AASA Echoes

20/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: S

Before when we were children, perhaps there were moments that we were told certain things will happen for us someday. 'Someday, you will understand.' 'Someday, when you’re grown up, you can join in on conversations of adults.' 'Someday, you’ll see what it means...' As we grew older, someday could still be used. 'Someday, I’ll get to own that car.' 'Someday, I’ll meet the right person.' 'Someday, things will all be better.' While helpful in some way, ‘someday’ could also be challenging and frustrating for it leaves things to be desired.



At that moment when God decided to send His own son, there was no ‘someday’ to his love and care for us. He meant it presently. He fulfilled it where we were exactly. He followed his promises of constancy and faithfulness right then and there. There was no need for us to wait. There was no gray area nor blurred line that still had to be guessed. There was nothing left uncertain. Christmas did away with the someday of who we were to our Father. We are His, cherished and provided for, not in a distant future we could not even tell but at this very moment.



In the coming days as we celebrate this season, do we understand that we have been lifted to be one with the Savior? Do we realize that we are never far, in space and time, from the one who cares for us most? Do we see that we have already met God who is the right companion for us? Let’s hope that we do. For the Lord has eliminated all questions, hesitations and doubts about who He is and what He can do out of love for us. May we accept Him not someday but sooner. May we let our heart join with His heart not someday but right away. And may we gift ourselves with the surrender to such beauty, light and truth not someday but today.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

20/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: A

It can be annoying when what we need is not readily within our reach. Especially during this time, it can be frustrating when we search for things we want to buy or give as gifts and then find out that what we have been eyeing are out of stock. The same can be true when we are trying to arrange an activity with someone and there is difficulty in scheduling. At worst, we can even feel that we are not important enough for them to make time for us.



There is happiness when we can get a grasp of those that we desire. Sometimes, we don’t even realize what we need or what is best until it is right there in front of us. And that is the essence of Christmas: we did not know true light and true love until God made Himself available to us. There was no difficulty, it was not a guessing game, without struggle, we were not deprived of what is actually necessary for our life to be worthy and complete. God is already here. And thus, real joy and real salvation are concrete and on hand for us.



As these days continue to be busy, may we allow ourselves to marvel at that fact of God making it easy for us when He came and joined us in this journey. Perhaps many items in physical and online stores are becoming out of stock. Maybe there is some challenge in scheduling with loved ones for get-togethers and gatherings. But imagine this: the most important gift of all is within our reach – the presence of the Savior. And the most necessary companion has arrived – God. For all our yearning and searching, the one that matters the most has been answered. Without hesitation, even if we don’t deserve it, and out of an unfathomable desire to continue to love us, the Messiah was sent to be available to all of us.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

20/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: M

The Trinity looking down on Earth, seeing the chaos, and deciding to send the Son into our midst. Mary saying yes to being the virgin mother of humanity’s Savior. Joseph, even with fear and uncertainty, standing by Mary and heaven’s will. The three wise men disobeying the king’s instructions. God pursuing a path of simplicity and silence, being born at night in a humble manger. Every one of these choices is madness.



But thank God that He is a God of madness – one who loves us enough to go to unpredictable actions to be with us, whose presence is surprisingly gentle despite the power He can wield, who can break our expectations to respond to our deepest desire and give us something even better. And thank God He is a God of madness for like Mary and Joseph, we can also respond in madness, experiencing unparalleled freedom and the joy of loving and being loved so deeply which would not be possible otherwise.



This whole season reflects madness. But not madness without sense. For in the end, this seeming foolishness has logic: that of the heart, God’s heart for us. We can be certain that we have been loved, that we are loved, and that we will always be loved with such abandon, creativity and resilience. And it shows us that whoever we are and whatever we have been through, God can handle it. There is nothing in us and nothing in this world that the Lord’s mad love will not seek, accept, behold and transform.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

20/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: T

Anyone who has ever participated in a group activity, game or competition would realize that one cannot, should not, be detached from your teammates. It is a requirement to know them, cooperate with them and even be invested in their welfare. And thus, it is crucial that we choose well whom we team up with.



