School has always been considered our second home, both figuratively and literally. For many of us, signing up for a Lasallian education was a relatively new experience, coming from the various setups and systems of our different high schools. For others, however, entering the halls of De La Salle University wasn’t anything different—for these students, it was the same home that they’ve always known. Here are a few true blue (or green?) Lasallians at different points of their stay, and what they think about this home.
Jerard Magalona (I, BS MEM-MR)
Despite it probably being the most regarded out of the bunch, La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) isn’t the only center for Lasallian primary and secondary education. Jerard had his green-blooded beginnings at the University of St. La Salle Integrated School in Bacolod. He describes Lasallian schools as his “safety blanket” before he delves into the world beyond college, and regards his high school retreats as his fondest memories in La Salle. He notes the Lasallian retreat experience as different, reminiscing that he got to “grow spiritually and learn more about [himself] and other people.”
When asked how he would describe his experiences with Lasallian education in one word, he responds, “Worthwhile.” He supports this by saying that, despite the high fees, “Every peso spent for my tuition to go to this school is worth it because now I’m living in the Lasallian moment.”
For Jerard, studying at DLSU was not just an option to be taken into consideration—it was a dream he managed to fulfill. “La Salle was always my dream school, and I want to graduate as a true green-blooded Lasallian,” he shares, disclosing that DLSU was his first choice for a university. So far, he has not regretted his decision to stay true to Lasallian schools, and adds that he feels he will be “fully equipped with the skills and values [needed] to face the real world” when he finally leaves its four walls.
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Klay* (III, BS MKT)
At first glance, Klay* seems mild-mannered. However, when he becomes comfortable with you, he becomes makulit and often teases you—typical of a graduate of LSGH, as many would say. He has been formed by Lasallian education ever since preparatory school. “The education encompasses Lasallian values into your academics, [and] helps you become a good leader of society,” he shares on what this education means to him.
Aside from that, he recalls many fond memories of his stay in both LSGH and DLSU, although he seems a bit reluctant to expound. “Illegal yun eh,” he shares with a laugh. Although he only has two terms left, Klay doesn’t feel like he is leaving home. “Well, home is very subjective eh. For me, home is where your heart is. So, my heart will always be in La Salle, and of course, with my loved ones. I guess I’m not leaving it by heart, pero I have to move on rin naman.”
He may be ready to let go, but the pride in his voice does not go unnoticed. He adds that who he is today is shaped by the community where he was brought up. Without a tinge of hesitation, he says his greatest philosophy is a result of his Lasallian upbringing. “Everything I do, I do it for God.”
Pavan Ramchand (BS INSYS, ‘16)
The definition of an extrovert, Pavan is a ball of energy. Although his academic beginnings didn’t really start in La Salle (he transferred to LSGH when he was in the 5th grade), he still exudes what it is to be a green blooded Lasallian. “From the time I set foot in the Lasallian community, my life completely changed. From grade school ‘til now, there are a few things that really stuck and made me who I am today,” he shares.
Even though he is already a part of the work force, he still brings with him the Lasallian values of Faith, Service, and Communion, even though at first, he had some thoughts of pursuing college in a different university. With the way he shares his experiences, it is evident that he believes he made the right choice. Pavan declares that he would probably be a different person if he wasn’t brought up in this community. “Without my Lasallian education, I probably [wouldn’t] have a direction in life as I do right now. No ambitions and aspirations to grow myself, and [I’d] end up sticking to what I know is possible, instead of believing in the impossible. That’s the best way to put it.”
When asked about his favorite memories in school, it didn’t come as a surprise to find out that he was a Lasallian Ambassador. “It would probably be as Lasallian as I could get,” he adds. As the conversation goes on, he can’t help but feel sentimental about leaving the halls of the green and white. However, he will always be proud of the community that helped form him. “We aren’t just a big community of conyo kids and future millionaires,” he comments in jest.
On a more serious note, he adds, “We are a community of people who want to change the world as how St. John Baptist De La Salle saw it. Ensuring that the last, least, and the lost are brought up, to bring the country and the world to better heights.”
From students who have studied in Lasallian schools from preschool to college, to professors who call DLSU both their alma mater and place of work, the La Salle experience has proven time and time again to be something worth coming back to. These three interviewed students were all proud to be long-standing members of the Lasallian community, and happy to be able to call its green and white buildings home. But whether you’re a Lasallian since birth, or someone who was totally foreign to Lasallian education going into DLSU, you can’t deny that La Salle has an energy unlike any other campus that will, like Jesus, live in your hearts forever.
