u/Nek0mancr

Hi, everyone. I’m currently a 1L student enrolled in ALS. Yesterday morning, I received a text message from my mother, directing me to stop my education should I become unsuccessful in securing a scholarship slot.

I do not wish to elaborate on how I ended up enrolling in ALS in the first place given my financial situation because that would be stating the obvious: I was “blinded” by my dreams and aspirations. However, I do find it necessary to provide some context.

Before ALS, I was a UP student. I did not pass the LAE hence, I found myself enrolling in Ateneo instead. My mother is a single parent who works as an OFW. She is the sole financer of our family. She makes a decent wage in the food service industry; however, most of it gets funneled to paying off loans she’s incurred because of the bad cards we’ve been dealt with. I am stupid for even thinking that we could stretch our finances to fund my education in THE Ateneo and the whiplash from zero to 100k+ tuition per semester was immediate.

I already applied for financial aid, but i was informed in my interview that only two slots remained and more than 30 people were competing for it. I did not graduate with honors so I know that my chances are slim. Even if I become a working-student, it still won’t suffice, especially that my mother suffered a medical emergency where she has to undergo surgery. I have nothing to gain by posting this here, but to seek at least, some solace from the community.

I am frustrated, heartbroken, and devastated that it has come to this point. It’s difficult to be at peace with my situation, especially knowing the grueling process I went through just to prove that I deserved a slot in this university and that it could all amount to nothing because of circumstances I cannot control. I know that becoming an Atenean lawyer is not all that, but I’m sure you know where I’m coming from and the loss I would suffer should I push through with my withdrawal.

My heart especially aches knowing how much I have already invested in my first month and the friendships that I have built during it. Indeed, Ateneo is an elite school, but it is not elitist; to that, I give them credit. I am just incredibly unlucky.

Allow me to grieve even though the future is still uncertain because it has become especially difficult to show up and do my best in classes, pretending as if my future is already set when that is far from the case. I am tired of pretending that it doesn’t affect me and nobody knowing how I truly feel. At least, knowing that somebody knows brings some form of comfort and light in this dark situation that I’m in. Thank you for hearing me out and I wish you all the best so please, wish for mine too.

does als accept monthly installments for tuition fees? if yes, how much would the tuition cost per month (approximately) and for how many months could you stretch it? i tried searching here on reddit but ppl are quite vague about it so i’m asking for further details ty!

hey! i’m a southie who got admitted to als ^^ it’s no secret that going to ateneo is financially heavy so for a semester or few, i’m planning on just commuting muna as opposed to renting a space in manila. i would like to hear your honest thoughts on this. is it doable or is it a death wish? does ateneo hold classes everyday? what time do classes usually start and end? thank u so muchieee

Hello PH mental health community! I’m currently going through Manila-based psychiatrist recommendations here (preferably Makati, but any is fine), but I’m posting here to help narrow down my options and hopefully, get targeted recommendations based on my condition and personal preferences.

For context, I’m a graduating student in Iloilo who is planning to take her law studies in Manila. Last January, I finally picked up the courage to visit a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with OCD. I love my current psychiatrist, he prescribes me meds and introduced me to therapy which was scary territory for me (he specializes in psychotherapy !). Although he told me that CBT and ERP is the most recommended for OCD, it’s the kind of therapy that requires commitment and because I would no longer be around by the time I’m in law school, we started with psychotherapy. I’m actually really sad about having to switch psychiatrists because I feel like I’ve already formed a bond with my current one and the thought of having to start all over again is making me anxious :( He wishes that I could find a psychiatrist who can both prescribe me meds and administer psychotherapy because we were able to uncover some deep psychological issues that may be partially responsible for my OCD.

I would personally prefer male psychiatrists because I’m afraid I might project my own issues with strained relationships I’ve had with female figures in my family. I am also hoping for a Psychiatrist who isn’t desensitized, is patient, and compassionate with their patients. I’m extremely emotionally vulnerable and I learned that repression is one of my defense mechanisms so I tend to push back whenever I feel sensitive about a topic. I need someone who can push me, but gently enough, to learn how to open up and be at peace with my thoughts and feelings. But, I’m also open to OCD specialist recommendations.

My biggest fear is that I would get assigned to a psychiatrist who would discourage me from going back, resulting in me losing the progress I’ve made. If you’re reading this, thank you for hearing me out and if you do have a recommendation, it means a lot to me who is currently at a weird, uncomfortable, but hopefully rewarding journey and is learning to trust it ❤️‍🩹