WHICH TYPE OF U.P. STUDENT ARE YOU?

You have been very lucky to enter the country’s premier state university. Make the most of it. You have been the given the greatest opportunity in your education.
But not everyone survives. You should know how to play the game. You should have what it takes to survive… and the primary deciding factor is this:
What type of U.P. student are you?

NOTE: Every type is considered in its general characteristics. No particular group or person is being referred to in here.
Apologies to those who will be very much affected.

A. The Geek

The original, the natural, the one and only intellectual being ever grazed the university grounds. This type of U.P. student is never what you call the “trying-hards”. He or she was never a plastic, pretending to study all the time. He or she is just the type of student who feels more at ease with a microprocessor or a book than having a time to enjoy. His or her idea of fun is solving Math 11 problems and Sudoku puzzles
He or she never fails to hangout… at the library. He or she always knows how to make a great conversation… with the librarian. He or she is friends… with the photocopying machines at the Bat Cave and the moldy books at the very old CAS library.

B. The GC

At class, you can easily identify one. He or she painstakingly always takes down every word that comes out from the professor’s mouth, even the corny remarks, thinking that the professor might give it as a bonus point. This U.P. student is always the first one to pass requirements in the department; is often the first one to know the schedule of an exam or the deadline for projects; often has a reviewer two weeks before the exam; and is often scared of breaking any rules for the thought of being reprimanded. He or she always looks pale and sweating a lot before exams. One can often find this student muttering something alone, looking like he or she is hexing somebody, but in reality is just reviewing some concepts.
Unlike the geek, this person is not really a natural… in fact, he or she is just trying to look he or she is a natural. This student just knows when and how to study… and he or she really WANTS to study to get a good grade. This student’s name can often be found in the list of the College Scholars or better, University Scholars. He or she though, really works hard for his or her grades. He or she often deserves the slot in the CS or US lists.
Professors know this student because of his or her academic performance, which can be seen in the results of the exams, papers, and recitation.

C. The Strawberry

This student is just like the GC… with a slight difference, of course. GC students work hard for their grades; they are too busy studying for the exams. On the other hand, strawberry students also work hard for their grades. They work hard to charm their professors by making sure they ‘remember’ them.
This student is often found at the department, having a funny conversation with a professor, when actually he or she is not even a student-assistant. He or she is often found raising his or her hand to volunteer whenever the professor is asking who can do this or that. His or her name is often found at the professor’s phone book so that he or she acts as the block head even though nobody in the class thought so.
This student gives clear meaning to the concept of lobbying. The only difference, however, is that this student is not advocating for everybody but herself or himself.
Very Pathetic.

D. The Activist

When one talks about this student, he or she doesn’t really mean the activist who does nothing but to rally. Not that one. The activist student here means the active, the vigorous, the career student of the year!
Yes. The career student of the year. Why?
Kinakarir lahat ng organizations at extracurricular activities sa campus.
His or her face can often be seen at every organization meeting and performing in every program. Not only that, sometimes, he or she also works as a student-assistant in department to add to her not-quite-so-busy schedule. This U.P. student can be called Mr. Or Ms. Congeniality. He or she knows almost everyone else. For what purpose? So that he or she can be voted as one of the organization’s officer. Another reason for his or her popularity, however, was because of his or her over-exposure.
Almost the perfect student right?
No. Because usually, an activist is always late for classes and in passing requirements; or if not, is always caught sleeping and always fails an exam.
His or her showbiz-wannabe schedule fails to keep an activist awake. Ironic right? Maybe the fickle fame and fortune are not really enough.

