As the four-month break rolls in, the Far Eastern University (FEU) students temporarily cut loose from the Tamaraw mother ship and assume different roles.

Here are the eight personas Tamaraws morph into whenever the sunny season strikes. Which one are you?

1. Frisky jet-setters

From ascending Mount Mayon, to snorkeling the seas of Palawan, you name it; the ultimate Tamaraw traveler is already halfway through in completing the 100 Things to Do This Summer challenge.

Some call them the adrenaline junkies, some the lakwatsera/lakwatsero. Either way, they are the Tamaraws who cannot sedate their wanderlust and just itch for thrilling adventures.

Their Instagram feeds are eye-candies and visual feasts, either putting up photos of the white sands of LaBoracay between their toes or the ancient brick walls of the enchanting Calle Crisologo in the background.

But what is more important than the picturesque landscapes captured through their cameras is the lasting memories created during the journey.

"There are some things that cannot be learned inside the classroom and when you travel, you learn about a lot of things... you also get to experience new things," Inah Gumangan, an incoming third year Medical Technology student testified.

As much as the travelers’ Instagram feeds are filled with photos of their latest escapades, so are their hearts with joy and their minds with memories they will keep forever.

2. Party beasts

Picture this: a stage lit with colorful laser lights, thick cloud of smoke building up, the deafening sound of electronic dance music filling up the air, the woo’s and aah’s of the crowd blending in. Well, behold the typical night life of a summer party goer.

They have long perfected the art of headbanging and loud singing. Nothing energizes them more than live band performances and large crowds of screamers.

“Summer Music Festivals, in general, are very exhilarating. It embodies the entirety of summer - going out, having fun and just enjoying the rest of the night with punk bohemian music,” described Sasha Pablo, an incoming third year Political Science student.

It is true, hanging out with your friends Coachella style is not within the reach of everyone. It is the kind of fun that comes with a cost, but this exhilarating and out of this world experience is indeed priceless.

3. Provincial peeps

They are the ones who always dodge sem-ender celebration invitations. They would normally say "'Di ako makakasama. Kailangan ko abutan ‘yung huling trip ng bus! (I can't make it. I have to catch the last bus trip)" or "Pass muna. Kailangan ko na umuwi eh (Pass for now. I need to go home already)".

The probinsyanos will scurry to their dorms, speedily pack their luggage, and bid a temporary farewell to the hustles and bustles of the concrete jungle that is Manila, and say hello to the comforts and cradles of their beloved rural hometowns.

These Tamaraws are the “laking probinsya” who would rather spend their vacation gazing at the breathtaking expanse of fields and listening to the calming sound of sea waves.

Kimberly Ann Garcia, an incoming third year Communication student, shares that going home to her province is an escape from reality, adding, "Sobrang saya dahil sa wakas makakauwi na ulit ako at malalanghap ko na naman ang sariwang hangin (I feel very happy because I can finally come home again and take a breath of fresh air).”

They do not need a sem-ender party or a drinking session with the barkada to conclude their long weeks of struggle and sacrifice in school. Heading back to their real home is the best reward they could give themselves after burning the candle at both ends for four months.

4. Doble Kara

In the midst of skin-burning mornings and heat risky afternoons, these Tamaraws knows no vacation. Instead of spending their spare time relaxing, here they are, crossing space and time.

Going home after a graveyard shift then heading to school in the morning is the typical scenario in the life of a working student. Of course, juggling academic assignments and workloads is no picnic but they have mastered the craft, so to speak.

Reynelle Kosca, an incoming fourth year BS Biology student advises, “Masasabi ko lang (All I can say) is time management, dedication, discipline and focus. Kasi kung meron ka nitong katangian makakayanan mo kahit gaano pa kahirap ‘yung trabaho (Because if you have these attitudes, you can do it no matter how difficult the work is).”

