45th University Service Awards: Celebrating Milestones in Service (Part 4)

Tomorrow 23 March 2023, the University will hold the 45th University Service Awards at the Ateneo High School Covered Courts, honoring 471 employees. 

In a 4-part feature, we asked some of this year’s awardees to answer three questions:

What made you stay in Ateneo?

What are you most thankful for as an employee at the University?

How would you describe the Ateneo work environment to a new employee?

Part 4 features Dr. Severino R. Sarmenta Jr. (Loyola Schools) and Mrs. Eden D. Rabena (Grade School)

I have stayed in Ateneo as I have always wanted to teach in my alma mater. I have always felt that Ateneo is a great learning environment, and I would grow with my students in discovering more about our discipline. After 35 years, I have no regrets because the learning continues.

I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with professionals who are passionate about the work we do and the place where we all belong.  There have been engaging work opportunities, moments for bonding like sports and recreational activities, and chances for reflection and learning from others in the school's seminars and workshops.

In all my talks with fellow employees, I have always said that  Ateneo is not a perfect place, but the joy is in trying to make it better every day.  This is the challenge and blessing we will receive when we work here. Of course, there will be difficulties and frustrations, but the joys and growth will outweigh all the disappointments.

Mother Teresa once said,” The miracle is not that we do this work, but we are happy to do it.” For me, happiness is when you love your job! My motivation to stay in the teaching vocation and stay in Ateneo comes from wanting to help, encourage, inspire others, and make a difference in the lives of others. The feelings of happiness, enjoyment, excitement and a sense of personal fulfillment from being able to touch young lives have been consistently the same since my first day of work on May 1, 1992, up to this day. It was and still is a blessing to witness them in their “A-ha” moments in and out of the classroom; to watch them grow into good persons and responsible citizens.

Staying in Ateneo for the past three decades is my simple offering to God. It is my humble way of paying it forward and expressing my deep gratitude to everyone that I was blessed to work. They have inspired me to be the best teacher and person I can be. 

On my 30th year of service, I take this opportunity to reflect on my happy memories and the countless blessings I received.

Ateneo has always put a high premium on its employees’ spiritual formation.  Next, my seemingly unreachable dream to own a house became a reality here in the Ateneo when we finally built our home in Ateneoville. Moreover, my family received an immense outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the Ateneo community during calamities and when I encountered personal health problems. 

Lastly, the Jesuit education my daughters benefited from has provided them with the tools to become successful in their professional lives and careers and has helped mold them to “set the world on fire.”

To new employees, I want to say that you made the right choice because Ateneo is home, a happy workplace that is caring, secure, inspiring, and supportive and where employees feel valued, wanted, and motivated. 

From my first teaching job in the province, I came here with clear goals: to help me further my growth as a person and teacher. Through the years, and in so many ways, Ateneo has helped me achieve these goals and more. It has pushed me to my limits, and many good things have happened since I came here. The opportunities and possibilities that are given to us blossom and flourish endlessly. This is the Ateneo way. So stay on. Experience the Ateneo way.

Ite inflammate omnia. Go forth, and set the world on fire. 

Read our previous posts here - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.  

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.