By Glaiza Salanio

On Tuesday, July 30, the Senior High School Orientation Seminar (SHOrSem) 2024 welcomed the grade 11 students with the theme “Tanaw,” as they embarked on their new journey in the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS).

All juniors from each strand gathered together during the programs held at the third-floor Formation Learning Center (FLC) building and the Mini-Involvement Fair (MIF) at the main building and FLC building.

The opening program started with welcoming speeches by the Assistant Principal for Formation, Miss Jennifer Concepcion, the ASHS Principal, Miss Rosanna Borja, and the Sanggunian President, Irish Ordoña.

“You only have two years. That’s a very short time. The first year, now we’re welcoming you. Next year, look at these seniors; we’re sending them off already… Wala dapat nasasayang na oras dito sa senior high school,” Miss Borja said.

“Again, your real journey in the ASHS can never be guessed, nor can it be predicted. No one can tell you where you will be when your two years end,” Ordoña stated.

“But know this: your Sanggunian will work hard to make sure that even after your stay in the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School, you will always have a place to come back to. Na pag nag baliktanaw kayo, mararamdaman niyo pa rin ang lugar niyo—the place where you belong,” she concluded.

To further liven up the program, a short icebreaker game and the performances of the Music Industry Organization (MIO) and Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK) were included.

Abot-tanaw

After the opening program, students from the ABM and STEM strands started their strand assembly while the GA and HUMSS strands roamed around for the MIF, accompanied by their Crew Moderators. The strands then exchanged activities in the afternoon.

During the strand assembly, chairpersons and secretaries introduced their respective strands with information and projects that they will implement for the school year.

On the other hand, juniors visited booths created by the seniors of each organization, who also explained their activities, thereby increasing the juniors’ anticipation and helping them choose their own organization during the MIF.

Aside from this, Crew Moderators also discussed the students’ schedules, offices in the ASHS, involvements, and safe spaces in their classrooms.

“Being a crew moderator was a fulfilling experience, as I got to ensure that the juniors had a memorable first day in the ASHS. After months of training and preparation, being able to finally meet the juniors and carry out the modules was such a thrilling experience as all our hard work had paid off,” Sophie Reyes, one of the Crew Moderators expressed.

Tanaw ang iyong tanglaw

With its tagline, “Tanaw ang iyong Tanglaw,” SHOrSem guided the new ASHS students to envision themselves for the next school year.

“Other than SHOrSem being really fun, I could feel that there was a lot of love put into it. The seniors really showed how much they value us, juniors, by making it so welcoming and enjoyable,” Felixi Sibal, a STEM junior, shared.

“Throughout SHOrSem, I kept smiling seeing the well-executed performances, amazing speeches, immersive club booths, and interacting with the ASHS community. Because of that, I really felt what the principal said about this school being a gift,” she added.

As the day came to an end, performances from Glee Club and Dulaang Sibol started the closing program.

Chelsea Dagdag, the SHOrSem Overall Head, also delivered her speech, thanking everyone who made the event possible.

“I hope that all of you enjoyed SHOrSem and learned a lot about your opportunities, the community, and, essentially, your life here in the Ateneo Senior High School. Once again, thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart, and see you around ASHS,” she said.

The day concluded with the singing of A Song for Mary led by the Blue Babble Battalion, marking the beginning of the juniors’ Atenean lives.