Reaching for one’s dreams is one thing but running an extra mile just for that ambition to come true is another story. Truly, these individuals embody the core values of a true-blue Tamaraw.

5. Eager apprentices

These Tamaraws obsess over little things - whether they set their alarm clocks on time or perfectly ironed their #OOTD for tomorrow. As much as they are eager to learn, interns are very much determined to make a good impression on their first “job”.

Certainly, summer is just the perfect time to embrace the feeling of being in an actual working place, which trainees find enjoyable.

Aside from the new environment, On-the-Job Trainings (OJT) push students out of their comfort zones. For Lulea Alimot, an incoming 4th year BS Tourism Management student, being an intern in America taught her how to stand on her own feet, sharing, “This OJT really helped me a lot mula sa pag-conquer ng fears ko, fear na mapalayo sa family. Fear sa bagong environment (This OJT really helped me a lot from conquering my fears, fears of being too far from my family. Fears of having a new environment).”

From pitching stories to your boss to tagging along the production team during shoots, it is part of the learning process. Indeed, being a trainee is being dragged on the center stage, but take in mind, it brings you a step closer to your dream.

6. Busy bees

This summer, they do not get the chance to hear the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling; they only hear Rihanna’s Work on an endless loop.

While some students are taking a temporary break from the University life, there are those who have to go back to the green and gold lair and catch up with #OrgDuties.

You can spot student leaders finishing loads of paperwork; the glee club, dance troupe and theater group practicing for their next performance; the debate team preparing for their next competition; and the student press, of course, delivering news and stories nonstop.

As tedious as it sounds, immersing oneself in org commitments is not actually a burden. Michelle Fajardo, a BA Political Science student and a member of the FEU Chorale admits, "Okay lang naman magkaroon ng org works sa summer… ‘yung relationship with other members mas lalong tumitibay, (It is okay to have org works during the summer… the relationship with other members becomes stronger.) That’s essential for an organization to work.”

7. Summer Class Takers

For those who received an aweful F last semester, summer is their chance to brush their past failure under the rug and start anew. But hold your horses, this month is also for students required to enroll particular subjects for the summer. *Sigh*

While the rest are going on adventures, pulling all-nighters just to watch movies and going on food trips with the squad, these summer class takers are finishing reports, preparing class presentations, and relishing every word from their professors’ lectures.

In addition, summer classes can be a little exhausting as well. Jessica Entendez, a second year BA Communication student laments, "Medyo nahihirapan ako kasi instead na makapagpahinga from previous semester, bumabiyahe pa kahit bakasyon, (It feels slightly difficult because instead of me resting from the previous semester, I still have to commute (to school) during the vacation).”

Summer class might not be one for the books but continuously learning when others are taking a break is a great advantage as well. Just keep in mind, the game of summer classes is indeed vicious but it is always better to make up for the lost battles, or win some in advance.

8. Certified Team Bahay

From sport snorkels and scuba flippers to all-nighters and sock-coated feet; here is the type of Tamaraw who chooses to stay behind the sun this summer.

They are the taong bahay, representing individuals who enjoy cozying up in their favorite spot inside the bedroom, enjoying the Netflix-and-chill life, reading John Green and Stephen King novels, or just surfing the net unceasingly.

Miquiel Annika Luniza, an incoming third year Medical Technology student spills, “Maraming nag-aakala na parang boring ang summer kapag nasa bahay lang pero depende rin po talaga sa tao ‘yan (Many think that summer seems boring when you are just staying at home but it really depends on the person.)”

Who said staying at home is no fun? Summer vacation is not only strictly “alone” time, it is also the perfect time to catch up with the fam bam over barbecue or invite friends for sleepovers.

This summer, whether you are sporting swimsuits, trekking gears, PJ's or uniforms, as soon as the summer card expires, a student who bleeds the green and gold blood will soon be bound to perform only one role by August - an FEU student.

- Arianne Jeanel F. Calumbiran and Alyssa Ferelli F. Abario