University of the Philippines — the country’s only National University.

June 10, 2008 marks my first day as a college student in the country’s premiere national university. A new chapter in my life; reborn in a new and more realistic environment.

For my first year in U.P., I am lucky to be granted a dorm slot in Kalayaan Residence Hall. This time, I’m more confident than the people of my age — after having stayed on a dorm, a home away from home, for the last four years. I can now laugh to people who brought literally a lot of stuff at the back of my mind. I can laugh at their excitement as seen on their uber-early wake-up time, as early as 4am. That day, I woke up at several minutes past 6. That time, the bathrooms were not congested already. I managed not to eat breakfast at the mess hall, as everybody did it, for a fact that I am not used to eating the “first meal” of the day.

The first activity the University had for us was the Freshmen Orientation Program. All freshmen entered the UP Theater — after assembling in an orderly manner outside while listening to the rallyists. Inside, we were grouped by Colleges. I was very amazed by our college’s freshmen population, which is a third of all freshmen. UP System President _________, UP Diliman Chancelor Cao and other UP Diliman and System officials were also present throughout the program. As centennial freshmen, we were given a more wonderful orientation with better presentations as compared to the previous batches (just an assumption). It was fun, especially seeing activists rallying up stage during the program. Another special thing is that a batchmate of ours participated the staged rally. Saya nun, first day palang sa UP aktibista na! (more…)