E. Mr. Twister and Ms. Sosy

Why twister? This student is so bigheaded that he thinks he is likeable. He often brags about everything, from his Lacoste up to his hairdo done by the most expensive salon one can ever find. He brags about his car, his girls, his fat wallet, everything. If one wants to die of suffocation, or over oxygen, all one needs to do is look for Mr. Twister. This guy seldom has flat tires; he has plenty of air to spare.
Ms. Sosy, the ever fashionista and Taglish speaking being who seemed to have lost her directions and entered the wrong campus. Instead of entering ‘others’, she might have taken a jeep and ended at the premier university. How very lucky.
She dresses like she is from ‘others’. She talks like she is from ‘others’. She looks like she is from ‘others’. She acts like she is from ‘others’.
They belong to the upper class society (worst is they let other students feel it), and they have not-so-U.P. attitudes. Most often, other students think of them as irresponsible because instead of talking about a project, they will talk about the latest trends, gossips, etc. that put their group mates’ temper into rise. They were often the ones who slack it off and cram everything, not because they have plenty of other schoolwork to do, but because they have so many parties and get-togethers to attend to.
They would be better of in greener pastures located in Vito Cruz.

F. Isko at Iska

There is no need to separately refer to them since they both have the same characteristics.
They know they are not perfect. They know that in every exam, project, or recitation, it doesn’t really matter if you get a high score, what matters is you deserve the grade because you have done your best for it and you have learned from it. They know when to study and what to study.
They know how to have a good time. Sometimes they attend school activities, sometimes they don’t.
They know how to dress and act properly in any context. The usual U.P. outfit was the casual. Outsiders even call it ‘pambahay’ outfit: slippers or rubber shoes; shorts or jeans; and most often shirts. One can be surprised, however, because if context calls for formal attires, an Isko and Iska know how to carry them.
They can speak both English and Filipino fluently without mixing up both the languages.
They know how to respect other people and not discriminate them.
They are true to themselves and act how they want to act. They don’t pretend to be somebody they are not.
They get good grades without ‘lobbying’ or spending their entire life studying.
They are not members of all the organizations, but rather they just enter one if they know they can fulfill their obligations as members.
Lastly, they are very simple students. They do not try to please other people, but accidentally, however, they do please other them. They stand out in any crowd because they talk with dignity and trust in themselves, and they fight for what they believe in. they are not perfect students, but they have one thing that others won’t have….
They have a pure maroon blood… an ordinary blood, yet the most precious of all bloods.

To find out which U.P. student you are, answer the following questions. No cheating, please. This will be your first test as a U.P. student.

It was your first day in the campus. The first thing that greeted your eyes was a group of students preparing their banners and placards for a rally against TOFI. What is your reaction about this?
The temperature is 32 degrees; these students will be burning their skin. The pigment melanin will surely…. And this will cause skin cancer… and…
Out of my way! I have three chapters to read at the library!
I wonder if one of our professors requires students to help in this activity. Hmm… I might as well ask the department!
I have to help them. This is my chance to meet people. Excuse me (to a student writing on a placard)… can I help you? By the way I’m….
Gosh! They are just wasting their time… and goodness, they should have a lecture about clothes. I mean, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing those ugly sweatshirts. Eeeww..
Doesn’t the government realize what they are just doing to us students? Why don’t they just provide us with enough subsidy and save everyone’s efforts?
Ten minutes before the time, your professor announced that he would give a 20-item quiz about your lesson last meeting. In this situation, what would you likely do?
According to Stella Ting-Toomey, the blah blah blah…….
Oh my God! I have just studied that last night. How could I forget that? Oh my, 8 minutes left… ah… I could not fail! I want to get a 1.0 in this quiz!
Whatever. I hope Sir liked the banana cake that I’ve given him a while ago, which my mother baked. Oh, I remember, I have to go to the department to help him carry his acetates.
I forgot to study. What was that again? Ah… Stella… Stella…. Calla Lily keeps popping on my mind. Oh yes, Up Dharma will be at that concert too! I have to sell tickets. And the exhibit, I can’t forget that.
Why are they all panicky? They will have early wrinkles if they all continue doing that. In fact, in this type of situation, all you need to have is your ‘keen’ eyesight.
This was a surprise. I still remember some concept, though. If I fail, I should not forget to study next time. It’s my fault this time.

