My journey from science high school to big science: How Ateneo transformed my life

In recognition of the recent release of Ateneo college application decisions, we wanted to take a trip down memory lane. We asked some Ateneans to complete this sentence: “When I got accepted to Ateneo, I...” This is what merit scholar, newly minted Doctor of Philosophy, and postdoctoral researcher in innovation management Angelo Kenneth Romasanta (BS Chemistry 2013) had to say.

When I got accepted to Ateneo, I didn’t realize back then how much it would change my life’s path. Looking back, getting accepted to Ateneo and receiving a full scholarship has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. Since then, it has opened so many doors for me—doors I would not have ever imagined. I was able to take my master’s and PhD in Europe with a full scholarship and salary. I was able to travel the world, now having visited more than 40 countries. And, I am currently doing research in a top business school globally, collaborating with some of the most prestigious research institutes in  particle physics, astrophysics, molecular biology and materials science.

But, let me go back to the beginning. Before all of this, I was a student at City of Mandaluyong Science High School. I came from a typical middle-class Filipino family, raised by a single mom who was always supportive of my studies. And so, when I was in my final year of high school, my mom encouraged and helped me apply to the top universities in the Philippines.

If I’m going to be honest, Ateneo was originally not on my list of schools to apply for. I mean, my image of it is that it’s only for the rich. In my mind, even if I got in, my family wouldn’t be able to pay for it. Add to that all the costs just to fit in. Nonetheless, my mom pushed me to apply for it, to give me the best of options. So I applied for the BS Chemistry program.

In the end, I chose Ateneo because of fate, despite how ridiculous that may sound. I’ve told this story many times, but on the day of my test, I was already hesitating about showing up. The thing is, right before the test, our house caught fire. It was due to a candle my mom left while praying for me for the ACET. When I saw our house burning, I was already thinking of not taking the test anymore. But in the end, my family pushed me to still go try it even if I was stressed out. I took the test shaking and worrying if I still have a house to go home to. When I got back, I found that the majority of our house had burned down. We had to live in our garage for almost two years.

When the results got out, I was expecting to fail, given my state during the test. Yet, I was surprised to be part of the top 25 or so applicants. I couldn’t believe that I was a merit scholar! Soon, my family and I were invited to the reception dinner for merit scholars. There, I was warmly received by the Chemistry Department, the staff, and also the Office of Admission and Aid. I still remember being seated next to David Peralta, who is a chemistry board topnotcher and now the editor of well-known scientific journals in Europe. I was also seated with Professor Guidote, who was head of the department back then. Both of them were just so nice, welcoming, and very convincing of how great Ateneo was. I also remember my family talking with Ma’am Nette from the Office of Admission and Aid, explaining our financial situation. The Office of Admission and Aid immediately offered to give additional assistance, without much thought. On just that reception night, I got a glimpse of how human Ateneo was. The people seemed to truly care for me even if I was not a student yet. It was a no-brainer to choose the university.

Indeed, I ended up making a great decision. My Ateneo days were some of the most amazing times of my life in terms of growth and personal development. Entering Ateneo, I was a very socially awkward kid (I still am, but less so). Getting exposed to a wide range of people, surprisingly from all social classes, led me to be more effective in communicating. Oral presentations are common and we were always encouraged to work in groups. I was active in my home organization in chemistry, attending all those parties and events. I went to all types of camps, the most memorable of which was the Ateneo Student Leaders Assembly. I also volunteered in different social outreach organizations.

I also grew a lot intellectually. The best thing about Ateneo is that even when you are a chemistry student, you are still immersed in courses that students of other schools do not get exposed to. I enjoyed taking the core curriculum classes such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, literature, theology, and political science, to name a few. By taking these classes, I was able to discover where my true passion lies. Instead of chemistry, I realized that my real interest was in understanding how discoveries from the laboratory become products. Instead of doing science myself, I was more interested in the people and organizations who did science. With this newfound passion, I decided then to take more electives in management. This then led me to the career in innovation management that I am currently pursuing.

The most important part of my Ateneo journey was meeting a group of peers and mentors who guided me on the next steps to take. I always hear that you need to have three sets of mentors—one that is in the exact position as you, one that is just a few years ahead, and another that is a lot more experienced. Ateneo has been my platform to meet all these wonderful people. In my chemistry cohort, I met great friends like Mark del Rosario and Mendelsohn Chan who just always inspired me to achieve more. I met upper-class chemistry students like Jeric Imbao and Japhet Calupitan, who are now scientists here in Europe. Back then, they inspired me to send my application to Europe. In a strategy class, I met Miko Biscocho, currently a director at Procter and Gamble, who has been a mentor to me ever since.

Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher in innovation management at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. I collaborate with big science organizations like the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to explore how they can effectively commercialize scientific discoveries. Ateneo has prepared me for the demands of my job as an academic. Day to day, I interview entrepreneurs and scientists, analyze datasets, write papers, give classes and network with other academics. My background in chemistry lets me appreciate the technical side of things while my experience with the core curriculum allows me to see the human side of these technologies. Ateneo has made me more open to social interactions with people from all backgrounds.

When I first got accepted to Ateneo, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I’ll always be grateful because it has helped me realize that potential I did not know I had.