When Jesus was born into this world on that fateful night, it seemed that God was telling us he is our teammate. He indeed went to great lengths to be a good partner to us. He came here to know us and our human journey. He chose to be in this journey so he can work with us and cooperate with us for our salvation. And he desires our salvation because he cares for us and is invested in our welfare.



We cannot ask for a better teammate than God. His nourishing presence gives us a home, whether we win or lose the battles we face. His magnanimity ensures we have everything we truly need to triumph over our weaknesses, fears and darkness. His love gives us cause and reason to make it through until the finish. The Messiah is on our side. He has chosen to ally with us. He is rooting for us. As Christmas approaches, we can ask ourself: in turn, how are we participating as part of the Lord’s team?



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

12/12/2023

AASA celebrates 36th Anniversary

The Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association (AASA) celebrated its thirty-sixth anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Church of the Gesù.

The said Eucharistic Celebration, which was attended by alumni-scholars and their families, as well as members of the Ateneo community, was presided by Rev. Fr. Jose M. Cruz, SJ. Concelebrating with him was Rev. Fr. William “Bill” Kreutz, SJ., who founded the AASA when he was Director of the Ateneo’s Office of Admission and Aid for the College Department.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Fr. Cruz spoke of the value and danger of giving one’s trust to others. According to him, entrusting one’s life to another is something that is well-intentioned but reckless, as there is no way of knowing whether or not the person will be cherished or crushed. Be that as it may, he points out that to accept the trust of others is to also partake in the mission that God has given his people, leading them to become true servants of God.

“As difficult as it is to believe sometimes our person and our possessions, that is who we are and was assigned to us not as mere servants but as God’s children,” Fr. Cruz says, “[for] the grace we ask for is to have a deep and widen sense that we are stewards of God’s providence.”

Before the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Kreutz spoke to recognize those who have served before the Altar, and to acknowledge the presence of alumni-scholars. A booth showcasing alumni-scholars and their various stories was also set-up outside the Gesù, which many Churchgoers visited after the Mass.

The AASA was established in August 1987, when Fr. Kreutz gathered alumni-scholars and presented them with an avenue to share the gift they were once blessed with through the creation of a scholarship fund, known as the Scholars-for-Scholars Scholarship Fund (SSSF).

In 2002, it was renamed into what is now known as the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association, with the goal of not only raising funds for scholarships, but to also provide means for alumni and current scholars to gather, and to provide appropriate assistance to any member of the association when needed.

Written by JC Madrid

12/12/2023

Beyond Familiar Walls

In the wide tapestry of post-graduate studies, Louie Constantino’s story of intellectual growth and self-discovery highlights a heartwarming narrative dealing with sweet goodbyes and the anticipation of new beginnings. Coming from his hometown of Lucena City, Quezon Province, Louie steps into an invigorating journey that greets him with a myriad of new learnings and environments, all while staying true to his roots as an Atenean.

Right after getting his undergraduate degree, he decided to work for the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association, wherein he was able to serve and help out with his benefactors. At the same time, he pursued this endeavor to finance and fund his further studies, which he is currently taking. As someone who had harbored steadfast dreams of becoming a lawyer, Louie finds himself fortunate as he is finally one step closer to his aspirations as he takes up his Juris Doctor degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Grateful for the gift of Ateneo education, Louie reflects on the opportunities it has graced him, promoting him to pursue further studies in one of the prestigious law schools in the Philippines.

Dedicating his first few months after graduating from the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association, he expresses how it felt as if he had never left the grounds of Ateneo. For him, bidding his alma mater goodbye seemed like a mere formality to his undergraduate journey, knowing to himself that he would always find himself back to the Loyola campus often. In his new odyssey toward a judicial path away from the Ateneo culture and community, Louie conveys how much he misses the familiar atmosphere so dearly. However, this yearning only underscored his immense gratitude to the Ateneo and the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association for their guidance, as well as their unwavering support during his undergraduate stay. He is who he is today and does his best wholeheartedly in all of his endeavors, all thanks to their generosity.

