Veritas in Caritate, the Truth in Charity.

Could you believe that what started as a one-classroom school is now a dynamic educational community? In its on-going process, Adamson Univeristy continues to grow both in physical size and student population and commits to produce socially responsible and globally competitive graduates through an environment of academic excellence and education with a heart. But how does Adamson University transformed into a dynamic and harmonious community?
Did you know that Adamson University’s motto Veritas in Caritate “Truth in Charity” serves as the guiding principle in the university’s daily operation?
The university adopted the motto “Veritas in Caritate” in 1964 after the transition or transfer of ownership from a secular institution to a Catholic institution. This led to the incorporation of the University into the Adamson-Ozanam Educational Institution Inc. Along with the declaration of Saint Vincent de Paul as the university’s Patron Saint.
Here are some trivias what you should know about the school’s motto:
Breaking it down, each word has its own different meaning and origination. In Roman Mythology, VERITAS, meaning truth, is the goddess of truth, she is a daughter of Chronos and the mother of Virtus. She is usually described as a virgin dressed in white and as the “nuda veritas” or the naked truth, holding a hard mirror. On the other hand, in Greek mythology, Aletheia is the greek goddess of truth. Aletheia means unconcealment.
CARITATE or CARITAS can be translated as either love or charity. In the encyclinal or the circular letter sent to all churches of a particular area in the ancient Roman Church, when the Pope uses the word Caritate or Caritas, it is always implied atleast partly in the old fashioned sense meaning love.
Along with Adamson University, the University of Santo Tomas also shares the same motto “Veritas in Caritate”, upholding similar virtues with the oldest private Roman Catholic university in the Philippines.
Going into a deeper context, it was pointed out by Saint Vincent de Paul that charity can be recognized as an authentic expression of humanity and as an element of fundamental importance in human relations, including those of a public nature. Only in truth does charity shine and only in truth can charity be authentically lived. Truth is the light that gives meaning and value to charity. That light is both the light of reason and the light of faith, through which the intellect attains to the natural and supernatural truth of charity: it grasps its meaning as gift, acceptance, and communion. Without truth, charity degenerates into sentimentality.
The University motto is very relevant among its students. As it caters to the need of the students to sought the truth within its charity as well as to practice charity in light of the truth. This helps the students to aunthenticate the credibility of the truth as they go along with their life inside the university. It helps them grow as a responsible Adamsonians that seeks to relive the truth in everything they do and commit to living a more aunthentic life. Be it in their spiritual, emotional and physical aspect.
Students grow with the whole community as they live the truth in love and by living the motto of the university. This also serves as a guide for each student to continuously strive hard to be a globally competitive student, as what the university wants them to be.

 

We have journeyed along and around Adamson University for the past month, going around its history, facts and trivias surrounding the university, and how “klasmeyts”, as what Adamsonians call each other, study and survive every school day. It was a roller coaster ride, getting to know the San Marcelino based university each and every time. As we finish this story, let us all reminisce the time we were fascinated by the learnings and discoveries that even we, the writers, did not know before. Serving you the different ideas that each of everyone deserve to know was indeed an enjoyable and fun experience. Each story we craft brings us into a mind boggling satisfaction and excitement as we uncover yet another undiscovered piece of history of the university. Writing about our dear school will surely be missed.

 

Adamson University is a private and Catholic University in Manila, Philippines that was established in the 20th century. With a university that dates back years and years ago, the school holds a large chunk of history inside it. Here are 10 facts and trivias about Adamson University that will spark your interest in learning more about the university.

 

Did you know that…

1. Dr. George Lucas Adamson founded the Adamson University, formerly known as Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry (ASIC) on June 20, 1932.

2. Adamson University became a Vincentian school when it was turned over to the Vincentian fathers of the Congregation of the Mission (C.M.) in 1964.

3. The patron saint of Adamson University is Saint Vincent de Paul.

4. Adamson started as a one-classroom school that evolved into the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry and Engineering on February 19, 1936.

5. Adamson University consists of 7 buildings occupying 10.7 hectares of the land.

 

6. The longest-serving president of Adamson University was Dr. George Lucas Adamson who served for 35 years, followed by Fr. Leandro I. Montañana, C.M. with 18 years, Fr. Gregorio Bañaga, C.M. with 12 years and Fr. Rolando Dela Goza C.M. and Fr. Jimmy A. Belita, C.M. with 9 years.

7. Adamson has Falcon Bridge that connects the Cardinal Santos Building, Saint Theresa Building, Father Leandro Montañana Building and Ozanam Building.

8. Adamson is the second largest university in the south city of Manila (second to DLSU). It has one of the largest chemical laboratories in Asia, and has one of the longest walkways in the Philippines.

