My Culture Shock Story by: Ella Mariano
I remember applying to different universities for college back in 2018. My goal was to get into a university with a film course. I was done with being in a private catholic school for 16 years. I wanted a new environment. I wanted to be with people who have the same passion for film, and I wanted to express myself through my clothes. I just want to see and experience something new. So when I applied for CIIT with my schoolmates and went to the famous Interweave Building, my eyes widened, and my jaw dropped. I got so excited because the 7-floor building is not like your ordinary school. CIIT has this industrial-looking interior that got me interested. Then, when we went up, I was, once again, gobsmacked. A cafe and library intersecting? Mural paintings on the walls? Is this heaven or what? And students with their hair bleached with all these vibrant colors passed by. I haven’t even started my entrance exam. And yet, I already knew that I wanted to study here. I was hooked. When orientation day came, I was filled with excitement and social anxiety. I was excited to be in college but afraid that I might not make friends or simply talk to the other freshies because of my shyness. My friend who also passed (Hi, Klarize!) was in a different orientation room, leaving me to fend for myself in this new wilderness. But when the orientation started, I never thought that I would be able to meet such friendly people. I’m now looking forward to what CIIT has in store for us.
Pho CIIT to by: Philip pin
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Photo by: CIIT Philippines
Photo by: Ella Mariano
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