By Febee Mariposa

By Gilli Aquino

To many of our go-getters and aspiring business owners — a flag waved in a blur of green welcomes these students as they set course in the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS). Students from the Accountancy and Business Management (ABM) strand often find themselves in the frenzy of complicated numbers and puzzling formulas to memorize — making the hustle and bustle of each school day seem almost never-ending.  

Yet, in the midst of a time when things may seem a bit too fast-paced, we must remind our dear juniors and seniors that it is equally important to catch your breath and slow down — taking in everything that the ABM strand has to offer. So before we take our first steps into the unknown, do not forget to breathe in, breathe out, and open your heart to a newfound family ready to guide you through the world of business! 

Home of the Innovators 

The ABM strand is home to students with a diverse range of skills, from an entrepreneurial mindset to a knack for innovation and creation — it is almost as if competence is a requirement for every individual belonging to this strand. For Maja Samper, the ABM Strand Chair, the community is united in a shared goal of making a positive impact on the world. “The ABM strand is a community of passionate, warm, and hard-working individuals. It is home to empowered students who strive for excellence in all their endeavors,” she remarks, describing the unique traits of her fellow batchmates. 

These strengths are remarkably distinct for every student of the ABM strand, yet these traits are all the more powerful when united as a single-strand community. This sentiment aligns with the overall vision for ABM this year. Chelsea Koo, the ABM Secretary, envisions a strand that is a tightly woven community wherein everyone is heard, respected, and valued. “Through camaraderie, we strive to have an inclusive environment that fosters open communication, collaboration, and collective growth,” Koo details as she expounds on the goals of the ABM core.

For many new ABM juniors, adjusting to the fast-paced life of the ASHS is a journey difficult to withstand alone. On the other hand, our dear seniors are readying their farewells to the strand, people, and place they have called home for the last two years. While these two lives may seem almost miles apart, our ABM core aims to intertwine these experiences, reminding us that we are not as different as we may appear. 

This reminder comes in the form of the various projects and events that the ABM core has planned for the school year, with the first of these in the form of unique games and shared food!

Glowing in Green

ABMerienda is a potluck event where both juniors and seniors are given the chance to spark bonds over shared food and activities. From “link-up” prompts to meaningful conversations with like-minded people, every individual from the ABM strand is encouraged to put themselves out there — creating connections beyond the classroom.“Chelsea and I created activities that focused on communication and team-building to give everyone a chance to interact with depth in mind,”  Samper explains on the core bonding goals of this event. 

The event opened with a warm welcome from the ABM core, setting the tone for the friendly atmosphere of the program. Thus began the festivities of paired sharings, games such as “Guess the Movie,” and the indulgence of sweet treats and snacks for everyone. However, the highlight of this event comes with the batch bonds and friendships that were sparked throughout the day. For many juniors, this event served as an eye-opening experience of what the ABM strand has to offer them. Whether it be talks with fellow juniors or advice from welcoming seniors — each ABM junior was given the chance to immerse themselves in the buzzing energy of the strand.

According to Enzo Lopex of 11-Campion, the event encouraged him to bond with both juniors and seniors without the awkward endeavor of going from classroom to classroom. “I enjoyed the concept of a salo-salo the most. It reminded me of my time at the Ateneo Junior High School (AJHS), where we would have a salo-salo as a class, but in this case, we ate as a strand,” he states, reflecting on his past experiences that brought him to where he is now. Talks of shared experiences and advice over warmly prepared food served as a core memory for every student who attended — evoking a spirit of camaraderie all around the room. 

Adding to the excitement of the event, many students found delight in the various activities that were held during this day, most of which focused on breaking the initial awkwardness between juniors and seniors. For Krista Alessandra of 11-Campion, these games made it easier for her to get truly comfortable around her fellow strandmates. “Out of all the activities, I think ‘Guess the Movie’ was the one that really helped me bond with the seniors. We laughed a lot and got to know each other better without it feeling forced. Everything just felt natural, and the seniors were easy to vibe with!” she recalls, detailing the emotions she felt as she got to know her “ate” and “kuya.”

Underneath the exciting activities found in this event is the hope that these core memories and newfound friendships will continue to extend beyond ABMerienda. Despite how overwhelming it all may seem, dear junjuns, remember that you will always have a home in the ABM strand to guide you along your path. 

Building For the Future

While the festivities of ABMerienda may have ended — the ABM core promises a multitude of projects and events that aim to strengthen strand unity amongst the community. As juniors and seniors wait patiently for these exciting new projects, the connections and insights gained will continue to resonate in the hearts of these students.

 “Two of the projects I’m really looking forward to are Akbay, ABM, and ABMerch. I believe Akbay, ABM is a great opportunity for juniors and seniors to bond again,” shares Alessandra on her hopes for the future of ABM. From her perspective, entering the ASHS is a distinct experience for every single student; however, with the guidance of her seniors, this task no longer seems daunting. 

No matter what project may come next for the community, at the core of every event is a goal to foster collaboration between each student in the strand. The unique skill and heart that every ABM student possesses are traits that are given the chance to shine with every activity, such as ABMerienda. In the words of Samper: “These students wish to create impact on the world around them through innovation and leadership. Thus, everyone has unique mindsets which, when unified, become undeniably powerful.” 

As the buzzing energy of the ASHS may enrapture you in its busy days and lively events — it is easy to let this time pass you by. Yet before you get lost in the frenzy of senior high, every once in a while, remind yourself to take a step back and appreciate everything around you; before you know it, every confounding terminology and headache-inducing number will not seem so daunting anymore.