Louie Constantino’s moving story served not only as an inspiration to scholars pursuing further studies but also as a testament to the enduring impact of Ateneo education. His early career engagement in the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association served as a bridge between the familiar landscape of student life and the uncharted waters that go beyond university and Ateneo. All in all, although embarking on a new expedition unfamiliar to him, Louie still carries the comforting grace of the Ateneo.

“Three months on, I can say without a doubt that I still feel the love and joy of the Ateneo community even as we've already left its halls as students.”

Written By Lara Bernadette Bauzon

12/12/2023

Being A Person-For-Others: TALAB 2023

Understanding the true meaning behind being a “person-for-others”, as St. Ignatius of Loyola once did. Such is the theme of the events included in this year’s Talakayang Alay Sa Bayan (TALAB) Talks. Titled “Renewing Our Commitment: Persons for Others @ 50”, TALAB also celebrates the golden anniversary of Fr. Pedro Arrupe Sr.’s call to become persons for others.

Held from the 17th, all the way to the 27th of October, the various talks focused on committing oneself to serving others. The different organizations in the Ateneo each held their own talks, ranging from how to utilize one’s hobbies and interests to serve others, to discussions and debates on the current social concerns occurring in the present and how the student body can aid in combating these concerns.

One of the talks organized by The Ateneo Assembly, entitled “Nasaan ka atenista? Understanding student leadership then and now” put their focus on the evolution of leadership in the student setting. For the talk, various alumni of the Ateneo who became student leaders themselves. One of these alumni speakers was scholar alumnus Myra Arce, as the 2022-2023 Scholars’ Representative. Along with the other speakers, they shared to the audience their experiences, sentiments, and challenges in their leadership.

Furthermore, scholars’ organization Ateneo Gabay held their own TALAB talk titled “Bakante Ang Upuan, May Uupo Nga Ba?: A Question of the Right to Education in the Philippines”, as part of their organizational thrust to push for quality education for both Atenean scholars and public elementary school students.

Through the talk, Gabay sheds light on the accessibility, or lack thereof, of quality education in the Philippines despite it being a human right. The organization showed the film “Black Rainbow” (2022) by Zig Dulay. The movie focuses on the struggles of an Aeta boy to achieve education in the face of the challenges of finance and digital divide.

Throughout the two week run of TALAB, the call to be “persons-for-others” lives on, even 50 years after the initial call. Through these events, and those to come in the future, the legacies of Fr. Arrupe and St. Ignatius of Loyola are sure to persist in the hearts and minds of the community, to hopefully spread outside it as well.

Written by Josef James Rey Cruz

Sources:
[1] Ignatian Solidarity Network. “Men and Women for Others | Fr. Pedro Arrupe S.J.” https://ignatiansolidarity.net/men-and-women-for-others-fr-pedro-arrupe-s-j/

[2] Ana Rufa Padua & Akeezia Carreon. “Ateneo community renews commitment to be for and with others in TALAB 2023” https://theguidon.com/1112/main/2023/11/ateneo-community-renews-commitment-to-be-for-and-with-others-in-talab-2023/

[3] The Ateneo Assembly. “Nasaan ka atenista? Understanding student leadership then and now” https://www.facebook.com/TheAteneoAssembly/posts/pfbid0DYP6FRK3nqVLpZrumQB3wwRcVEodpBJ2Su6CCrJ9nHcL4dJWdHJebEattsiJhwXil

[4] TALAB 2023. “Lente: Bakante Ang Upuan, May Uupo Nga Ba?: A Question of the Right to Education in the Philippines (Gabay)” https://ateneotalab.online/classes/276

[5] Cinemalaya. “BLACK RAINBOW - Cinemalaya.” https://cinemalaya.org/black-rainbow/

12/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: S

Have you ever received a gift
That’s unexpected but when opened, wanted?
Your heart began to shift.
Surprised, you learned you are beloved.

Christmas is that kind of surprise.
Certainly the best we have been bestowed.
We are filled with so many whys.
And the answer: God’s love overflowed.

Surprise! The Savior is here.
Not far away, but present in our very journey.
His birth indeed makes it clear.
We are cared for, cherished and deemed worthy.

