Coffee, a freshmen diary, and two things to look out for (love) in Asian Studies

Photo by Marielle Isabel Altuna/UST Asian Studies Gazette

By Marielle Isabel Altuna

OVERTHINKING. It is one of my overused traits, which I do almost every occasion. Upon graduating from Senior High School, I vividly remember deeply dwelling on college and being consumed by thoughts like "What if I do not make any friends?" and "What if the program I chose may not be the right one for me?." Sometimes, it goes along the line, "What if I eventually fall behind and fail to catch up?" because the thought of college always seemed so exciting yet intimidating to me, especially when it comes to the discussion of the program I will be pursuing and why I chose as such.

As I was completing my college applications, only one thought was on my mind: the goal was to get that degree and get to law school, which my parents were very supportive of, but they advised me to choose the program that I believed would help me in achieving my goal while also being something that I would enjoy so that I could ultimately avoid experiencing burnouts as much as possible. Along with Legal Management, Asian Studies was one of the numerous programs that quite piqued my interest upon completing my college applications, so I chose one as my priority program and the other as my alternative program. However, upon enrollment, I chose to pursue Asian Studies, despite originally wanting to pursue the other because of the curiosity and the belief that it may serve as a bridge for various opportunities when maximized to its fullest capabilities, rather than focusing solely on just one.

I entered the program and college in general as someone who was deeply sunken into their comfort zone and refused to step out of it for the longest time, but as I continuously interacted with the many facets of the program, from my block mates to the courses, discussions, and activities, I learned and am gradually adjusting to the aspect of experiencing noteworthy lessons and memories. As a freshman in the program, two things among many different others were the most unforgettable experiences for me so far;

1. Public Speaking 

Public speaking was never my strongest suit; I tend to get extremely nervous when standing and most especially when speaking in front of a large crowd, but upon encountering activities that required it, I started adjusting to it and am slowly enjoying it, not just for the expectations of receiving a good grade, but merely the act itself.

2. Readings and Lectures

The number of readings given may be overwhelming from time to time, but each and every single one of them holds valuable learnings that may broaden our knowledge that surrounds the past, the present, and possibly even the future. The assigned articles and books mainly intend to cover the contemporary world, history, and philosophy, among others, which made me realize there is still so much more for us to understand and unfold, not just within the borders of Asia but all around the world.

Asian Studies is very much a challenge because as it is a great academic pursuit, it is simultaneously very enjoyable because it is an interdisciplinary program, meaning that it discusses numerous academic disciplines and is not just ultimately limited to one, which is why, once you step into its walls, there are so many doors that follow, waiting to be opened and explored. As a freshman student in the Asian Studies program, I can wholeheartedly say that despite this program not being my dream course, it is one that I owe immense appreciation to because it is helping me shape my dreams into reality.