By Ry Dolor

By Lia Atienza

On Wednesday, November 19, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) held the first day of its annual College and Universities Exploration and Symposium (CUES) themed “College Quest: Discover. Decide. Do.” at the second-floor Formation and Learning Center (FLC).

The symposium featured around 50 booths from local and international colleges and universities, aiming to engage ASHS students — especially the Grade 12 batch — on college preparations, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities.

The program opened with remarks from ASHS Assistant Principal for Formation (APFor) Ma’am Jennifer Conception, followed by the presentation of the event objectives from OGC Coordinator Sir Alexander Manuel.

“What we’re expecting is that they’ll be able to have a new perspective when it comes to college — be able to see then, what college life is all about,” said Grade 12 Guidance Counselor Ma’am Ericka Andal.

ASHS alumni currently studying in local and international tertiary schools were also invited to share their college journey and experiences through video messages and the CUES Talk. 

After the talk, the students were allowed to roam around the assembly space, engage with the representatives of the guest institutions, and learn about what the institutions had to offer.

“This CUES event has helped me better understand what the different university options I may have when I go to college,” said Iñigo Anduiza from 12-Pantalia.

“Especially that I shouldn’t be limited to the big four schools in Metro Manila where I’m primarily applying to, and that there are many specialty schools based on the special skills I may want to have in the future,” he added.

The second day of the event will be held on Thursday, November 20, at the same venue for the remaining Grade 12 classes.

Booths stationed at the second-floor FLC will remain open to all SHS students from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Thursday.