9. Adamson is one of the three universitoes that specializes in Geology (the other 2 are UP and Mapua).

10. Some of the notable alumni are Ruthlane Uy Asmundson, former mayor of Davis, California, Kenneth Duremdes, basketball player, UNTV Cup Senate Defenders Head Coach and Adamson Falcons headcoach (2014-2015), Francine Prieto and Nida Blanca. Adamson University is a harmonious community for students and professors, equally. The education offered by the university is learned with desire of offering and providing an education with a heart. The historical background of the University defines the present and future of Adamson. It is what makes this university unique from the others. It is important to know some of these important facts as it will help us to undertand the importance and the value of the past happenings in the university.

The Philippine 2019 election is fast approaching. Pictures of public servant wannabees are already evidently scattered around the streets, hoping for their names to appear on the winning list. After all, this is still a popularity contest. But should you always consider popularity in choosing your candidate? Did you know that there are other five ways to help you determine who to pick on the upcoming elections:
1. Know your candidates.
-It is important to identify who is the candidate you are voting for. Where did they graduate? What are their educational attainments? What achievements did they acquire? What is their political trac record? All of those factors must be considered plus the platforms they are proposing. Also look up on what these candidates want to provide for the general public and the community. Always make sure that they know what they are talking about. If the candidate is a re-electionist, check if they granted their platforms during their last term. If not, then bettrr find someone else that does.
2. Don’t vote for someone just because they are part of a leading political party.
-Don’t let the party that the candidate is belonging affect his or her credibility and ability to perform excellently. Look for someone who is capable, competent and responsible. The one who is willing to put people first before power.
3. Don’t vote based on popularity.
-Just because a certain candidate tops the surveys and trends on social media sites, it does not mean you should vote for them. Always do your own research, and vote based on your own knowledge and opinion on that candidate. Do not be easily persuaded!
4. Keep an open mind.
-Politics is an area where reform can occur, so if someone does have a criminal past, see how they have absolved themselves and whether or not you consider their current work sufficient to overcome that and whether their experience is being put to good use.
5. Go and vote.
-You’re ready! With your research and by going with your gut, you’re sure to pick a leader that will benefit your country. The act of voting in itself is a sign of caring about your future and being an active citizen, so reward yourself afterward. You deserve it, for its effort well spent.

Voting and democracy is very important in a nation because it provides people an opportunity to voice their opinion and vote for what they believe in. Every one has the right to vote and choose who they want to lead the country towards improvement and achieves its objectives. Make your voice be heard. Exercise your privilege and political right to freely choose our future leaders.

Remember that the election is supposed to be about your best choice, not your favorite choice. Consider and respect other views. Everyone will have a different view on who the best choice is. Make the best of it. In the end, maybe you’ll end up picking the right leader that will lead us to a better nation.

Adamson University’s community can be described as students being super close and friendly, often calling each other ‘klasmeyts’ even if they barely know each other. But despite how harmonious the environment of the school is, it cannot be preventable that students suffer from mental health illnesses such as depression, insomnia and suicidal thoughts due to unenumerated number of reasons such as stress, personal problems, or any underlying problems they don’t speak about.

Recently, Adamson University launched a student organization called Adamson University Semicolon Society. It is an organization that aims to promote healthy mental health to students and faculty as well. The founders of the organization pointed out the connection of semicolon to life, “a semicolon can be likened to life, we face different obstacles and challenges in life, but this should not discourage us from appreciating the beauty of life.”

Here are some do’s and dont’s to make the Adamson community a more mental health friendly space for each and everyone according to Adamson University Student Government.

Do’s: Just lean an ear

Give phrases such as:

“I’m here for you.”

“This is not your fault.”

“It’s okay not to be okay.”

“How can I help?”

These phrase can be a big help to people who experience mental health illnesses. Just letting them feel that they are not alone is enough.

Dont’s: Blaming them for the way they feel

Avoid phrases such as:

“I’ve been through worse.”

“Get over it.”

“The only one you’re hurting is yourself.”

“It’s all in your head.”

These could harden the burden that the person is carrying and might trigger unwanted events. Always remember to look out for that person and always make an effort to help them overcome their illness.

But what if you, yourself, are the one experiencing a mental health illness?

Here are two important tips to help you overcome, little by little, mental health illness one step at a time:

Always be connected.

-Whether to your friends, family members, or just your acquaintances, always reach out. When you experience a mental illness, there is a big tendency to withdraw and isolate yourself from other people which is not good. A brave step is to reach out and connect even if you don’t have to, even if you don’t want to.

Do things that will make you happy.

-In order to overcome your mental health illness, you need to find things that make you feel relaxed, whether it may be a movie night with your bestfriend, a dinner date with your loved one, or joining an organization that interests you, anything can help as long as it enjoys you and it relaxes you. While you can’t force yourself to have fun, you can push yourseld to do things even if you don’t feel like doing it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel once you’re out.

