“My life here in VSU”

You call it beautiful it’s true, but I have one thing to say to you, I believe there is more what you see, You call it paradise but I, I call it home….this is the chorus of the song entitled VSU- I Call it Home jingle 2012. Indeed, being part of this prestigious and premier university which I may also consider as my second home, ikanga: “It’s my home away from home is of great honour and privilege that will remain in my entire whole life. Talking about my life here in Visayas State University as a student, is in fact a one of a kind lifetime happenings that creates a big part of changing and moulding the present me.

At first, I’m so confused if I will continue my studies as a college student, it’s all because of financial problems. But with God’s grace and guidance He gave me this kind of opportunity, by means of a scholarship and definitely I didn’t waste my time, I grab it having great faith, courage and hope that anything works for good for those who love the Lord. And this is the beginning of my journey in taking the first step in achieving my goal in life as a student which is to graduate in the bachelor’s degree course and profession  I have chosen and it will also be possible of course with the help of the institution I’ve preferred and chosen-the Visayas State University.

CoConut Dormitory-“Barack of the Gents"

At most, I will always be thankful becoming a Cocoboy, because Coconut Dormitory and it’s respective and hospitable creatures accepted and give me a warm welcome. Fortunately, for 3 consecutive years I still reside at this dormitory. I created a lot of memories, gain a lot of learning and unforgettable experiences, which helps me to grown up, build my self-esteem and confidence, but most specially become self-directed and self-disciplined. I meet and encounter different faces from different places. Some are coming from Mindanao, others are from the neighbouring provinces like Bohol, Samar, Negros Occidental, etc. I also enjoy the company I shared with them, from being a freshmen who do not have any idea or knowledge what this college life may bring, I now become a big bro whom guide my co-younger dormates. I, too become a good time manager, utilizing and not wasting the precious time.

“KaFim- Filipino Majors” “Pioneering Batch”

Furthermore, though I don’t have the complete resources in my studies I’m so much blessed cause God is so good and merciful, He allowed me to maintain my scholarship becoming a University Scholar. I really enjoy the benefits I gained from this kind of opportunity of course I also share it to my family and friends. Actually, the major that I have chosen is an answered prayer, because I am so much afraid with the feedbacks of the upper class on the instructors about the major Mathematics, so with no doubts I directly shifted my major to Filipino and I did not encounter problem cause the subjects that I already took up were minor subjects. By this, I meet my co-majors and also created many memorable experiences in and outside the campus. Also, I meet and known our adviser Dr. Rizalina D. Truya who shared a lot of techniques, strategies, approaches on becoming a good and responsible teachers of the future generation. Though Ma’am, is so strict when it comes to our uniforms and proper mannerism, I salute her for her job well done in moulding us. I also meet different kinds of instructors some are spoon feed, bookish, joker with nice sense of humour, kind, approachable, friendly and others are harsh or “terror”. I believe that teachers or instructors contribute a big factor to a student, so if in mere future I will also become an instructor I will never let my future students suffer and experience what I already encountered during my undergraduate years, cause it’s too hard for a student it will give much burden specially if you belong to a less fortunate family like me.

Lastly, here in this university I meet my spiritual father whom guided and directed me to become a good, well done and faithful servant of God. He is my tatay, kuya and best friend, Sir Mark Gil A. Vega. Altogether with our cell group the “John Cell-Multiplying Team”, I become a leader, follower, imitator and best partner and friend of my life the one and only Jesus Christ. I also, meet my brethrens, brothers and sisters of faith and together build a harmonious and intimate relationship as a family of God. I really love this great family, because even though were not related with each other we are so closely knitted into one. Helping each other fulfilling the great mission and vision which is to make disciples and reproducible disciple making ministries also to share the simple truth That Jesus is the only way to heaven.

I can say that this is indeed a life changing university, like president Bacusmo says: a Very Sakaon and Very Scenic University, it’s a school between a mountain and a sea, a school that is to be proud of. You will really find a home, a family and a life. For now, I’m still hoping that my remaining one and half years of staying in this Alma Matter will still be joyful, memorable and unforgettable that is nice to be treasured and cherish with. 

“All about Myself “

Steven P. Santos

One delightful thursday evening of the 22^nd day of February, on the year of the Lord, 1996, a cute and healthy baby boy was born at the peaceful clinic of St. Claire, Bacoor, Cavite. He brings happiness and a great joy and blessings to a couple who was patiently waiting for him to complete  their family. And that baby is no other than me, myself and I. The eldest child of Mr. Sebastian A. Santos Jr. and Mrs. Hilda P. Santos having 6 siblings, 4 pretty and beautiful girls and 2 handsome boys.

“I may not be the one who can do something but I’m someone who can do everything with Jesus Christ who strengthens me”. Steven Pabe Santos is my name. I am a junior Secondary Education student of Visayas State University taking Filipino as my major field. I live at Barangay Maslug, Baybay City, Leyte. But I am currently staying at the “Barack of the Gents”, and the “Home of Hospitable Creatures”-Coconut Men’s Dormitory, VSU Lower Campus. My nickname is Steve or you can call me by my family name. Actually, I am a simple, thoughtful, kind, friendly and a God-fearing person. On the other hand, I am strict, serious, optimistic and a competent student when it comes to my studies. Although I came from a less fortunate family, I didn’t take it as a hindrance to stop believing in my dreams. Instead, I become more passionate and inspired to reach and fulfil all what I desire and dream of which are also according to God’s will and purpose. Of course, it is my loving family who give me inspiration and reason to continue the race that I’ve already started. 

Furthermore, talking about my favourites, likes and dislikes. I am a green-lover. Another thing is that I really like to eat sweet and sour foods. I crave for “Kakanins” and “Streetfoods”.  I also like to sing and dance, hoping that someday I can be the “Praise and Worship leader” of the “Hillsong Australia” that’s one of my biggest dream in life. I really love classic songs, ballad, but most specially Christian songs. Moreover, I am fun of playing table tennis and volleyball, somehow this games can relieve my stress and boredom. I also like to read Filipino books having different kinds of feature stories. Honestly speaking, I really like people whom can accept the real me despite of my imperfections; a real, loyal and trustworthy. I don’t like people who are hypocrite and just using me for their own benefits, only well when you have something.

But most of all, I think the best title that I am holding right now is being a “Child of God and will always his son. Indeed, life is so meaningless, dry and dull if you don’t have Jesus in your life. He owns my life and all I want to do is to glorify and honour his mighty, awesome, wonderful and sweet name. It’s the joy of my heart to render, serve and love Him with all my strength, body, soul and spirit. I am holding and keeping all his promises that no matter what happens He will never leave me nor forsake me, He will always be with me even to the very end of this age. Also he says: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). He will never put me into shame; I will always be victorious in all aspects of my life. I will always be on top and not at the bottom, be the head not the tail. That’s how amazing Jesus is. He change my life and mold me to be all the more like him- CHRISTLIKE, an imitator of Jesus Christ. It’s in fact that it’s only by faith that we can all be save, not religion, good works, etc. And I’m so much happy to receive the most important gift of all the assurance and salvation of my soul. I’m so much bless to become one of God’s chosen children, to be part of his great family.

For now, until such time that I will stay here in this temporary home, I want to make my dreams come true, to help my family alleviate from poverty, to graduate and finish my studies, to lend a permanent comfortable job and to have my own family. Lastly, I’m looking forward to achieve my greatest goal in life, to dwell in his holy presence, to be where Jesus is, in short to become a citizen of heaven. To Live eternally with my dearest Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.