Let this surprise fully unfold.
Allow yourself to bask in the truth it uncovers.
There is an Emmanuel to behold.
And there is a Lord, the greatest of all lovers.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

12/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: I

Indeed - this word is used to emphasize, confirm or state a fact. Such a short and simple word but it can make a lot of difference. That’s why perhaps we should use it sparingly. For if we are too liberal with it, it can lose its impact and value. And these days, when so many things are said and heard not all of which are true, we need to be more mindful and careful. We have to be discerning with what comes out of our lips and even what we choose to listen to.

In deed: we have to be intentional with our actions. Oftentimes, our movements represent and speak about us more than our words. To profess something can be easy. To actually do it may be another thing. So when we hear someone say ‘I love you’, we should be watchful that it translates into real deeds. And isn’t that what God has done? In different ways and languages, the Father has always told us of His love for us. But not just that. He actually showed it through the very concrete choice of placing His son in our midst, despite the darkness, sinfulness and uncleanliness of this world.

The Lord fulfills His promise of safety, consolation and salvation. His words certainly matter and never fail to be meaningful. At the same time, we see His heart in the action He has taken. He is our light and hope. We have a loving parent in the Father. And the Spirit never forsakes us. All of these we know if we allow ourselves to embrace the real and distinct action of having been offered Emmanuel, God with us. He loves us – in deed, indeed.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

09/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: R

Oxford University Press recently chose ‘rizz’ as word of the year for 2023. Merriam Webster also announced it as one of their words for this year after they included it in their dictionary last September. ‘Rizz’ seems to stem from ‘charisma’ and pertains to a certain charm or attractiveness. While mostly used in romantic contexts, the recognition of such a word can reflect many people’s attention to the reason or act of being drawn to someone.

As we approach Christmas, it may be good to ask ourselves: are we still drawn to that baby in the manger? Do we still find that story of the Father sending us His son attractive and important? Nowadays, what is the charm of this season for us? For sure, the simplicity of Jesus’ birth which did not come with fancy announcements or flashy trimmings can be easy to ignore. But its lack of the usual characteristics of what can rizz us up or attract us should never be the main consideration. For this is what truly matters: the Savior comes to us for no other reason except that we are loved.

Given that there can be many motivations to feel joyful and celebratory during this time, may we always hold on to what’s most essential. We have been given value. We are considered worthy. We will always be held in the highest esteem. The Messiah coming into our world has shown that. And despite not having bombastic rizz, he is someone we can allow ourselves to be drawn to for he draws us to him with no other reason or means but his love.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

09/12/2023

In Memoriam: Jumela F. Sarmiento (1970 - 2023)

It is with deep and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Jumela F. Sarmiento, Associate Professor of the Department of Mathematics, on 7 December 2023.

She was a beloved friend, colleague, teacher, student, sister, auntie, and daughter to many of us. Jumela was also Director of the university‘s Office of Admission and Aid from 2012-2017, and president of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines from 2010-2014.

We are requesting your prayers for Jumela’s peaceful transition to the place especially prepared for her by our Lord. Please also pray for her family and loved ones who seek comfort in this most difficult time.

Eternal rest grant unto Jumela, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

07/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: H

Mary’s ‘Yes’ to being the Messiah’s mother is often described as a humble one. We also always hear that the son of the Father humbled himself to be one of us, to be with us. And as the story goes, his life began in the very humble setting of a manger. It seems that this nativity narrative cannot be told without the virtue of humility. At the same time, what humility truly means can be understood in this context of a woman lovingly accepting God’s invitation, a God choosing to be in on this human journey, and a journey that speaks of nothing less than love.

Humility can often be mistaken as to belittle oneself. It may also be seen as giving up. There may also be interpretations that to be humble is to lack conviction. But in the Savior’s birth, all of these are false. Mary’s yes elevated us, removing us from the belittling situation of sin. Jesus’ coming was not a sign of the Father giving up and is, in fact, a stance that He continues to fight for us and our salvation. And certainly, there wasn’t a lack of conviction in sending us the Emmanuel for it showed how definite the Lord’s love is for us.

