United in divergence: UST CoS welcomes 783 freshies
By: Agatha Rei Gomez and Patricia Isabel Manzo
Freshies have surpassed the USTET to enter their prospective programs. Now, the Thomasian community welcomes them through the undying tradition of ROARientation and Welcome Walk.
With the theme “Flourishing beyond Factions,” the College of Science showcased that while they may be separated by their programs and sections, they are bonded as one by the Thomasian spirit. In the ROARientation held last August 5 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav), UST blessed the freshies with the Thomasian Welcome Mass, led by Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Isaias Antonio Tiongco, O.P.
“You are about to enter a nurturing environment that fosters holistic growth, critical thinking, and a commitment to excellence,” he told Thomasians in his homily.
Echoing through the QPav arena, the clapping and cheering were heard as the ROARientation started. The sea of blue lights identifying the fresh batch of Thomasian scientists was brightly beaming amongst the crowd. The freshmen were then hyped up by succeeding performances from various Thomasian organizations, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, Sinag Dance Company, and UST Prime among others.
With high spirits, the UST Yellow Jackets welcomed the new batch of Thomasians by teaching freshies the official UST chants and cheers, charging up the crowd with more performances from Fratres, Mediartrix, Teatro Tomasino, UST Singers, and UST Symphony Orchestra.
These performances prefaced the various organizations and activities in the university furthering the Vice Rector’s invitation to freshmen to join and participate in nurturing their personal growth, especially the ones of their interest.
“There is something for everyone at UST… These activities will help you develop new skills, pursue your passions, foster friendships, and create lasting memories,” Rev. Fr. Tiongco also stated in his homily.
The ROARientation marked its end with freshies grooving to Bini’s Salamin, Salamin, which was led by Central Student Council (CSC), Student Organizations Coordinating Council (SOCC), and Local Student Council (LSC) representatives together with Intenzyc, the official dance troupe of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM).
It would not be complete without the Thomasian Code of Honor where freshies pledged to conduct themselves in accordance with the Thomasian values of commitment, competence, and compassion.
Around 783 newly minted Thomasian scientists participated in the ROARientation and entered the Arch of the Centuries during the Welcome Walk. They walked as a section prancing their banners to showcase and celebrate the start of their journey as Thomasians.
“You are part of a blessed and grace-filled legacy that spans centuries. [Your] journey at UST will shape not only your future but also the future of our nation,” Rev. Fr. Tiongco said as he officially welcomed the 12,287 freshmen during his homily.
