DAWN OF THE WILDERNESS SHIFTEE

It started eight years after the new millennium Scenic emotion rush, I bet it’s easy. Fresh faces dominate, my name was foretold. Cards on symbiotic books, it was day and night I say.

Here comes Saturday! Fear awakes, abys of paper test my faith.

“A BRAND NEW BEGINNING”

The thorns of our parhs

The blade of our past

We all shall pass

With the trudges through these thick rusts

We’ve been engulfed with those shadows.

Oh, what felony it is to narrow.

See ourselves in the mirror.

You’re not alone; we’re all in sorrow.

The obstacles bind us down.

The current river could have us drown.

But would you be gusted by life’s frown?

Or would you revitalize it into a gown?

Learn, and try to conceptualize

The wounds of those hindrances

It gives you pain, but it’s always the scars.

Empower yourself, then embark with your fashioned car

We fall, but it never occurs when you haven’t risen.

We rise, but it ever occurs when you have to lighten.

Those indifferences should not be bedridden.

‘Cause remember that there is a low ground when there is a high one.

Let’s altogether walkthrough. We had nothing, but we grew. Trust, love, and live in the identical shoe. To the wilderness, we sow!

Alarm clocks are ringing, Bells are chiming, Birds are singing, The smell of coffee in the morning, It’s the start of a brand new beginning. We got off track for far too long

But here we are again more focused and strong Waking up early every day to welcome a new sight

The sight of your friends with smiles of delight

Don’t you just miss the days where everything was slow?

Carrying bags, answering assignments and with your projects in tow? Well here we are again, rebuilding what was taken Achieving our dreams and fighting for what we believe in

It might be hard but we find joy in what we do

Because success is what we pursue You better believe because This is our long awaited debut

This is the start of a brand new beginning And the beginning of a new chapter Some of us are far from finishing our fights But one thing is for sure, with a good start Everything is achievable within our sights.

IN CASE OF LOSS…

Benjamin Caspillo III

Alittle to the left? Not quite. How about you wiggle forward?

That’s better. I do apologize for the line outside, ga. Can’t really help it, can we? Everybody’s a little excited.

Don’t mind my grumpy operator. Yeah, he’s snarky. But he’s been here since 8 and he is dying for a single bite of lunch. Give him some slack?

Are you ready? No?

Oh! Slow down dear! The powder’s going to fall off your face. Press it gently or I’ll get caught up in the storm as well! My eyes are expensive, you know. They’re gonna riot if you ruin it. And your shirt is now skewed…

Oh well. It’s normal for you to be nervous. Everybody is. It’s been what… 3 years since I last saw you?

You know, I saw a lot of people in my time. Bright-eyed to jaded stare, from young ‘ins to old folk; they always come here. Well that’s-

You’re okay to go now? Oh. I didn’t even realize. Steady yourself, okay?

In one, two, and sna… Oh dear. You blinked! He is not going to be happy about this. Oh well. More time for us to talk, right?

Oh…. What’s the point?

You don’t even hear me. I’m just talking to pass the time. Mounted to a metal scaffolding, I’ve been stuck here looking at a wall when no one is around. It gets… agitating. I am meant to be an observer, a silent witness.

It’s the third time and my operator’s tapping his foot in annoyance. He’s keeping it in well but hangry cannot even begin to describe what’s going on inside him.

This is your last chance.

All we have is this moment, ga. I know my words will never reach you, but I am here. I have always been here. Not literally of course, my predecessor was holding the ropes then. Now it’s my turn.

I don’t know what is going on out there. All I have known is this room. But to sit in front of me and lock eyes, beam me a smile (or none), and offer your face for my operator to use; it seems like too much of a trouble, doesn’t it?

Yet all of you have come this far.

So I will give you a little something. I can’t do much. Maybe a prayer? A blessing? It doesn’t make sense but does that really matter now?

Every image in my memory will remain forever. So do you and your likeness. All the hope, fear, anxiousness, and drive; I will always have them.

My operator will preserve it in plastic. Then he will give it to you. It will stay near your chest as long as you want to. This will be a reminder of you and where you came from.

