Ronel Andrew M. Tolentino
- With High Honors, Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime Specialization
- Winner Word Cup Journalism Contest (National Level)
I uncertainly took the lead.
“Sure ka na ba?”
: asked by my mother when we were heading to the school to enroll
: asked by the staff while giving me the admission forms
: asked by the principal when she interviewed me
: asked by the doctor in the laboratory when I was taking my medical examination
A question about which I was uncertain. A question that gave me to the realization that senior high school is a serious matter; hence, an introverted, timid, and silent boy entered the gates of LPU riverside campus wearing a blue shirt – the color of my chosen strand. It was nerve-racking, but I was also enthusiastic about the new community I’d be joining.
But still… I was full of doubts about myself.
And then the classes started, it was difficult to adjust, but thanks to the welcoming environment of the school, I was able to blend in. Wearing the iconic LPU school uniform in an air-conditioned room at a different campus (LIMA), the morning assemblies, the hand salutes, and witnessing the majestic structure of MV Empress of Asia; those were the moments I never dreamt I would have.
My section, Alpha, was like a family. Despite our differences, we became a team with a common purpose and a shared dream. Unexpectedly, LPU, which has many doors (both metaphorically and literally), opened a door for me to have another family – Flambeau, LPU’s official student publication. Therefore, my passion for writing continued and I was able to meet the wonderful ‘ates’ and ‘kuyas’ that became my companion in training, contests, and the presswork itself. I never felt like a newcomer with them; instead, I felt the warm welcome and tremendous delight.
Even amid a pandemic, LPU never ceased providing me warmth. Several avenues have yet opened for me to demonstrate my ability and discover new things I never believed I was capable of. Because of this, I was still able to grow and develop my potentials in the comfort of my home.
So, to answer the question, “Sure ka na ba?”: I was never certain; I was blindly walking; I took a risk; however, LPU assured me the path and provided the light to guide me in my journey.
Because when the world seemed to come to a stop… LPU didn’t
When I was full of doubts… LPU’s doors opened
And when I was uncertain of myself… LPU believed
I entered as a transferee, but I graduated as an achiever, writer, layout artist, video editor, and a proud Lycean.
