Written by Jhezereel Bangaoet, Maezzie Celestino, Dianne Daileg
Photo courtesy of STELA Student Body
The cold mountain air of Baguio City felt warmer and cozier as the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) Student Body welcomed the new and returning STELArs with “Kamusta STELA”, a three-day event made to cater STELArs with free coffee, treats, stickers, and plenty of fun.
The STELA Student Body transformed the 2nd floor lobby of the Centennial Building from January 19 to 21 into a space where faculty and students can gather, converse, and fill their stomachs with snacks, stickers and coffee from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Beyond the core offerings, inclusivity was at the heart of the event. By simply showing up in the lobby space and filling out their names, they can have access to the snacks and coffee provided. These were given at no cost to everyone as the organization believes in building a supportive environment for STELArs.
The highlight of the opening day was the appearance of Ollie, the newest member of the Student Body and STELA mascot, who drew crowds for photographs and fun interactions. Its playful presence entertained the students while encouraging them to enjoy the freebies of the event, helping break the ice and create memorable moments that were captured in photos and shared on the official Facebook page of the STELA Student Body.
The event also highlighted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG no. 3 Good health and well-being – sharing coffee promotes care, emotional support in the school and helps students to reduce stress and increase alertness that support their mental well-being. Food nourishes the students to keep up their physical energy, concentration and overall health. Furthermore, SDG no. 2 Zero Hunger – coffee, snacks or other small food contributes to student’s food security and helps them to focus better. It may be a simple snack but it addresses short-term hunger that can affect a student’s learning. And, SDG no. 4 Quality Education – printed stickers carried positive messages and came in different designs as learning tools to motivate and inspire students. This activity helped them feel more prepared for class, encouraging active participation and effective learning. By promoting wellness and motivation, the STELA student body organization helps ensure that education is not only about academics but also stimulates a community where students can thrive.
Organized entirely by the Student Body, the Kumusta STELA was successfully accomplished with an overwhelming amount of pride and gratitude for the efforts of everyone who participated. It is a reminder that at STELA – community comes first, one coffee, snack, and sticker at a time.