Every thought, every feeling, every moment counts. No one should be left behind. This National Mental Health Week, join us as we continue to seek accessibility for mental health!

#NoHealthWithoutMentalHealth

#SeekingAccessibility

#ENDtheSTIGMA

 

Adamson University students, or “Adamsonians” as what they are referred to, always find ways to study productively through hell weeks, workloads on top of each other, and juggling curricular and extra curricular activities all together. But there really are times that the students feel stressed, or just “burnt out” so here are some ways on how to make ends meet between school, extra curricular activities, and personal life.

1. Make a list
– What are the classes and organizations that you are part of? When is the schedule of the meetings? Make sure that everything is organized. If you like doodling and journaling, you can buy a mini planner or travel organizer. But if you want your schedule to be always with you wherever you go, you can opt for the calendar applictaion on your phone. Both are feasible, as long as you’re comfortable with using it. Organizing your schedule can help minimize absences and tardiness in either your classes or your org meetings which means less stress for you!

2. Find a happy place
– Different students have different happy places when studying. Some feel comfortable studying in the four corners of their room while some feel more energetic when they study in coffee shops, libraries, or anywhere wherein they can see other people. The challenge is to find your own happy place. Are you a “i want no distraction when i study” person or “i feel sleepy when i study alone” person? After determining your perfect happy place for studying then make it a habit of continuously going there. Studies have shown that people who feel at ease in the place where they are studying results in a productive study session and a more continuous flow of thoughts when doing school-based activities.

3. Avoid distractions!
– Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, may have created ways in connecting people and increasing student collaboration thru group chats, group page, and many more. But to be honest, it can be more of a distraction that it is more than a positive impact. It is mainly because instead of working on your homeworks and studying for a straight 30 minutes, you cut it by 10-10-10 for the reason of checking your social media accounts. So cut out any distraction and make a pledge to study throughout your study session and make the most of it. And at the end of the day, you can indulge yourself in these sites as a reward for all your hardwork during your study session.

4. REST
– Some student can pull an all nighter while some are morning birds who wakes up early in the morning to study. Rest assured, either way is fine. But you should always remember to find time to just sleep and relax after studying. Are you bombarded with schoolworks and exams the next day that you think you cannot fit in a full 8 hour sleep? Then rest your eyes. Studies shows that resting your eyes during intervals of your study session can really help boost your energy while studying, making you more productive rather than continously studying with a groggy state and tired eyes.

5. Find a study group
– Finding a study group can be very helpful at times. You can ask your friends to study together or it is commonly referred to as “group work”. Studying with groups can help you to learn and understand difficult topics on different subjects. You can exchange ideas, learnings and knowledge about certain things. Studying together can help you be more motivated and focused. In these days, it is a trend to study in coffee shops given that coffee shops are now open for 24 hours and provide wifi network that is very useful for the customers. Aside from that, you may also have a group study at home with your friends.

6. Motivate Yourself
– When you are studying, you need a driving force to motivate you to study. But it is not always possible to have a driving force standing behind you to motivate you. You have to learn how to motivate yourself. Set yourself goals or rewards that you can collect after you have accomplished a certain amount of studying or homework. Motivating yourself can also help you to be more productive since you are inspired to do things on your own. It would be a great deal for us students if we start our own little ways of helping ourselves.

7. Learn from your mistakes
– You do not have to be the student who always gets 100% on the examsz quizzes or activities. We know that our capabilities have its shortcomings. However you do need to be the student that learns from the mistakes they have made. It’s okay if you have screwed up on one text. You can always make it up on the next, or study better. You cannot reap rewards without a little bit of hard work after all. Just always remember that mistakes have the power to make us better than we were before.

8. Set your goals
– When you have planned your study time, you should also know where your plan takes you. Have a specific goal in mind before you start your study session. This goal should be in such a way that it helps you accomplish your study plan in an organized manner. Having goals will help you stay focused and observe your progress. Be clear about what exactly you want to achieve during study time.

9. Never postpone your study plan
– Students nowadays have the tendency to postpone their study plan. They tend to always say “I’ll do it later”, “I still have time later” which later turns into “I’ll do it tomorrow” and eventually turns into not doing it. It would always be better to follow your study plan or better yet, study ahead of time so you do not have to cram when the due date is approaching. Adjourning your plans will make your studying less effective and you should avoid that.

10. Don’t study too much
– Of course, at the end of the day your mental health is the most important. Don’t tire out your brain too much. Space the work you have to do over shorter periods of time. Do not try to cram all of your studying into one or two sessions. Stay sane while in school. Your brain and your body and the two are undeniably intertwined. Don’t beat yourself up for taking a break every now and then. Don’t feel guilty about a night out with friends. It’s all about balance, and balance can help your mind focus better too. Keep that in mind, and you’ll be making great progress in no time.

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton