WHEN I first wrote for the Varsitarian, I was asked to compose a piece on the late Pope John Paul II for a special commemorative issue. It was two years ago and yet everybody still cherishes memories of the late Pontiff. Moves to canonize him prove the people’s unwavering reverence of him and his recent elevation as a “venerable,” which puts him a step closer to beatification, has pleased people from different religions as it has the Catholic faithful.
The beatication process would have required a five-year interval after the death of a candidate before any investigation can take effect, but even the orthodox Pope Benedict XVI waived this rule to fast-track the process for John Paul II, who beatified 1,340 faithful and canonized 482 saints in his 27-year pontificate.
I turn to memories of the Pope since writing about the late Pontiff was one of my most memorable experiences here on campus as I prepare to leave it after graduation.
My UST education has provided me lessons and experiences that I will carry with me as I leave the University.
I may have graduated, but I will carry with me my identity as a Thomasian throughout my whole life. As the saying goes,“Once a Thomasian, always a Thomasian.” The lessons and experiences I have learned as a Varsitarian staffer apply as well in my career as I leave the paper. In the same way, we say, “Once a V staffer, always a V staffer.”
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Allow me to thank a few people who have made my stay in UST a good learning experience.
Thanks to the UST batch 2007, especially my classmates in 4JRN3. Our class might have meen a product of chance but what we have become is not the result of chance, but of choice.
I am also grateful to my professors who made me appreciate college life. Many thanks for the priceless lessons about studies and life. My college days have been fruitful because of them.
I would not have earned my degree without the scholarship given me by UST. Being a working scholar, I have sacrificed long hours working and dealing with unpredictable people, but the fruits of my labor were sweeter than expected. My full scholarship was just the icing in the cake. What made the package creamier was the training I underwent, especially with the faculty and staff of the Industrial Engineering department and the College of Commerce, and frienships I forged with fellow working scholars. Thank you for bearing with my immaturity and lack of focus.
Finally, I would like to thank the people behind the Varsitarian for adopting the orphan in me. It was indeed a truckload of lessons learned and memories earned that I could take me to where I leave . Thank you for bearing with me through the tough times. I can only pay you back with my prayers.
Above all, I will forever thank my family and God for simply making it all happen!
