Classroom

Summarized

Throughout the semester, I participated in various academic and university-wide activities, including the Freshie Walk on August 15, 2024, the Web Development: Latest Trends and Strategies Industry Lecture on August 19, 2024, the Balik Talent Lecture on August 22, 2024, the All-University Convocation on October 14, 2024, and the Danger of Self-Diagnosis lecture for 2nd-year students on November 20, 2020. These events were hosted by Silliman University and its respective departments, such as the College of Computer Studies and the University Convocation Committee. My roles in these events ranged from being a participant in the Freshie Walk and the Web Development lecture to serving as a working committee member in the Balik Talent Lecture and other events.

Participating in these activities provided opportunities to explore a variety of topics, from technical skills to mental health awareness. While my initial expectations were limited to academic enrichment or casual campus engagement, I found myself gaining deeper insights into professional growth, mental health, and the culture of collaboration within the university.

A standout moment came during the Balik Talent Lecture, where an alumnus shared their journey of perseverance and success after graduation, leaving a lasting impression on me. In contrast, the Danger of Self-Diagnosis lecture opened my eyes to the risks of misinformation and the importance of seeking professional help. Both events were pivotal in shaping my perspectives on life and education.

The most satisfying parts of these activities were the shared experiences with peers and the wealth of knowledge I gained. However, a challenging aspect was balancing academic responsibilities with attending these events, which sometimes left me feeling stretched. My values of lifelong learning and personal growth were expressed in my consistent efforts to engage with these opportunities.

These experiences have broadened my worldview, encouraging me to approach life with curiosity and resilience. For instance, I learned about the latest trends in web development and how to critically assess information on health-related topics, which are both practical skills I can apply in future endeavors. I also realized the importance of celebrating the university’s culture and achievements through events like the Freshie Walk and the All-University Convocation.

Moving forward, I plan to remain engaged in similar activities, aiming to take on more active roles such as assisting in organizing or leading. The benefits of participating in such events are undeniable, from professional growth to building a sense of community. If I were to revisit these activities, I would prepare more thoroughly to maximize my contributions and derive greater value from them.

Because of these activities, I am more aware of my potential to contribute to a larger community, more open to learning beyond the classroom, and more inspired to embrace the opportunities around me.