Written by Christian Junio
Hi, I’m Christian Junio, 20 years old, and as of June 3, 2025, a proud graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Baguio — Batch 2025. Sa wakas, alumni na ako.
Looking back, my journey wasn’t like the typical college experience. First year pa lang, dumating na agad ang pagsubok: pandemic. Online classes. Hindi ko trip. I’ve always been excited about college, pero nung nangyari ‘yun, parang biglang nawala ‘yung thrill. Independent ako noon. Tahimik lang. Hindi pala-hingi ng tulong. Lahat ng activity, project, review, ginawa ko mag-isa. Until Joseph came into the picture.
At first, I found him annoying. Groupmate ko siya sa isang performance task, pero laging may dahilan para ‘di mag-edit ng video. Nakakainis, to be honest. Pero isang araw, bigla siyang nag-offer ng tulong sa isang activity. From there, tuloy-tuloy na. Akala ko okay na. Akala ko maayos na ang takbo ng college life ko. Pero hindi pala. Dumating ang bagsak. Isang subject na sabay pa naming binagsak. Yun ang multo na dadalhin ko habang buhay. Kasi dahil lang doon, I was disqualified from Latin honors. That subject stained my record and erased the possibility of becoming a cum laude. Kaya Laude Sana.
We took a summer class to retake it. Buti na lang we passed. That experience scarred me but also shaped me. It made me realize na kahit gaano ka kaingat, kahit gaano mo pilitin maging perfecto, isang pagkakamali lang, isang bagsak lang, pwedeng burahin lahat ng pinaghirapan mo.
Second year felt like my real first year because face-to-face classes finally started. I met Joseph in person, along with Kyle, Alexandra, Angge, and K. That day was a mix of excitement and pressure. I felt like I was finally in the right circle. I thrived. I joined clubs. I explored Baguio. I met classmates and teachers for the first time beyond a screen. I made memories. And despite the heavy expectations, I consistently made it to the Dean’s List.
Fast forward to today. Graduation.
This day is more than just an ending. It’s a celebration of the pieces of myself I found in every classroom, every meeting, every breakdown, and every breakthrough.
I am a student leader, a fighter, and a learner molded by challenges. Through the Supreme Student Council, the Student Legislative Council, and the Student Administrative Council, I learned that leadership is more than a title. It’s about being present. It’s about showing up for others even when you’re tired. It’s about using your voice when others are afraid to speak. I didn’t just grow academically. I grew with purpose.
And I am humbled to have received the plaque of the College Leadership Award and the plaque of the Special Media Journalism Award during graduation. These honors are not just plaques or certificates, but proof that my efforts, my voice, and my story mattered.
During my internship, I found one of the most important people in my journey: Aaron. He was my rant buddy and my badminton partner. Whenever things got overwhelming, he was the person I ran to. We shared stories about our future careers, our anxieties, and how we were going to survive after college. We laughed, we vented, and we encouraged each other to keep going. And just like fate smiling at both of us, our company offered us jobs before graduation. We’re still thinking about it, but knowing that we’re valued already means the world. Thank you, Aaron, for being the most comfortable presence during that season. You were my safe space.
To my internship company, thank you for building me not only professionally, but personally. You saw potential in me even as a student. You gave me space to grow, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully. Because of that, I was offered a managerial role as a fresh graduate, something I never imagined would happen this soon. I’m beyond grateful to be part of the team that believed in me from the start. My experience there didn’t just help me land a job. It helped me step into who I was always meant to become.
But no one survives college alone.
To Meggy, thank you for being that constant ball of energy. You were easy to get along with, and your warmth lit up every room. I will never forget the moments we laughed, and grew. You were my “tombits,” and a real one to me.
To Nicole Limos, thank you for being one of my rant buddies and for always being there when I needed support the most. Your presence meant a lot during the tough times. I’m grateful for your kindness and understanding.
To Alexandra Austria, you’ve seen me at my highest and lowest. You were there through everything: the breakdowns, the deadlines, the drama. You were more than a friend. You became family. And even though love hasn’t always been easy for you, I truly hope this one’s the last. You deserve real, lasting love, Baks.
To Kyle Ivy Dumo, you were the calm in the chaos. You had this way of making everything make sense. Your wisdom, your patience, your energy, it grounded me. I pray your first love will be your forever, because someone like you deserves a love that never hurts.
