CoS freshies dash with wits and speed in Amazing Race

By: Billy Andrei Ramos

Freshmen from the College of Science (CoS) engaged in a race against the clock as they went station-to-station in the Divergent-themed Amazing Race in the hallways of the third floor of the UST Main Building, August 2.

Divergent, being the overall theme of this year’s CoS Freshmen Week, was also pertinent during the game as each station corresponded to a specific faction from the series — Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the kind), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), and Candor (the honest). One station was also dedicated for the Thomasian/General Science quiz bee.

Games and other activities were set in each station, and once accomplished by a group, they would receive a puzzle piece that would reveal a riddle when completed.

Camaraderie among the freshman students was the primary goal of the game as students from each block were grouped with students outside of their respective departments. The games aimed to foster collaboration within the group as the freshies were given a chance to get to know each other despite their different programs.

“Noong una akala ko nakakakaba s’ya, kasi I’m going to be working with other people, pero nakakawala rin ng kaba because although there was pressure, it was very fun to actually interact with people na ka-age level mo lang,” sentiments from Aaliyah Setenta, a Medical Biology freshman and one of the winners of the Amazing Race.

The freshies who won received CoS merchandise. The game was largely a success as the freshies, although catching their breath from running around, enjoyed the game by interacting with one another. The race helped them overcome their shyness and gave them a glimpse of their future stay at the College of Science–full of fun and collaboration.

“Kahapon, very awkward pa ng air. But now, we’re very loud and noisy na. We are very [much] looking forward to showcase what we have prepared for the welcome walk and of course have fun as we start our new chapter here at UST,” Setenta added.

The Amazing Race is one of the major events of the CoS Freshmen Week, along with the campus tour for the first batch of sections held in the morning of the same day. The Blockies and promotion of college-based organizations have been ongoing since August 1.

The ROARientation and Welcome Walk for the freshmen are set to take place on August 5, 2024. The rest of the CoS freshmen activities will continue on the coming days after, with the second batch of the campus tour on the 6th of August, and the inaugural Freshie Fun Fest on the 7th.