48th University Service Awards special features: Barth Jim Mariquit

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Since 1978, Ateneo de Manila University has been honoring its employees with the University Service Awards, recognizing their dedication and commitment to the University’s mission.

Now in its 48th year, the University Service Awards continue to celebrate employees from all units whose service contributes to the growth and strength of the Ateneo community.

We’re excited to introduce some of this year’s awardees, who will share their stories, favorite places on campus, and reasons for staying at Ateneo. 

Let’s start with Barth Jim Mariquit, a five-year service awardee from the Office of Mission and Identity:

Why Ateneo?

Ateneo has been my home for the past 26 years – as a student, teacher and formator. My parents chose Ateneo for my preparatory school in 1999. 16 years later, I chose to work for the school who accepted me as a prep student. Isn’t it boring to be in the same place for that long? My Ateneo journey is best described by a phrase from Heraclitus - “You don’t step in the same river twice.” Every day is a new learning experience in Ateneo. It is still a big body of water to swim in for a small fish that is me. This journey to learn more excites me.

What keeps you going?

3 Things:

• The community and friendships that were built, which I treasure deeply.
• The spiritual nourishment provided by different programs and presence of inspiring people.
• The beautiful campus we have, where I can breathe and walk around when the day gets heavy.

Favorite memory at work

Perhaps my favorite recent memory in my current work is concluding the HOPEcoming event. I never imagined myself being able to work on this big project for the Ateneo community. But it happened. Nasabi ko sa sarili ko, “Kinaya namin ‘yun?”. At oo. Kinaya nga. It is one of my kept “moments of light” from my Ateneo journey, which I go back to when times get rough.

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot in Ateneo is Gesù. It will always be my place of heartaches and joys shared with Someone who has never left me in my journey.

Most important lesson you’ve learned

Ateneo is [and will always be] home.