To my trio, Alexandra and Kyle, thank you. You were my home when everything else felt uncertain. We laughed, cried, fell, and rose together. Thank you for being the anchors of my college life. I am so proud of both of you, to have my multo as cum laude, and still, you never made me feel left behind. The words you said, that you wouldn’t have achieved being a laude without me, touched me deeply. You gave me credit even when I was doubting my worth, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Let me also share this piece of advice. During your college years, you’ll meet different kinds of people. Some will stay, some won’t. But I really hope you find the kind of friends who are the best fit for your personality, the ones who will help you grow and become the best version of yourself. Find people you can rely on, emotionally, academically, even financially during tough times, and make sure you’re someone they can rely on too. Choose friends who uplift you, not drain you. These are the friendships that will carry you through the darkest nights and celebrate with you in your brightest moments.
To Jewel, AK, Lady, Mika, Daeyna, Kurt, Julius, Joel, Vince, Nicole, and Pauline, thank you for being my low-maintenance friends. You’ve been the kind of people I could always count on without any pressure or drama. Our friendship didn’t need constant messages or big gestures to feel real and strong. You accepted me as I am, gave me space when I needed it, and showed up when it truly mattered. I love you all for your steady presence, your genuine kindness, and the easy comfort you brought into my life. Having friends like you made my college journey lighter and more joyful. Thank you for being simply yourselves and for being a part of my story.
To my main trio, Chiky and Hezrone, 18 years of friendship is no joke. Through all the years, the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, you’ve been constants in my life. Thank you for standing by me even during my worst moments, when I felt lost, broken, or doubting myself. Your unconditional love and unwavering support have been a lifeline. You never judged my mistakes or turned away when things got tough; instead, you lifted me up and reminded me of my worth when I forgot. I love you both for making me feel truly seen, understood, and valued, not just as a friend but as family. Having you by my side made the hardest times bearable and the good times even sweeter. Our friendship is a rare gift that I will always cherish. Thank you for being my anchors, my safe space, and my lifelong companions. I’m so grateful to have you in my life, and I look forward to many more years of growing, laughing, and facing whatever comes our way together.
To my professors and the UB community, thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself. Thank you for the lessons inside and outside the classroom.
To my family, this victory is yours as much as it is mine.
Mama Ana, salamat sa bawat almusal, bawat gising sa umaga, bawat gabing nagpuyat ka para lang masigurado mong okay ako. Hindi mo man laging sabihin, pero naramdaman ko lahat ng sakripisyo mo. You gave me more than enough love, more than enough strength. I hope I made you proud. Because I’m so, so proud to be your child.
Papa Renante, you’re not the showy type. I’ve always known that. But I felt your quiet support in everything. I’ll never forget that one day during second year sem break. I came home with fear in my heart, unsure if you’d accept me — me, fully. Then you saw me in my skirt and blouse and said, “Arritoy mettin jay anak ko nga babaen.” That one line changed everything. You accepted me without conditions. That moment is engraved in my heart. Thank you for seeing me, Papa. And for loving me in silence.
To my sisters Reina Mae, Reina Rose, and Princess Nicole, you’ve always made me feel like I could do anything. Engineer, registered nurse, future achiever, watching you chase your dreams gave me the courage to chase mine.
To my lolo Regalado and lola Felicidad, thank you for raising me with love and grace. Your care is something I will forever carry.
To all my titos, titas, and cousins, your small acts of support meant so much. Thank you for being part of my story.
And lastly, thank you, University of Baguio, for shaping me into who I am today — personally and professionally. You weren’t just a school to me; you were a training ground, a sanctuary, and a launchpad. From the classrooms to the corridors, from student leadership councils to late-night cramming sessions, every corner of UB molded me. You taught me resilience, discipline, critical thinking, and above all, heart. You helped me discover my voice and gave me the confidence to use it. Thank you for challenging me, nurturing me, and preparing me for the world beyond your walls.
This isn’t just a graduation. It’s a full-circle moment.
From the girl who almost gave up to the graduate who rose above the scars.
Laude sana.
Pero higit pa sa medalya, I gained a story.
A story worth telling.
A life worth living.
A future worth facing.
Maraming salamat sa lahat. This chapter may be done, but the journey, the fight, continues.
202156** Signing off, but never signing out.
