Weeks have passed by and at last the long wait is over. The Thomasian Freshmen Welcome Walk finally came to life, the much awaited part of every freshman student like me enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas. After being postponed twice, it finally proceeded on its third scheduled date, August 05, 2011. I remember a saying applicable to this situation: “Success is on the third try“. Humorously, it appears to be true with this matter.
Before the walk began, we prepared ourselves by painting our faces with the corresponding symbol(s) of our faculty and major; through this we show our pride and glory. Mother Nature was on our side. It did not rain but the warmth of the sun was there, it felt undistinguishable from our emotions at the moment due to the unexplainable enthusiasm while we were falling in line waiting to embark on the walk of our life. We didn’t consider this a struggle under the heat of the sun for the reason that it did not stop us from waving our banners up high and cheering for our beloved faculty; filling the air with unity and love not only for our respective colleges, institutes and faculties we represent, but for UST as well.
Upon entering the Arch of the Centuries, an overwhelming joy and excitement filled my emotions as we were welcomed by our fellow Thomasians. That was the moment I told myself, “I’m proud to be a Thomasian and this is where I belong.” I know I share the same experience with my colleagues.
After the walk a mass was held by Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P., our Rector. He mentioned that the moment we entered the Arch of the Centuries which is considered as a national treasure of our nation, we are also recognized as “national treasures”. His speech was inspirational for us freshmen and by this we know that we are only going to pass through the Arch of the Centuries twice in our stay in UST – first during our Freshmen Welcome Walk and lastly when we finally graduate from the University. Through this, we shall do our best now that we are part of the Thomasian community.
Subsequently, the freshmen welcome party was held though it rained. This did not bother, we still had a great time as we sang along with the bands who performed marvelously. Let’s just simply assess the rain only symbolizes the blessing from the Almighty One as our glorious journey at the Pontifical and Royal Catholic University of Santo Tomas had begun.#
By Kristi Celyn C. Banks
Freshman