As we move onward in this Season of Advent, how can we be more humble by saying yes to God’s invitations? What can we do to proceed in courageous humility, bravely acknowledging the darkness yet fighting against it with our own gifts and heaven’s grace? Where can we exercise more love – humbled yet sure that we were borne from it, sustained by it and meant for it? If we need more guidance on a way forward, we only need to look at this nativity story to see that not everything may be grand and will come with fireworks. But oftentimes, what’s humble is what’s truly important and lasting.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

07/12/2023

Join a post-pandemic advent recollection with Fr Johnny C Go SJ on 9 December 2023, Saturday, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 NN.

You are welcome to attend online or onsite at the Loft, Roofdeck Arete, Ateneo de Manila University.
Register now at go.ateneo.edu/WaitingInTheAftermath.

05/12/2023

Nine Words for Christmas: C

We all know the story. Advent is a time of waiting for the child to come. Christmas Day is a celebration of his coming. And following this birth, our lives are given hope and light because he has come. Because of this child, we will never be the same. We have reason to believe that there is salvation. We can trust that we are loved so deeply that the very son of God was sent to us. We can be more.

In these days of merriment and joy, may we never lose sight of the child who ought to be the center of this season. At the same time, may we also allow the child within each of us to remind and move us to live in a way that, perhaps, only children can. To be childlike in our wonder and appreciation of the beauty around us, including the festive lights and unique Christmas music. To be childlike in our affection for one another – opening our hearts fully to love and be loved, unabashed and unfiltered. To be childlike in our trust in the Lord, going home and surrendering to His embrace.

Christmas is because of that child. Christmas is a time for all children, young and grown in age. Christmas is best when we allow ourselves to be childlike, vulnerable to and accepting of small and big graces. So during this unique period of the year, let us celebrate the child who comes bearing the Father’s message that we are, indeed, His beloved children in a way that only the child inside us can.



ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
OFFICE FOR MISSION AND IDENTITY

05/12/2023

Launching our first AASA Christmas Postcard!

Welcome the Christmas spirit of warmth and love with a Christmas Postcard designed by one of our own AASA Scholars, Gerilou Beatrine B. Bariuan.

By purchasing your own box of Christmas postcards for only Php 360 per bundle, you can help a scholar! All proceeds will go directly to AASA's Scholars-for-Scholars Scholarship Fund.

You can choose between the two bundles:
1. Bundle A - 5 pieces of 6 x 4 inches postcard.
2. Bundle B - 10 pieces of calling card size postcard.

The Christmas Postcards will be available for claiming at the AASA booth by the entrance of the Church of the Gesù on December 15, 2023 (Simbang Gabi). Deliveries may also be arranged by filling out our pre-order form. Please note that all delivery fees are to be shouldered by the buyer.

You may now pre-order through:
https://forms.gle/M3NtpbT7emWQ9azj8

05/12/2023

Participate in our fundraising for AASA Scholars!

For only Php 500, help a scholar by getting your own Ateneo Scholar Shirt! All proceeds will go directly to AASA's Scholars-for-Scholars Scholarship Fund.

Our Ateneo Scholar Shirt is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.

The shirts will be available for claiming at the AASA booth by the entrance of the Church of the Gesù on December 15, 2023 (Simbang Gabi). Deliveries may also be arranged by filling out our pre-order form. Please note that all delivery fees are to be shouldered by the buyer.

Pre-order your own shirt through the link below!
https://forms.gle/y8dcSYV3LSBKCbX88

24/11/2023

The Ateneo Alumni Association is hosting this year's Grand Alumni Homecoming Event on December 2, 2023! See you there!

As this year’s Grand Alumni Homecoming fast approaches, we invite you to reserve a table for you and your friends to make sure you have a great time!

P15,000 per table of 10

To reserve a table, we are pleased to provide you the guidelines via: https://lipad98.com/lipad-23/table-reservations/

Last day to reserve your tables is on November 30, 12NN.

Walk-in tickets will be sold onsite on the day of the homecoming - December 2, 4PM.

Lipad na and see you in the homecoming! 💙🦅

21/11/2023

A Quest to Save the Game

The hardwood echoes with the thunderous cheers of the loyal Ateneo fans create an electrifying atmosphere as the Blue Eagles, once again, drum the thrill into the UAAP Season 86 Basketball Tournament. Known for its consistent places in the UAAP standings, the Blue Eagles soar high as they continue to capture the attention of enthusiasts while playing their hearts out.