How would you approach your new classmates?
Hello. I am Fining Garcia. Isn’t this classroom a bit diminutive? It seems we will all die of suffocation after five more minutes of stay here. According to ….. not having enough air for a certain time will result to…..
Hello, I’m Maria. Ah, what do you think of this subject so far? Do you think the professor will give us a hard time throughout the sem? I mean I hope not. For sure we have other things to do in our other subjects.
Hmmm, excuse me. Hi, I’m Carisse. I went into the department a while ago and asked for our prof. She was the one wearing violet, have you seen her? Do you think she likes that color?
Hello! I’m Carlo. Hey you, in the last row, I’m Carlo. Hi seatmates, I’m Carlo.
Hi, I’m Gerald. So, what do you think of U.P. so far? I mean it’s very nice be here, though my parents really preferred Arneo (Ateneo). They said I could bring my car if I went there. I mean there’s just no space here, right? Now I have to ride a cab everyday. Shucks. Oh… wait, my phone’s ringing. My N78901253, the newest Nokia cell. The one with built in doorbell, you know. It costs 45,000.
Hi blockmate, I’m CJ and you are? So from what high school did you come from?
Really? It’s so nice being accepted here, thank God.

What do you expect in your first day in U.P.?
I am so excited to know about the history of the human anatomy in behavior in organizational laws and literature and cells and tissues and volcanoes and new species of plants. Another knowledge to be put in my knowledge bank. Whew!
I hope I will make a good impression. I’m going to make sure I will recite correctly and actively today so that our professors will remember me.
I hope my professors can be easily lured into my charms! Bwahaha.
I wonder if it’s okay to run for officer even if I am still a freshie.
Cute boys and charming girls.
I want to experience for myself the so-called U.P. culture. I just hope I’ll survive the demanding academics.
You have a 1 ½- hour break, what would you be doing?
Finally, it’s my opportunity to head for my solitary realm. Here I come! Library! At last!
Would we have a quiz? Anyway, I’ll just make sure I study thirty minutes before the time.
I have to text ma’am to ask what we will do for today so I can tell my blockmates.
Ah, excuse me, what will be the requirements to join your organization? By the way I’m ….
What’s the latest news about Paris Hilton? …. Oh really? My parents brought me a new car actually… and yes, I’ve been given a new credit card by my mother… we will go to Hongkong this weekend for a shopping spree.
Finally I can relax. Guys, why don’t we head for Robinson and buy a Zagu? It’s so hot. Let’s just be back ten minutes before the time.

One of these days, you will encounter a sign like this:
Release of Exam Results: TBA
Supposedly, you do not know TBA, what will you do about this situation?
TBA must be some kind of code like Morse code or something. Hmm… I think it’s time for the library.
I need to know what TBA is, should I head to the department or ask a professor? I have to get my exam results!
What the hell is it? Anyway, which professor would I text to ask?
Maybe one of my friends from JMAUPM or RVC or DevSoc or Orgasm knows about it… or may be one of my friends who were members of frats and sororities.
TBA? I’ll know about it sooner, I just have to text our blockhead or one of my blockmates. I wonder if that new perfume by CK will smell nice on me, hmm… well, I just have to try. Dad wouldn’t really get angry with just a small amount to his credit, would he?
TBA, TBA… I just have to ask an upperclass and it’ll be okay. Or maybe the department just to make sure. TBA… is that a section or a room? A person?

What is Iskolar ng Bayan for you?
Students studying in the premier state university, paying less, but having the highest quality education possible.
Very intelligent students paying very low for their tuition fees.
U.P. students who are very intelligent as in. Go U.P. They are the best students ever.
According to my new friends, Iskolar ng Bayan really means… other friends say… while others…
U.P. students, what else? Intelligent, like that. Maybe it will be mas maganda if Scholars of the Nation. Better tunog, right?
U.P. students who know what they believe in and fight for what they think is right. They are students who have the intellectual capacity who are always open-minded and are not scared to say what they want to say and act how they want to act. They are students who know their responsibility to fulfill for the nation. They are students who can stand out in any crowd even if they are just wearing slippers and t-shirts.