A little mundane but hey, I can’t even move myself so what can you expect? I’m sorry I can’t give you a more extravagant gift, I’m only a ca-

Oh you’re ready?

Well steady yourself, okay?

Look as best as you can be. In one, two, and snap!

VWelcome back, Ga. I’m glad you’re here again.

Hours seems week, under the maze of nosy number,

Heart sync as calculator click

The war ends, let it rise I heard, slowly a cherub fabric like snow waves.

Gasp, 5 miles in a distance watered my soul, written on zephyr paper then gone. It’s just a number I exclaim not my future-denials

A stallion spirit misses its gallops

Stumbles pain in my mind

Please unforgiving mind let me speak Days with a loud mind, bleeds

Prayers are meals my sword on bad whispers

Failures are traitors, speak to stay or a mere farewell White light from prayers preaches “accept “, who’s that?

The lens clears, it’s a portal to escape the pain the choice, not an option, not for us an option is not for us new beginnings are painful, young lad a mere afterthought wish it let me breath wish it let me speak an option is not for us, draw the line

Spotlight

AN INSPIRATION TO ALL: LYEN GARCIA, TOP 1, CRIMINOLOGIST LICENSURE EXAM

Plant longer roots to harvest a fruitful gift. As we dream of becoming successful, we aim for the best spot in the future. The journey to success is a source of inspiration for others. Hard work and perseverance, dedication, and discipline were his keys to top the most prestigious licensure board examination for criminologists, and as he climbed to the top, he brought honor to the entire university. Mr. Lyen Carel Togonon Garcia passed the examination, obtaining the highest rank with a 90.70% rating. His journey is truly an inspiration to the UMiano.

Have you ever envisioned yourself destined to obtain the highest rank in the Criminology Board Examination?

Yes, before I started my rigid review, I only have one goal, not just to ranked 1 in the board exam but to get the highest rating in the entire history of the Criminologist Licensure Examination, so even though I can’t achieve it, surely I will land top 1 in the said exam.

That’s how I was trained back then, to always aim for the highest spot. So I already conditioned my mind, that at the end of the day, the only result I am expecting is either having the highest average in the history of CLE (which I failed) or the Top 1. Landing rank 2-10 or a passer was never an option. Further, I wrote ”CLE TOP 1‘on a piece of paper and attached it beside my graduation picture, and posted it in front of my study table. It helps, especially when I feel so exhausted and about to give up, I just look at it, and eventually, I got reminded of my goal in the end.

Besides, since I graduated Cum Laude, people around me (the college, review centers, classmates, family, etc.) already envisioned me to Ranked 1 in the exam, maybe because previous topnotchers from our college department don’t have any academic achievements yet they were still able to ace the exam. Further, I realized that the exam was not the only battle I am facing, but also how I am going to prove to these people that they were right in believing in my capabilities. That’s a challenge, good thing is, I was able to manage it, the pressure and expectations made me even stronger and more motivated.

How does it feel that you are now back inside the campus? Like, you can now hear the laughter of your friends and palpitations during faceto-face oral recitations?

Imagine you are one step closer to your dreams. But, at the same time, a step away from leaving.

I know these are the thoughts that keep on running inside your mind as the classes start for the new school year. You are happy, but you do not know if you are genuinely happy.

You have mixed emotions. You are torn because starting the school year means graduating. And graduating means leaving this university, the people, and the environment you grew up with for the past four years. However,

BEGIN, EVEN IF…

you are excited about what life has next to offer when you enter the corporate world.

My dear, I know this is too hard to imagine. But I want you to remember the reasons why you entered this university. You have dreams. Dreams that you uphold for years. Yes, it is not easy to let go of the people who helped you in this college journey, but this is the reality. In different phases of life, you have to grow and start your new beginnings separately.

The pandemic robbed you of your supposed to be full of memories college journey. Like those face-to-face study sessions were turned into a group chat. The planned outings became online meetings, and the excitement was replaced by fear of the virus. Your vision of a fun journey was crumpled. But what matters the most is that you are slowly building the momentum and that you spend this last beginning with the people you treasure, trust, and love. In the end, leaving does not mean turning your back on them. Leaving means chasing your dreams. Use this last beginning to explore, enjoy, and learn together. So that in the end, you have nothing to regret.

