The CSB Experience 4: The Final Day

My oh my...How time flies. I didn't think I would make it this far but looking back, I remember myself writing how my first day in Benilde went. Of course, with me being so much a tell-all, I just right what I have to write and wrote that whole thing without having to proofread it.

"The First Day" seems to be the most befitting title to describe the very first day of school, especially that it was done hours after I came home that time. With that said I always thought if ever I am, after 3-4 years, were to write describing how my final day in CSB went. But look it here, a few hundred or so blogs later, I get write an article about MY VERY LAST DAY in BENILDE!

So basically, I slept a bit past 12 midnight but I've set my alarm clock at 3:30am so I could prep up for the big day ahead of time. It was a good call although I stayed in bed after waking up until half an hour later before taking a shower etc.

Hahaha, I even manage to publish my previous TCSBE entry which I failed to do so last night because of slow internet connection.

I didn't have to worry much about everything, I have my grad clothes ready, including toga, hat and sash. The tickets for the event are with my parents while I already bought a plastic full of  pandesal the day before to serve as my breakfast (since there's not much food left to munch on inside the house).

We left the house at 6, we got there a bit past 7 in the morning. By that time, there's already quite a number of graduates and their parents loitering the PICC grounds. Soon after, the grads were led by the registrar people inside to assemble. Good thing I got there early since I did miss my rehearsal last Saturday so I have completely no idea where I am supposed to see nor what am I going to do with the whole marching thing.

Thank goodness for Ronel who told me I'm going to sit between him and Jansie. Kaye, who was at that time on her way from the airport, is supposed to be assigned at the far left of our row while Mitch G's on the far right.

As the program is about to start, they already had us lined up inside the PICC main theater, climb up the stairs and wait for their cue for us to make our grand entrance. Fortunately for me an d those in my row, we were placed at the second front row so at least we get to see a lot of the action happening on stage.

A baccalaureate mass was held first, with around 5 presiders "presiding" including the officiating priest. During the homily, I liked the sermon of one of them; about imagining life if talking to God is like talking to a customer service hotline.

I didn't realize this until now that that mass is going to be the last mass I ever attended in CSB, especially that I only get to hear mass usually during Ash Wednesday and those periodic recollections/retreats.

Later on was the commencement exercises proper. One thing I liked about this, you don't really need to practice what you're supposed to when in such an event days before (ehem high school). It's very spontaneous and it sure has its dramatic moments that way.

For instance, when Andrea somehow messed up a bit the line-up of graduates waiting to receive their "nameless" diplomas, the end effect was visually seen when Aya who was walking to get hers got "shoved" by the girl behind her when that particular girl's name was called out by the SDA dean (a bit complicated to really describe the way it happened). Oh, the drama!

When it was my turn to get my "diploma", my heart pounded as my name was being called out (Good thing the dean pronounced my "Jaime" right). I walked onto the stage, looking all serious and smiling at the same time. I approached Brother Vic who handed out the diploma to me. We shaked hands and he Bro. President congratulated me and called me "James"! Hahaha, never have I expect him to know my nickname and I don't know how he knew hehehe. He really is one cool Brother!

As I walked down the stage, I hear nothing but ambience, I didn't hear anything but the pounding of my heart but I thought I heard an ambience of sorts. It was when I found out that the ambiance was actually an applause. An ambience that I will surely treasure forever.

It was right at that moment when the summa cum laude made her speech when I thought about how much me and all the graduates, who are ending their journey in college along with me, have changed since from the time we were all freshmen. Funny to think back especially the highs and lows we've been to and how we survived all those difficult ordeals.

It was after commencement when we all realized that we're finally free to face the world in our own two feet. We may no longer be students but as individuals, much hasbeen in store for our education in life. And what life has in store for us, we are all ready to face them.

Me and my friends made the mostof the remaining time we have left for each other to hug and congragtulate each other. Some of our past professors were there to witness our transition out from college as well as those who have supported us no matter what, most especially my parents.

So much has happened and how I wished I could relive it again. How I wish I could turn back time to relive my moments as a student but at least I know I have one hell of THE CSB EXPERIENCE!