A week before classes began, I joined the UP Christian Youth Movement in their freshmen tour program. I volunteered to serve as guide for two days, accompanying the attendees in an Ikot jeep around the Diliman campus.
There were three sets of students who joined the tour. We had one jeep during the first day and two during the second tour. Most of them live in Metro Manila, but we had three dormers from as far as Pangasinan.
The tour was designed to help the freshmen familiarize with the buildings and landmarks in UP Diliman. At the same time, we gave them tips on how to survive the rigors of university life, including which subjects and professors to take and evade. This is UPCYM’s way of connecting to students and extending blessings and help to them.
I met several freshmen from the tour and also high school students who were yet to take the UP Admission Test on August. There were also freshmen students from other universities in Manila. We rode a jeep and navigated the route of the Ikot and the Toki, stopping on landmarks like the Oblation, the UP Gym, and the Science Complex among others.
Some students asked me to explain the history of the buildings as well as the names behind them. Others wanted to find out shortcuts to help them reach their classes faster.
UPCYM also prepared a surprise treat for the attendees after the tour. They opened their “tambayan” at the Church of the Risen Lord and welcomed their visitors with delicious treats—lunch, donuts, chocolates, cupcakes, and pizza.
We had a fun time getting to know the students and answering their questions about UP life. But most of all, I’m grateful to have known new friends. I pray that I can become a channel of God’s blessing to them. I also pray that Jesus will be glorified in the way I relate to these young students.
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