Reporting from the hill: A journalist's notes on her Ateneo experience

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 Director’s List scholar, journalist, news anchor, and television host Mav Gonzales (AB Communication 2011) had to say.

When I got accepted to Ateneo, I felt so relieved and grateful. After participating in the Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar (AJSS) the previous year, I was already assured of a slot in Ateneo but I was still waiting to see whether I would be granted a scholarship or not. I was adamant that I only wanted to go to Ateneo.  Coming from a middle class family, I was told by my parents that they were unsure about how they could afford my tuition. When the application decisions were released online and we found out that I was granted 100% scholarship, it was a huge relief not just for me, but also my parents. After hugging me and congratulating me, my mom said, “Buti na lang. Kundi hindi, hindi namin alam saan kukunin tuition mo.”

It was in the summer before senior high school that I first fell in love with Ateneo. I was given the chance to spend five weeks of summer school in Ateneo through the AJSS. Through this unique summer seminar, I experienced being an Atenean college student—running from one class to another, eating in the cafeteria, being mentored by the best of the best college teachers, and being classmates with students from all over the Philippines. I just felt at home in Ateneo.

I was so sure that I wanted to go to Ateneo that in my senior year of high school, I decided I would only apply to Ateneo. In my heart, it was Ateneo or nothing! (This also explains why my parents were furiously praying that I get a full scholarship!)

Essentially, it was the community that convinced me that I had to go to this school. (But of course, the beautiful campus and the iced coffee at the cafeteria also played a big hand in my decision!) People were competitive but kind, intelligent yet humble, driven yet fun-loving. I knew this was the school I wanted to entrust my college education to. 

They were not kidding when they said that it is tough to get into Ateneo and even tougher to stay in Ateneo. In my first week of college, I already had piles and piles of readings. I thought I was a big dog in high school, but coming to Ateneo, I realized that there were a lot of students who were smarter than me. That did not discourage me though, but instead pushed me to do even better.

Apart from academics, the UAAP was of course a huge part of my college life. The exchange of cheers, the loud drums, and the rumbling floor of Araneta Coliseum whenever Ateneo went up against La Salle still give me goosebumps to this day. 

I also joined a lot of student organizations, which is where I met all the cool people I am still friends with up to now. I am thankful that Ateneo has a lot of student organizations that cater to varied interests. I was into writing so I joined the school’s official student publication, The GUIDON. I was also interested in singing and performing, so I got to perform in various plays through Blue Repertory.

My exposure to different areas of interest and different kinds of people would come in handy in my career as a journalist. Ateneo has taught me how to respect and engage with others regardless of social status, age, religious or political background. This is very important when I go on the field where I literally talk to a street vendor one day and to the President the next.

One time, I had to interview a Mexican boxer. He spoke very little English, but on that day, I thanked my lucky stars for Ateneo’s core curriculum. In Ateneo, students take subjects like literature, philosophy, theology, and a foreign language—courses that are outside of one’s major, but nevertheless integral components of holistic formation. For my foreign language class, I took Spanish. Because of it, I was able to navigate my way through that interview.
I also remember during one press conference, someone asked me why Ateneans are such confident speakers. Off the top of my head I replied that it is probably because of the number of oral exams that all Ateneans have to take. Indeed, in Ateneo, everyone is encouraged to think critically for oneself, to ask questions, and to speak up. As a television journalist, this has helped me a lot. This gift of communication and the zealous pursuit for truth is what propels me in my career.

I will always be grateful for the kind of education and formation I have received from Ateneo. It has paved the way for my career as a journalist. It has given me the confidence to go for my dreams. It has taught me to speak up and to stand for truth. One summer and many years ago, I placed all my bets on Ateneo. And the rewards I have gained from it have been a thousand fold ever since.

Mav Gonzales is now a news anchor, sports, and senate reporter for GMA News as well as the co-host of On Record.