being students of high-caliber professors in Benilde, he considers it amazing to be under their guidance.
These are testaments to the seemingly unbounded community the College has. Meeting new people is a given, and this has enabled people like John Ervin Dela Peña to take advantage of such opportunities to also expand their network.
“The best experiences were joining organizations and attending face-to-face classes as I got to engage with the community more,” said Dela Peña. “These allowed me to network with professors, org mates, and fellow students.”
While it takes a while for some to figure out the next steps after graduation, the five shared that they have already ventured into new paths.
Abalos, Dela Peña, and Madriaga already secured jobs, while Guzman and Manalastas look to go into freelancing and advertising, respectively. On top of this, Abalos expresses his desire to also pursue further studies.
Their time as undergraduates has ended—a journey they cherish and one that was full of lessons, both good and bad. With this, they also wish to impart what they have learned to the younger batches.
Abalos, for one, encourages younger Benildeans to never stop learning. “Try your best to learn things na you need to learn on your own. Don’t forget to try to meet other people and join organizations as well,” he commented.
This sentiment is echoed by Guzman, who advises that students must learn to be the best versions of themselves.
Meanwhile, Madriaga reminds students to be diligent in studying, but that one should also enjoy their stay in the College. “Your experiences will be the biggest reasons for your development as a student. My inspirations and relationships with my craft, nabuo ko sila in my classes,” he voiced out.
Dela Peña also reiterates the importance of focusing on one’s studies. “Always follow your flowcharts and the advice of your academic advisors. If you miss a prerequisite, it’s important not to be distracted,” the Business Intelligence and Analytics program graduate reminded.
With all these, one might be susceptible to being overwhelmed, which is why Manalastas cautioned: go easy on yourself.
“Madalas, tayo ‘yung naglalagay ng pressure sa sarili natin. Tayo ‘yung nageestablish ng unrealistic standards para sa atin. Take your time to not do it for others but for yourselves,” he closed.
The College’s Commencement Exercises are held after every term, celebrating the milestones of its new graduates before they officially head out into the world as Benildean alumni. This year’s ceremony featured Atty. Leila de Lima, a distinguished human rights advocate, former Secretary of Justice, and former Senator, who imparted Ten Life Lessons to the new graduates during her commencement address.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs and Benildean student life, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
