Do not deny where you came from

I am a proud Benildean

I am not from UP, Ateneo, or La Salle. I came from CSB, the school speak for itself in a not so positive light. If the person interviewing you is 40 and above, chances are they see you from the institution you came from. CSB=College of School Bukol, College of Spoiled Brats, “bagsakan ng kick-out from La Salle”, etc. I am sure that if people were proven wrong, this stereotyping will soon be gone.

I am not saying that all of them are wrong. There are some Benildeans out there who just really puts shame to our alma mater. It’s like they’re not even trying to be better, like they’re spoiled to begin with and there is nothing that they’d do to change. Those super duper rich kids who need a diploma just for the sake of having one. It also baffles me that there are some Benildeans who'd lie about their school, they'd be like "I'm from La Salle". Jeez. 

Back in frosh, I was so defensive about my institution. I don’t like it when people judge it because of what it was 10 years ago. It’s like they disregard the fact that the school is starting to gain momentum. There were professors in CSB who would actually tell us straight to our faces that we’re lucky enough that they’re teaching in CSB, they’re there because of the pay, that they could be teaching in Ateneo or something.

We all felt rejected at some point. Like no one really wanted us. I was lucky to be in the right crowd in CSB. We studied, partied, had a social life, hung-out in the LRC, and all the other things that college people do. I think some of us shared a dream of being a notable person one day, and that we’ll give our speech on how we owe it to our alma mater.

I am thankful for the professors who instead of teaching in an established school, opted to teach in CSB. I am sure that aside from the salary, they saw potential. They saw students willing to learn and strive. I am thankful that I’ve met my closest friends in college. We all helped each other realize our dreams, constructively criticized one another, and served as a support group. I am proud of CSB, and I am proud that I graduated there. 

My forever friends

These are the things that I learned in CSB:

Ø  Doing ordinary things extraordinarily well

Ø  Be honest

Ø  Always work twice as hard

Ø  Always be willing to learn

Ø  Don’t take advantage of the weak

Ø  Be a leader, not a boss

Ø  Share your knowledge

Ø  Be a team player

Ø  Be humble

Ø  Learn to work under pressure

Ø  Assume the worst case scenario

Ø  Be socially responsible