By Maria Viktoria M. Viado

The mark of being a Tamaraw cannot be washed away by time, just like a tattoo that can never be undone.

The culture and traditions of the green and gold community are embedded in every student, not just during their collegiate journey but also after the momentous occasion of their graduation. Even if one takes on the real world, the tatak remains imprinted on their Tamaraw skin.

Like for Nesler Louies Almagro, a graduate of Mass Communication in 2014, who, until now, tightly fastens the brooch of Far Eastern University in his everyday suits. But who would have thought this loyal breed of Tamaraw was aiming his arrow at other stars before being part of the herd?

“Honestly, FEU is not on my list. It’s UP (University of the Philippines), UST (University of Santo Tomas), Adamson [University],” he shared.

His ambition of being a Fighting Maroon or a Growling Tiger might have slipped from his fingers but it did not take long for Almagro to learn how to charge like a real Tam.

In his four-year stay in the University, aside from the theoretical insights, he gained countless of practical lessons. Almagro admitted that his professors in FEU prepared him to be "job-ready" even before being part of the labor force.

He treated college as a battleground and was never afraid to step out of his comfort zone. Almagro bravely tested the waters as to challenge his potentials by becoming an active member of different student organizations in the University and a consistent leader to his fellow Tamaraws. He also became the Public Relations Officer of the Communication Society. The training he received from FEU honed this Tamaraw to be more equipped in the world outside the green and gold lair.

“Sobrang dami kong natutunan sa FEU na na-a-apply ko sa job ko ngayon, not only sa subjects pero siguro notable ‘yung mga natutunan ko as a student leader, (I learned many things inside FEU that I am applying right now in my job, not just in academics, but also what I learned a student leader is also notable),” Almagro explained.

He eventually stepped out of the University with flying colors as one of the Magna Cum Laude of his batch. The nuggets of wisdom he received at the University aided him in his quest to his dreams. This alumni currently works as a Marketing Specialist for Online and Events at Aficionado Germany Perfume and is thankful for FEU for such achievement.

“It made my work easier kasi [natutunan] na namin sa loob ng FEU ‘yun, (because we already learned them in FEU),” he added.

Even if he has reached such a level of success, Almagro still looks back at FEU with thanksgiving. After six years, he still holds the memories he had in FEU close to his heart.

“Seriously, na-mi-miss ko ‘yung Freedom Park at ‘yung kainan, and, of course, ‘yung feeling na na-re-reminisce mo ‘yung college life tapos makikita mo ‘yung mga professors (I miss the Freedom park and the food stalls, and of course, the feeling you have when you remember your college life. Then you’ll also see your professors),” Almagro described.

It has been a long time since he entered the gates as a student. Looking at the lair through an alumni's goggles, indeed, he observed certain changes. The physical qualities of the University might have been modified over the years, he could still feel that sense of belongingness. With this, even with his busy schedule, he tries to visit as frequent as he can.

“[I’m] happy because you get to see how the university improved and you get to compare before and after,” Almagro described.

Almagro does not only find a family exclusive in the FEU campus, he also discovered a larger Tamaraw community outside the lair.

“When you apply for a job, mapapansin mo na FEU alumni are everywhere at nakaka-proud na ‘yung mag-i-interview sa’yo ay graduate rin ng FEU meaning they do good kaya nandun na sila sa position na ‘yun, (When you apply for a job, you will notice that FEU alumni are everywhere and it makes you proud that you will be interviewed by a fellow FEU graduate meaning they are good at what they do that is why they are in that position),” Almagro stated.

Indeed, seeing the success of one's fellow Tamaraws brings, not only pride, but also admiration for the school one comes from.

Graduating is a bittersweet milestone in one's life for it both a great achievement and a new challenge. But with the learnings gained from one's school, piloting one's way to the dream land is a smooth sailing.

The University leaves a mark to each Tamaraw that sets foot on the green and gold lair. Even as they step out from the oasis, they will always carry with them the qualities of FEU's spirit animal and will always find a home in the presence of their fellows.