by Ms. Bianca Angela Uy, UP OIL Student Assistant 2024-2025
When I joined the UP Office of International Linkages, I had no idea that everything—my perspective, my routine, and especially my dreams—was about to change. Who would’ve thought that I’d be walking through the halls of Harvard and NUS, two of the world’s top universities, and in less than a month, be exploring Europe? Even I’m still stunned by everything I’ve pulled off. Because if you had asked me a year ago, I would’ve said that this life was beyond impossible.
Harvard: Winter Experience NUS: UP Representatives
Exactly a year ago, I was just a clueless freshman, still figuring out how UP worked. I was simply looking for opportunities to grow, to discover what this university could offer someone like me. One random scroll through Facebook changed everything. A post read, “We are looking for student assistants.” That was it. That was the turning point. That small decision opened the doors to everything that followed.
But let me be honest, my journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. I’ve struggled to juggle academics, work, personal life, and an endless list of side quests. And like many students who dream of going on exchange, I faced one of the most difficult hurdles: money. Looking for funding was brutal. Airfare, insurance, living allowances—joining international programs is no joke financially. But I pushed through.
February 2025 | HARVARD UNIVERSITY
That one program didn’t mark an end; it was just the beginning. It lit a fire in me. I started to believe in myself more, to realize that if I could achieve this, then maybe—just maybe—I could do even more. That belief became my reality during the summer of 2025.
Just four months later, I volunteered for the UP HIRAYA 2025 Program, welcoming international students from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
June 9, 2025 to June 27, 2025 | HIRAYA 2025
In three weeks, we traveled across Metro Manila, Batangas, and even flew to Bicol. Our bonds grew stronger with every trip, every shared laugh, and every late-night talk. And the next thing I knew, it was time to bid our ‘paalam’. Tears wouldn’t stop falling from my eyes. It was one of those rare, beautiful goodbyes that hurt, in the best way.
I even started learning Bahasa, a language I never imagined I’d study, just so I could understand and connect more deeply with the friends I made. That’s the kind of impact this journey had on me. It pushed me to go beyond what’s required, simply out of love and gratitude for the people I met.
HIRAYA 2025: The Last Goodbye
Soon after, I boarded a flight to Singapore for the TF-NUS LEaRN Program, a fully funded 3-week experience hosted by the National University of Singapore. There, I met new friends, new cultures, and new perspectives. That’s also where I learned that instead of saying goodbyes, I’d rather say hanggang sa muli. Until our paths cross again.
June 30, 2025 to July 19, 2025 | NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
But it didn’t stop there. The day after I landed back in the Philippines, I was already ushering for the ASEAN University Network Rectors’ Meeting. In just one whirlwind week, I absorbed new ideas and expanded my network beyond what I thought was possible.
June 21, 2025 to June 26, 2025 | ASEAN UNIVERSITY NETWORK RECTOR’S MEETING
This year has been the perfect storm of chaos and joy. I’ve lost my mind and found it again—over and over. Everything happened so fast. Spontaneous. One day to the next. But no regrets at all. Every application, every sleepless night, every risk—it was all worth it. I’ve learned that sometimes, you have to be a little insane to chase your dreams. And somehow, that insanity leads you to the most beautiful moments of your life.
This isn’t just another story of how I got here. It’s a love letter to every person I met along the way. Thank you for giving me a home—both metaphorically and literally. Because now, no matter where I go, there’s always a space that feels familiar, safe, and like home all over again.
I remember I was told, during the meeting for the outgoing student assistants, “You are my favorite, because out of everyone, you’ve grown the most.” And maybe that’s true. I started with nothing; no know-how, no connections, just ambitions. And now, chasing dreams after dreams. What a year it has been indeed!
I guess the storytelling will pause here. Just a pause, not an end. Because the journey continues, and a new chapter is about to begin.
À bientôt, Europe !