Last Tuesday I got a text from Fred, telling me that the University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing was going to have it’s annual recognition day on Thursday.  Because I was one of the topnotch-ers in last year’s June Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam, I was invited to come as one of the alumna awardees.

I bounced back and forth for a while, thinking deeply if it was worth the effort.  For one thing, the occasion presented itself as one of those opportunities for me to announce to the world that yes, I am still unemployed and haven’t done anything at all yet really, thanks for asking.  And the bottleneck traffic-inducing two lanes in the South Luzon Expressway were going to make travelling such a pain. 

But then the other night Frederick called and told me that I would be such an ingrate if I didn’t go.  It was, after all, one of those rare moments that my Alma matter was asking something from me and I can’t even go?  So in short, yes, I ended up going because Frederick sort of guilt-tripped me into it.

As it turns out, it wasn’t that horrible of an event.  Sure I spent almost two hours inside the bus to Manila and a whole hour inside a jeep in Taft but those were small prices to pay.  It was surreal to be inside the building where I spent most of the last four years of my life; it still felt like home, but somehow I felt like I didn’t belong.  I wasn’t alone in this plight; Rochelle, my seatmate, felt that also.

It was the first event in St. Martin de Porres auditorium, I think, where I didn’t have to fight and shove my way for seats.  And I have to admit that it felt gratifying to be looked upon with respect by the undergraduates in the college.  And the professors still looked so proud of us, it felt so nice.  I thought that after a few months their delight of us would’ve faded at least. 

It’s amazing how much can happen in one year.  There were so many achievements for this year’s batch of students that I couldn’t help but be proud.  And that’s saying a lot, because I have this tendency to think the highest of my own batch 2008.  Loving one’s own and all.  But I can honestly say that batch 2007 might have reached further than we ever did.  And that’s okay, because it’s all for the name of our beloved Alma mater anyway, and anything that can do the UST College of Nursing proud is fine by my book.

As we were on stage, being given the awards I realized that this probably would be the very last time we would be celebrated for being in the top ten of last year’s board exams.  June is drawing near and the seniors are about to graduate at the end of this month.  It’s only a matter of time before they get their shot at glory. 

It’s sad, of course, to know that my greatest achievement in life is about to become something that’s passé.  But I guess it’s okay.  If anything I don’t really have any other choice but to accept it.  It was a glorious year, one that I probably won’t forget anytime soon, but now it’s batch 2009’s time to step up to the plate.  I can only pray that they batch 2008’s 29 people in the top spot.  Dapat thirty plus na ah!  And the top one spot should still be from UST! 

Ah well.  Here’s hoping.