Why I’m Choosing Ateneo

As we start another school year, we want to hear from our incoming freshies about what they’re most looking forward to in their Ateneo experience. Valedictorian, merit scholar and incoming BS Applied Mathematics - Master in Data Science major Kaitlyn Shu Too shares that Ateneo was not her first choice and why she changed her mind.

Let me be honest. Ateneo wasn’t my first choice when I was applying for college. Even after Ateneo offered me the Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship, I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend my college life in Ateneo. So how exactly did I end up deciding that Ateneo’s the one for me? In deciding which university to go to, I focused on two aspects: the reputability of my chosen course and the university’s learning environment. 

Early on in my elementary days, I discovered that I enjoyed Mathematics. Because of this, I joined numerous math competitions and training groups such as my school’s MTG, and AMSLI. When I reached high school, my love for Mathematics deepened further. So much so that I found certain Math problems beautiful! Naturally, I decided I wanted to take up a math-related course. Several teachers and upperclassmen recommended that I take Applied Mathematics in Ateneo. Coupled with rigorous research, I found that Ateneo’s Applied Mathematics program is definitely a highly reputable course that I wanted to take.

But more than that, as I venture into the world of college, I also wanted to go to a university that would give me more than just an assurance of quality education in terms of academics. I wanted to be in a university with a nurturing learning environment that would allow me to discover more of myself and to grow holistically. I wanted to be part of a community wherein I could learn from people of different backgrounds and create valuable life experiences with people I’ll meet along the way. This is what struck me the most about Ateneo: its focus on holistic development and its community. I would always hear from my upperclassmen of how welcoming professors and Ateneans are and how much fun org life is in Ateneo. I would also hear of how the people within the Atenean community are very supportive of each other as they all face that “one big fight” together. Hearing these things really made me want to experience being a part of the Ateneo community. Fortunately, I got a taste of this during AJSS and it left me wanting more.

Apart from its reputable education and nurturing learning environment, I also truly admire the values Ateneo instills in its students. It’s truly praiseworthy how they don’t just talk the talk, but also walk the walk. From giving back to the community to being active members of society, it was these values that really sealed the deal. 

Receiving this opportunity to be a part of the Ateneo community as a Merit Scholar is such a tremendous honor to me. As I begin the next chapter of my life in my new home, I’m excited and I look forward to creating new experiences, meeting new people and making a meaningful impact. I can’t wait to start my Atenean journey and see where I’ll be in a few years.