From Summer Bliss to Real-World Prep: The Back-to-School Transition

Mabuhay, it's me again your petite aspiring writer! I am back again with my new blog. It's been a while since I posted another blog and today I'd like to show you how this A.Y 2024-2025 first day of school be like. Please fasten your seatbelt as we are going to navigate through this first day of school as a college student.

"The first day of school is the first blank page of a new chapter. Make it a great one!"_Anonymous

August 27 marks a new chapter for many students in Cebu Technological University. Back-to-School means back to reality as a students, no more royalty life and no more chillin' vibe. The first day of school always carries with it a mix of excitement and nervousness—especially for those college students that also pursuing degrees that prepare them for real-world professions.

The first day of school is for all the students who are acquainted again with their friends for a long time. Students are happily buzzing around, different genre of stories that needed to tell here, there, and everywhere.

The Supreme Student Government (SSG) prepared some activities for welcoming the new academic year with the theme: “𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐀 𝐄𝐒𝐊𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: 𝐁𝐚𝐠-𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐮𝐢𝐠, 𝐔𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐮𝐬𝐨𝐠 𝐨𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐠”, this activity is known for "Opening Salvo" it is like a traditional activity for students to welcome the new transition and adjustment for the new academic year. Students are busy talking and finding their attendance because here in college "attendance is a must" it means your life is depending on your attendance. The event stretches across four exciting days, each packed with activities that blend fun, community spirit, and school pride.

First Day: Opening Salvo

Photo from @madimoire

The theme "𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐀 𝐄𝐒𝐊𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: 𝐁𝐚𝐠-𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐮𝐢𝐠, 𝐔𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐮𝐬𝐨𝐠 𝐨𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐠" speaks volumes about the spirit of this gathering. "Kusog og Kadasig" (Strength and Passion) highlights the resilience and energy that students are expected to bring into the new academic year. The program promises a mix of inspiring speeches, fun-filled activities, and moments for students to reconnect or make new friendships. Everyone knows that this isn't just about marking attendance—it's about taking that first step towards a successful and fulfilling year ahead. The "Opening Salvo" sets the stage for what's to come, where students understand that beyond the fun, the discipline of showing up is what truly matters. As the event kicks off, the vibrant energy on campus signals the start of yet another exciting chapter.

I can't believe that I am now a third year college student pursuing up this Bachelor's Degree. How fast the day was, the last time that I remembered I making fuss and ranting this degree because it was not my first choice and it was hard. But I remembered that this is God's Will, and I love the journey. Although it was tough and it's hard to please everyone but I'm loving the journey against hardship.

Day 2: Singing Contest

The second day brings a new level of excitement with the singing competition. Talented students take the stage to demonstrate their vocal abilities, with the audience cheering for their favorites. It's obvious that this is my most favorite part of the program since i do love music, my ears blessed with so many beautiful voices different genre and stories to tell. While listening it captured my heart in an awe, I felt different emotions while I'm just sitting and listening. It's a day of friendly competition, and everyone comes together because they love music. The judges pay close attention, but the students are the true stars, captivating the audience with their powerful performances. It's not just about winning; it's about expressing themselves creatively and confidently in front of their peers.

Day 3: Parents Orientation and Meeting

On the third day, parents are invited to campus for an orientation and meeting.

Day 4: Food Festival

The event culminates in the much-anticipated food festival. Students, faculty, and staff gather to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes prepared by different section in Cebu Technological University-Tabogon Extension Campus. The festival celebrates culture, community, and food, featuring local favorites to celebrate also the Buwan ng Wika. It's the ideal way to conclude the four-day event, leaving everyone with full stomachs and happy memories.

These four days embody the spirit of "𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐀 𝐄𝐒𝐊𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒," where students not only prepare for their academic journey but also build a sense of community, pride, and fun to carry them through the year.