Contending against formidable rivals from other Philippine universities, the Ateneo struggles to secure a seat in the final four, which currently includes UP, DLSU, and NU. Strategic game plans, relentless determination, and the unyielding roars of the Atenean community seem to find little luck in the team, bringing an even greater challenge to the players. The Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Adamson Soaring Falcons concluded the elimination rounds with tied up records of 7 wins and 7 losses, inevitably setting up for a playoff game between the two teams to keep their championship hopes alive. Winning this playoff game will promote the more resilient team to the final four as the 4th seed to face the UP Fighting Maroons, the 1st seed, in a bid to advance further in the competition.

In other news, the Most Valuable Player race continues to beat through the hearts of many basketball fans. While it already sizzles in the numbers, many list the topnotch scorers in the league, analyzing each athlete’s statistics on the court. Several players compete for the prestigious award, with players like Kevin Quiambao of the Archers, Malick Diouf of the Fighting Maroons, Rey Remogat of the Red Warriors, L-Jay Gonzales of the Tamaraws and Quiambao’s teammate Evan Nelle—all in the mix to become the UAAP’s next MVP.

Overall, as our Blue Eagles continue to put up a fight and defend last season’s championship title, every dribble, pass, and dunk becomes a tribute to their unshakeable determination and a source of pride for the entire Atenean community.

Written By Lara Bernadette Bauzon

Sources:
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/kai-ballungay-says-ateneo-needs-to-grow-up-fast-a5172-20231011
https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/6/ateneo-takes-on-adamson-up-nu-vie-for-early-solo-lead

21/11/2023

Nurturing the Healer Within the Blue Heart

Diligent, driven, and a scholar — that is Arvin Neil Lota. Coming from the Ateneo for most of his life, this AASA scholar’s story is one of unwavering determination. Not only is his tale inspiring for students, but it is also a testament to the power of transformation through grit and perseverance.

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Arvin was ready to step into another milestone toward achieving his childhood dream. Immediately after graduating, he found himself on a path less traveled: one that would lead him to the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH). Leaving the comforts of his alma mater, he dove into a new campus, into the unfamiliar yet welcoming grounds of ASMPH, but still carrying the heart of a blue eagle.

The transition to a new chapter was not without its challenges. Three months after graduation, Arvin’s new journey entailed many adjustments and adaptations. Being one of the youngest people as a 1st year medical student in a new community, the onset of his endeavors invited him to reminisce about his freshman year as a Loyola Student. Despite this, his decision to pursue medical studies necessitated an endless routine of studying — sleepless nights, gruesome exams, and lengthy medical cases. While medical school in itself is already difficult as it is, as a student in ASMPH, students are confronted with juggling it with the daunting task of completing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program, all while pursuing their current studies.

Every day, Arvin felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on his shoulders. From the voluminous medical textbooks to the cases he deals with in his business studies, it is without surprise that Arvin, along with his peers, feels the immense workload. In spite of this, his dedication to his studies was not unnoticed. Balancing two heavy degrees at once is not an easy task, yet he reminds himself that championing these would provide him with a skill set that would set him apart from other students in the industry.

Through the long nights, demanding deadlines, and seemingly endless hours of studying, Arvin found solace in his pursuits. His steadfast determination was fueled by the aspiration that was only once a dream — “Becoming a competent Atenean doctor has always been my dream since I was a kid and it feels surreal now that I'm slowly turning this into reality.”

In a world where specialization, more often than not, overpowers a well-rounded education, Arvin’s story reminds us all that students are more than capable of being stellar in multiple fields. His story inspires learners that they need not be confined to be able to excel. They only need the grace of versatility and diligence.

As he embarked on a medical journey and the formidable undertaking of an MBA, Arvin Neil Lota stood steadfast between two intersections. Equipped with the grit of an AASA scholar, he aspired to be a dreamer and a healer in the making, working to make a difference in the world, one determined step at a time.

Written By Lara Bernadette Bauzon