Arthel D. Caronongan Jr

2011 – 40531

I am entering my 6th year in UP.

I spent my first two years in the BS Economics program, a year as a Non-Major, and I'm about to enter my third year as a Political Science student. My cause of delay is a mix of misfortune, choice, and failure. As of the end of my 1st semester in my 5th year I already achieved the CRS Grand Slam: getting all possible grades, from 1.00 to 3.00; INC and 4.00; FDP and DRPs; and the dreaded 5.00. Shifting to a new degree program helped me establish a new college identity, different yet similar to the one I held before. Shifting brought me a semblance of inner peace, knowing that I'm in a course I'm more comfortable in.

I feel alone, but I'm not lonely.

Most of my high school batchmates are well on their way to finishing their first year in the labor force. People who were still in grade school when I entered college are now orgmates. While many of my friends are busy planning how to spend their hard-earned money, I'm in school planning how to save my allowance. It feels weird seeing batches below me graduate before me. It feels weird meeting freshmen and hiding from them my real age and year level. It feels weird trying to be someone new.

Everyday is a challenge.

It is a challenge trying to prove your worth to your parents. It is a challenge being left behind by your contemporaries. It is a challenge trying to see yourself as anything but a failure.

I am entering my 6th year in UP, and I have no regrets.

I get to meet more friends and expand my network. I get to spend more time trying to discover myself and my goals. I am able to appreciate time, money, and effort better. I am able to understand and empathize with other Iskolars ng Bayan. In life, you either win or you learn. Six years in this University is a whole lot of learning, but also a whole lot of winning.