As several years passed, I'd like to recall my pass years of stay in my Alma Mater (Colegio de San Juan de Letran) or simply Letran. I wasn't a true blooded letranite then, I came from my previous school just a kind of state university, I spent my 1st year of my college there, until I found out to myself that I was not happy at all with regards to my study, probably because what I've gained there was not enough to meet my expectations. I have nothing against with the quality of the education of those public schools and government-operated institution. because I do believe that learning shall be a two-way process, As student it is in your own discretion on how you will gain knowledge, you are the one who is making your grade as they say, in short you alone can be a good and effective student on your own way by studying hard of course.However, the school is our second home, we have so much expectations towards them,  to teach us everything that we need, nourishes our mind and hone our skills and abilities. But then again, these things wasn't able to happened during my 1st year of stay there. Nevertheless, that is not the point why I choose to write here, but to reminisce my meaningful stay at Letran.

Briefly introducing Letran Calamba

Letran is a Catholic educational institution, it was founded by the Dominican Friars of Dominican Republic of the Philippines. The 11 hectare land area of Letran Calamba is located at Brgy. bucal Calamba City Laguna. It was Born March 11, 1979 as part of the extension program of the Dominican Province of the Phil. (DPP) in response to the declared policy of Metro Manila of decongesting where Letran-intramuros is located. Letran Calamba is known for it's Castle-like image in pattern to the  Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome considered as mother church of the  Christendom. All Letran students are called "Letranites", as they cheer "Arriba" which means "Fly high" the spirit of Letran the spirit of Arriba. It's ultimate goal is to gain university status through PACUCOA (Phil Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation). Letran Calamba has six (6) departments, these are; SBMA (School of Business Management and Accountancy), SEAS (School of Education, Arts and Sciences, SE (School of Engineering), SN (School of Nursing), SCST (School of Computer Science and Technology), GSPS (Graduate School and Professional Services) and its newest Institute where I belong the THRMI (Tourism and HRM Institute). 

Let me share you my meaningful journey at Letran for almost three (3) years!

Exploring Letran's beauty 

With it's Filipino,Dominican and Christian orientation, I find Letran, indeed as my second home. In Letran, I met people with different stories in life, with different personalities and people with different character and people who have distinguished set of principles in life. 

During my 1st year of stay in Letran, It was an uncomfortable feeling for me at the same time challenging, a feeling of everything is a new to my eyes, the buildings, people and the culture.Probably it was just a usual feeling of being freshmen, everything has to explore first to enjoy the stay. and that's what I did anyway, I explored the beauty of Letran, from its Castle-like buildings, New facilities, Services and many more. Here I expected too much, primarily with the quality of education, the style of teaching, the professors capabilities, the facilities, and ultimately I was expecting an exceptional experience of being part of the Letran community,  a community that is bonded and blessed by Christian and Dominican culture and being a true-blooded Letranite. During my stay at Letran, I've already attended lots of masses that is usually celebrated as part our culture, which I wasn't surprised, as a matter of fact, I am so delighted, Because I know that I am in the good hands, a hands that is capable in honing my skills and talent, a hand that is willing to hold you until you become capable and independent a hand that is loving and caring a hand that nourishes my mind with lots of knowledge, a hand that fulfills my spiritual needs. As I always craving for God's teaching, Letran provided me what i craved for, they are offering theology subjects, which bringing God to the life of everyone, by introducing and revealing God's graces and glory. Several recollections and retreat were also conducted annually for spiritual growth of every letranites, allowing them to reflect and pause for a while over the crowd and appreciate God's blessings, helping students how to forgive and forget, teaching students how to overcome frustrations and failures and lot of inspiring thoughts that will surely feed up our hungry spiritual being. Letran also have numerous organizations to join in, there are Volunteer group (Letran volunteer Cor, Rotaract. etc), Leadership organization (SYL, ARSO, etc.), religious groups(Kasambahay, Domnet. etc.), talent-based group (Tining, LSDC), also if you have talent and aspires to become a student journalist THE KNIGHT publication's door is open for aspiring writers, photojournalist, cartoonist, lay-out artist, which I am currently part of the official publication of Letran Clamba the KNIGHT Publication, I am now the acting Associate Editor of The Knight, which I could attest, that these organization allows me to bring out my inner talent, my writing skill, that's why I am now trying to write this as part of my passion, writing. This encouraged me to polish my grammars, to improve my English communication skills both written and oral, thus, my heart goes to this publication. The air-conditioned room, friendly atmosphere, a soft couch, with my desk of The knight publication's office became my comfort zone whenever I have no classes, doing my stuff, writing articles, assignments, case study, or even taking a nap for a while, there I find serenity and peace and a room for knowledge. Letran is indeed full of things to enjoy with, as much as you appreciate everything that surrounds you, you'll probably enjoy your stay. 

to be continued..........