The Office of the ADNU Graduate School hosted a Graduates’ Fellowship on June 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Coko Cafè, Ateneo de Naga University.
From the Batch 2025 graduates, thirty-eight participants attended the activity. This was held to have some acquaintances with their fellow graduates. As they had already completed their respective graduate programs, feedback was expressed about their experiences to the office and the University.
The event started with an Opening Prayer led by Ms. Christaine Mae Bael, Administrative Assistant, and it was later facilitated by Dr. Malu Barcillano, Dean of the Graduate School. The main part of the event began with a “Kamustahan.” Then, four (4) conversational questions were raised to summarize their experiences from their graduate school journey.
With the first question (What can you say about the program that you have completed, in terms of the following areas: Instruction, Research, Social Involvement, and Formation?), most of the graduates had the joyous feeling of finishing their degree amidst the rigorous journey. One graduate shared that her course, Curriculum and Instruction, is also being used in their respective academic workplace. Another said that the research process being experienced served as a good training for being a panelist in other research. One Psychology graduate also shared that the instruction was generally okay, yet felt that there were still learnings to provide more in the advanced subjects. The Practicum subjects and community settings are valued as integral to the formation process, extending beyond the classroom. The webinars on well-being are appreciated as well, yet different topics can be brought up, too.
Answering the second question (How do you feel after completing your degree from the AdNU-GS?), a graduate said that it is the feeling of being fulfilled and scared at the same time as they open more doors. It will be the basis for a better future and contribute to society. Group of graduates from the Master in Language and Literature (MLL) program exclaimed all together with a sigh, “hay salamat!”. One of them added that it made them feel happy, fulfilled, and grateful for the help of the Graduate School faculty & staff to surpass. He also acknowledged the late Ms. Cynthia Correo and Ms. Maria Epifania Prado as their professors and experts in their graduate program. One graduate from the Master in Nursing (MN) program also shared that it was fulfilling with their community experiences and helped them value what they have. Moreover, they also had realizations on formation and culture. A Psychology graduate also added that it was a very good feeling – felt relieved that they finished all that must be done, with a panel that is a powerhouse for their expertise, and pressured about something big that is coming up.
For the third question (What significant lesson(s) and/or insights can you share in line with your stay in the AdNU-GS?), a graduate shared that it taught them about grit and determination on the long journey with setbacks that make it difficult to move forward. A graduate added that she would like to serve as an inspiration to those who were transferring to another school, that they just moved forward and prayed hard. Another graduate said that the journey was never easy, juggling work, family, and responsibilities, and congratulated themselves for surpassing. A graduate also shared that it was an opportunity to grow, to advance the level to PhD, and ADNU Graduate School was a blessing.
Lastly, regarding the fourth question (What course of action is possibly considered to continuously appropriate the 4 Cs: Competence, Conscience, Compassionate Commitment to Change, and Christ-centeredness?), one graduate said that she was really satisfied with the MLL subjects and its program. Her graduate school journey helped her with her foreign students in terms of depth in English, to draft her upcoming research, and to have a natural translation of the language. Another expressed that her graduate program is applied in the state college where she is working, for being the adviser also in research, that there is actual application in research, and in terms of competence. Also, one graduate shared that she was able to apply her learning with the professors and apply it also in line with her field or work. She further said that she pursued Early Childhood Education to establish it in their college. A graduate further said that there is nothing to change despite the differences, which have been settled in the end. There has been a good relationship with the accommodating Program Directors and staff.
The fellowship ended with a word of thanks from the office and the graduates as well. The office gave a token to the graduates that will remind them to strive for more – Magis as one of the values of Ateneo de Naga University.
Prepared by:
Christaine Mae Bael
Administrative Assistant