Don’t be afraid to leave. Be more afraid of leaving without making memories. Now, dear, start this school year with good memories you will cherish forever.

Embrace this beginning. Be brave at the end.

The Psyche Of Spring

It is enticing to just stay in our comfort zone

No expectations, no disappointments, just us alone

We don’t want to try something we’ve never done before

Because it only gives us fear, doubt, and more

It is honestly okay to live our life in simplicity

But doing nothing and staying idle is mediocrity

It is the worst enemy of greatness, excellence, and success

We can be simple, but we don’t deserve to settle for less

We can aim for bigger purpose, higher dreams, and greater things

It is okay to fail because we are only human beings

It is okay to make mistakes as long as we’re trying

We just have to do our best and always aim for something

So, begin

Begin that path, that dream, that passion, We don’t have to be great immediately We just have to improve constantly Surely, greatness and excellence will come in humility

For someone who did not just pass the Criminology Board Examination but aced the highest rank, what are the traits and characteristics an aspiring should obtain in preparation for the broad exam?

I think the best characteristics that an aspiring topnotcher should have are:

1. Have a clear goal. The common mindset of board exam takers is, that they just limit themselves in passing the board exam, and being at the top is just a bonus. Eventually, their efforts are only good for passing grades. Whereas, a taker whose goal is getting the highest spot, and he/she is committed, will exert unbelievable efforts to achieve it.

2. Dedication and belief in yourself. If you ask the students, ”who wants to become the next topnotcher?‘ without a second, the majority or all of them would raise their hands. Now if you ask them what efforts they have done already, eventually they will become silent. This is true, every student can say ‘I will top the board exam”, but only a few are dedicated to achieving it. Every one of us can top the exam. Being poor, not an academic achiever, working student, having kids, old and more are not excuses. It is just a matter of how you trust, believe, and dedicate yourself to achieving it.

3. Hardwork and Perseverance. It’s exhausting sitting and reading for plenty of hours each day. There are times you feel physically and mentally drained. Some hindrances and challenges make you doubt and question your capabilities. I experienced it, and to tell you, it’s normal especially when you are putting too much effort to achieve something. Just stay focused and do not break. As great Kobe Bryant said,” Great things come from hard work and perseverance”.

4. Discipline. In reviewing, you should accept that there are things that need to be sacrificed. I sacrificed my social life. I locked myself inside my room for 6 months and would go out only for my necessities and to attend review classes. I cut myself off my social media accounts and hobbies like watching movies. I sacrificed my sleep since I need to reach my required hours of reading per day. I am very strict with my schedule, if it’s time to study- then study. If it’s time to rest - then rest, no excuses. It’s hard, but I always tell myself. This is just temporary. 6 months of sacrifices in exchange for your lifetime pride.

5. Pray. Before and after my review, I prayed. Before and after my board exam, I prayed. Before and after the

Gray Confetti

In unexpected corners of the heart, Where your thoughts will never wander, This beginning has been forming softly. Waiting till you were ready to come out. It has been watching your yearning for a long time.

Feeling the void rising within you, Observing how you pushed yourself, You’re still unable to leave what you’ve outgrown.

It observed you experimenting with the seduction of safety.

And the drab promises of sameness murmured, Heard the tumultuous waves swell and subside, results came out, I prayed. That’s how I value God in every action I make. I always seek guidance and blessings. It’s the most powerful thing that we should have.

I was wondering if you’d always live like this. When your courage is rekindled, the delight begins.

And you moved out onto fresh territory. Your eyes are young again, full of vitality and dreams.

A path of abundance opens up before you. Despite the fact that your final destination is unknown.

What key experience shaped you into the successful person you are today?

Being financially incapacitated.

