First Ever College Dilemma No More | Hello, UP Manila!

The Oblation infront of PGH

This has only been my second post (ever!) on this blog and already, it's contradicting my first one. The past week or so has been such a roller coaster of emotion and I don't know where to begin.

Last Wednesday, approximately a month before school begins, I got a text message from the UP College of Medicine notifying me that I got in INTARMED. My mother called me, waking me up with the "good" news. Honestly, at that time it made everything much more confusing for me. I was already settled in, and enrolled, in Diliman. I had plans with my friends there, I had just gotten my official schedule. Then here comes this curve ball from UP Manila saying I got into the course which took me so long to get over. I know, sounds like a break up. The worst part for me was that I only had two days (until Friday of that week) to decide since enrollment was ending. I felt like I had two days to decide the next 7 years of my life. Above all of that, I was at an outing with my friends on the day I had to confirm and decide. It wasn't as simple as if I wanted INTARMED vs. MBB. I had to take into consideration living in Manila, travel time, living away from my parents and my dogs, and many more inconveniences. Diliman was so convenient for me. I could drive, be with my friends and come home everyday. Manila was a whole 'nother story.

After talking to so many people and asking for advice, I finally gave my mom the go signal to call UPM and tell them I would be enrolling in the INTARMED Program. Immediately, the FBC (Freshman Block Coordinator) messaged me and added me to the iMed 2024 group chat. Yes, we are graduating in 2024. Apparently, I am the 40th and final student that they were waiting for to complete the batch. At first, all the information was so overwhelming. I missed enrollment, orientation, etc. I had to rush my enrollment requirements because I only had a week to enroll and get everything done.

What calmed my nerves the most was knowing I was with good friends in the program. It was comforting knowing that these are the people I will be leaning on when things get tough. Another thing is the schedule for the first semester of LU1. They say it's the chillest and it really is. Second sem is a whole 'nother story. I'm just hoping my class hours don't reach until 7:30 PM or else I will really have to dorm.

Speaking of dorms, studying in UP Manila also opens up conversations for dorms and condominiums. My parents, especially my dad, was very hesitant about this at first. But after telling them the possibility of having a 7-6 or 10-7 schedule for second semester, they agreed. Staying somewhere near UPM saves time, gas, and hassle for my parents. It takes around 3 hours for me to get home from UPM and I dont want my parents to be driving that far everyday.

Anyway! That is kind of just an update on my life now. School starts on August 1 (less than a month!) and it hasn't sunken in yet. I'm about to enroll in 2 days and I couldn't be more excited. I'm welcoming my new home and life for seven years. Hello, UP Manila!

Hay buhahahay!



Photo Credits: http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Philippine_General_Hospital