By: Alyszah Angela Beltran
Photo from: Colegio de San Juan de Letran
For 4th year students, the final semester is a paradox—exciting yet bittersweet, fulfilling yet stressful. As seniors prepare to close this chapter of their lives, they find themselves caught between nostalgia for the moments they’ll soon leave behind and the pressures of graduation requirements. Between thesis deadlines and OJTs, seniors are not just about to finish college — they are reflecting on who they were when they began and who they are about to become. This semester is a turning point and a mix of memories and hopes for the future— a moment that every senior experiences in their own unique way.
Full Circle
As the finish line of college comes into view, seniors find themselves reflecting on what these years have meant. Graduation is near, and with it comes a whirlwind of emotions—from pride in their accomplishments to uncertainty about the next chapter.
For Evanna Urayan, a senior from Legal Management:“All I can say is that time really flies because I remember when we were freshmen, we wanted to graduate as soon as possible so we wouldn't have to struggle with our subjects anymore. I still can't believe that graduation is fast approaching, and it feels like a full-circle ride because you can't believe that our four years at Colegio have already passed.”
Her reflection reveals a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. Moreover, it is a moment to pause and ponder on their personal growth, achievements, friendships, and lessons learned along the way.
Lessons Outside the Classroom
College is a collection of moments, some big and some small, that leave lasting impressions. For seniors, it is not just the exams and deadlines that stand out, but the memories they have created, and experiences that shaped their personal and academic growth. These memories are treasures they carry with them long after leaving the campus.
Deanne Montiel, a senior in Business Economics, shared her reflection: “The most memorable part of my college experience has been being a student assistant and a grantee of the San Juan Macias Student Assistantship Program. This experience taught me responsibility, discipline, and time management while allowing me to help my family and grow as a student.” Montiel continued, “What I will miss most is the time spent with my college friends that made my college life meaningful and enjoyable.”
For Gabriel Real, a senior in Marketing Management, one of the most memorable parts of his college journey was shifting to his current program. “I was afraid that being placed in a younger section would make me feel alone and disconnected. Instead, I found friendships that made me feel welcome from the very first day. I will always cherish the simple moments we shared, from casual conversations to late night bonding, where strangers slowly turned into genuine connections.”
These experiences show that college is more than just academics, but also a journey of self-discovery and connection. From navigating responsibilities to forming lasting friendships, seniors leave with lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.
More Than Just a Farewell
The institution plays a vital role in students’ journeys, providing guidance and support. At the same time, leaving the familiar halls and classmates brings a bittersweet sense of loss—a farewell to a place that was once a home and a foundation for their growth.
“Letran played a huge role in shaping who I am today. It taught me how to stand on my own and gave me the confidence to communicate, persuade, and express myself clearly. As I prepare to part ways with the school and my classmates, I feel a deep sense of sadness. Still, I believe that endings lead to new beginnings, and graduation is not a goodbye but a step forward to a new chapter in life,” Real said.
Urayan said, “I can say that I am one of the living proofs that Letran changed me in a good way. I was only 17 years old when I first stepped foot in Colegio, and I must admit that I still have a lot to learn but I learned to embrace all my challenges so that I could achieve the things I really needed to know in life—including the things I learned from my mistakes.” She also mentioned how the Colegio were her roots and that she will continue to support it from the sidelines.
Together, their stories reflect the shared experience of many students—arriving uncertain, and leaving transformed. While graduation marks a moment of separation, it also affirms the lasting imprint of the Colegio in their lives.
The Final Stretch
Even amidst the nostalgia, the final semester is also a time for action. Seniors set their sights on completing requirements, doing their internships or thesis, and making the most of their last months. It is a period of focus and determination, as they strive to leave a mark and prepare themselves for the transition ahead.
Montiel hopes to “impart the learnings, experiences, and skills I have gained to my LJES and SDP family, so that I can leave a positive impact and help prepare future members for leadership and service. Before graduation, I aim to create meaningful memories, give back to the organizations that shaped me, and finish this chapter of my life with gratitude and fulfillment.”
Additionally, Real said, “for this final semester, my goal is to finish strong while taking care of myself mentally and emotionally. If given the chance, I want to dance again and reconnect with a passion that Letran once helped nurture during my senior high school years. More than anything, I want to graduate with a grateful heart, knowing that every experience helped shape the person I am becoming.”
And lastly, for Urayan:“I don't have any specific goals yet, but I have plans like going to law school, working, and having my own temporary residence here in the city. All I want to accomplish before I graduate is to finish my OJT, and begin my initial steps to achieve what I have planned.”
Amid deadlines and goodbyes, they are all united by a shared determination to honor their journey, and step beyond Letran’s walls prepared for what lies ahead.
Etched in the Path
As seniors prepare to leave the halls of Letran, their journey mirrors a path marked by struggle, and resilience. Each challenge they faced has left its mark: evidence of their effort and growth that was etched along the way. There were moments of doubt, nights that felt heavy, never-ending deadlines, and times when the end seemed distant. Yet, like a drag path across the surface, these experiences tell a story of persistence and resilience. As the first light breaks after the longest night, graduation marks a new beginning. They leave with the courage to carve their own path in a world that’s waiting to be shaped by them.