Honestly, since then, I knew already that I was not born with a silver spoon and already anticipated financial hindrances in pursuit of my dream and success although I appreciate my family, especially my mother for giving their best support despite our status. This is always (has always) been my motivation to strive hard to succeed and give my best effort, not until I enter college. I thought before I was not going to enroll in college since we do not have enough money to support my finances. Fortunately, the University of Mindanao offers various scholarships for those who are in need. I applied as STA for 2 years and as Table Tennis Varsity for the last 2 years. I was aiming to get a Latin Honor back then so it was hard considering I needed to balance my scholarship and academics, but I learned so many skills and qualities which helped me to survive. Eventually, I graduated Cum Laude. Another challenge was, how I am going to enroll in a review center. Fortunately, one prestigious review center in the country offers full scholarships for those who will enter the top 1-10 in their diagnostic exam which I landed 6.

You see, all of us will face challenging experiences in our lives, but how we perceive and face them will tell if we stand or break. If we do not take on challenges in our life, we wouldn’t discover our full potential.

How are you able to overcome the stereotype about criminology students being only good at physical activities and not academically inclined? Did it ever cross and influence your mind when you aced the board exam?

Yes, we cannot deny that other people think that criminology programs are purely focused on physical activities. Worse, they thought that all criminology students and professionals are incompetent. And I received these kinds of questions. I just asked them ”Do you have any P.E. subjects?‘ and of course, they will say YES.

And I reply (to) them, that your PE subjects are equivalent to our Defense Tactics or DEFTAC subjects, the same number of units, the same number of hours. Other than that, we have academic subjects which have the same total number of academic units whatever Program you enrolled in. So if you will say) you say that (the) Criminology Program is focused only on physical activities and not inclined academically, as if you said

“Pop”, I hear the confetti go A familiar sight, I see it fall

Aimlessly in the wind, steady and slow All for the one, the best of all

Then I wait for the rowdy cheer

The one that celebrates my name I waited more, it seems unclear

The happy voices, they never came

Instead I hear a weeping sound

Where is it from? I try to listen

It’s so quiet, so close, so loud, so distant It seems familiar, but with no recognition

And then I saw what’s really happening

The “pop” I heard were bones breaking With blazing bluish fire... I am burning One with the ashes, my body’s falling In the cold and dark I lay so still “where and when did it go downhill?”

I reached for the glittered pieces descending “Why are they, at the touch of my hands, dissolving?”

On the confetti I saw my skin, all my passion, all my hopes within Now the confetti of familiar bright turns gray in blurry sight that your program is focused on physical activities as well.

Moreover, I am a fan of joining non-athletic activities in the University of Mindanao. I joined not because I want to prove myself as a criminology student but only to enjoy and discover skills. I joined the LITMUS competition where I landed 2nd place in Essay Writing Filipino Category way back year 2019 and poster making contest during Library week where I landed 1st place in the same year, I remember, facilitators were asking if I am fine arts student since some of the participants were fine arts students, and I said NO, I’m criminology student and their reactions say it all.

In the bigger picture, a lot of criminologists nowadays are respected lawyers, educators, forensic technicians, high-ranking officials in the field of law enforcement, politicians, and more. They cannot achieve that if they only excel physically.

Lastly, to pass or top the board exam, doesn’t have any physical activity examinations. It’s purely knowledge-based, the application of what we learned in our ACADEMIC subjects throughout our college and review days. Only 12, 698 out of 41, 913 hurdled the said exam. The number speaks for itself. Surely we cannot pass this exam if we were not academically inclined. Perhaps, one of the reasons why I posted on my social media accounts a photo with my compiled books, reviewers and 4 sided wall notes is to let others know that, topping the CLE was not easy, you need to be intellectually, mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared just like other Board courses. Challenges and obstacles are just some of the hindrances that are encountered by board exam takers, what are your messages and tips for aspiring UMians topnotchers.

For aspiring UMians topnotchers, build your foundation. Treat your regular class as if your preparation for your upcoming board exams. Start reviewing your notes as early as possible. Compile updated and reliable review materials. Avoid cramming. Take your competency appraisal seriously, because personally, it helps. Do not be afraid to ask questions when in doubt. Maximize the benefit of the Internet. Always trust your capabilities. Keep motivated. In the board exam, the questionnaires don’t know if you are an academic achiever, a Latin honor or just a mediocre, it’s a matter of preparation and dedication. From now on, envisioned yourself already. Condition your mind that you will be the next topnotcher, and to tell you, if you are committed, your actions will follow. Goodluck Ga!