A Nostalgic Visit to My Alma Mater

Have you ever visited your Alma Mater years after graduation? Well, I did. I sort of visited a couple of times but this time, it hit different. Little did I know that my visit to my alma mater would be more than just an errand.

So, it's been what, more than five years (?) since I graduated from college? Geez. I already lost count. Time flies! The campus had its own glow-up since my graduation.

Initially, my only mission was to get some credentials, but turns out, I also got a dose of nostalgia. I opted for a Grab because let's be real, nobody's got time for Manila traffic. I remembered the days where we used to van-commute which lasted for like a year and a half until Wil and I decided to live near the campus.

I dropped off at the back entrance of our campus, near SM Manila, the same spot my friends and I used to get in when we were running late after a quick lunch break. The memories of our in-campus training flooded back. Unfortunately, the office I needed for the credentials moved to the other side of campus, so more walking for me.

_{From SM Manila going to our campus main building}

It was a sunny afternoon but I didn't care. I missed this stroll down memory lane. This path, the one from SM Manila / San Marcelino Street to our main building, brought back a lot of memories.

Happy memories of canceled classes leading to lunch breaks in San Marcelino near Adamson. The not-so-glamorous memories where beggars hung out at night, and some random street guys who occasionally perform in this same path, who misunderstood the concept of personal space (if you know what I mean!). This was the same path where my friends and I talked back to lots of truck drivers for catcalling us. And also, the dust and pollution that turned our all-white uniform into a shade of city gray 😂 Good times!

There's a bridge connecting the main building to the other building, where I'll get the credentials. The guard didn't let me use the overpass because it's inside the main building so I had to cross the road.

Reminded me of the rainy days with Wil, navigating through Manila floods like we're some sort of waterproof college commuters. That's one of the reasons we ended up living near our campus for almost two years.

I strolled through the familiar pathways of this campus and each path triggered tons of memories.

After 20 minutes of signing and getting the credentials, I headed to the main building to pay for it. I asked the other guard if I could use the overpass and thankfully he gave me access.

I captured this on the overpass. This is what we see when we cross this overpass to go to our next class. Before, we didn't think much of the view, but now I do because it brings back so many memories.

_{main building hallway}

Took this pic of the hallway while waiting in line. You can always spot students sprinting through here as early as 7 am 'cause they're late. You'll also witness some cringeworthy moments, students can't run as fast here because the floor is always slippery! I wonder if they really designed it just like that 🤣

_{random cat in the campus}

Our campus had its cat community. Lol, I'm just kidding, but we had lots of cats inside the campus. I'm not a cat person, but this one brought back memories of my friends petting them in the student veranda.

Also, there's the stage and quadrangle where the events usually take place. I have fond memories of staying up late to complete clearance events, some of which were enjoyable while others we attended just for the sake of attendance.

At the end of that hall stood the office that was practically my second home. During my time as a student assistant, I used to spend most of my break time at the office where I worked. It was there that I met one of the most humble bosses I've ever had. The decision to work there was one of the best I've ever made. Working there opened doors I didn't even know existed (literally and figuratively!).

I also miss the mango tree that used to be there, which was cut down due to termites. That tree was known as UTMT (under the mango tree) and served as our meeting place for practices, chitchats, or even casual meetups. It holds many memories.

When I was finished paying for my credentials, I captured this photo as a reminder of some of the happiest moments of my academic life.

Grasslandia was the location where we held our torch ceremony and the university announced the academic awardees. The memory of my name being mentioned in front of the whole campus, with my schoolmates and parents present, is still living in my head rent-free.

During our long break times, my classmates and I would place some cloth on the ground and sit together to talk about anything and everything. Most of our discussions revolved around our interpretations of the books or movies we had read or watched. Sometimes we would also discuss the stories that we were yet to read but were required readings. Some of us even slept there, especially those who had not gotten a full night's sleep due to their part-time work. This is also where we had the opportunity to meet students from other departments, our former classmates, and our professors who would sometimes join us for a casual chat.

My visit wasn't just a physical return, but an emotional one as well. As I walked through the campus, I felt a strong connection to it. This campus not only shaped me academically but also helped to develop my character and values.

As I type this blog, it dawns on me that my alma mater is more than just a physical place. It serves as a constant reminder of my personal growth. It was my dream university since I was in grade school, the only institution I took an entrance exam for, the university that molded me. I left the campus knowing that this visit would stay in my heart.