By Luke Nembhrajmal
The CPU BS Psychology Batch Higayon gathered for a group photo with the Psychology faculty during the 5th Pinning and 3rd Candle Lighting Ceremony on December 10, 2024.
The Central Philippine University (CPU) BS Psychology Batch Higayon officially marked a milestone in their academic journey as they celebrated the 5th Pinning and 3rd Candle Lighting Ceremony last December 10, 2024. The event carried the theme, “Kindling Hope and Shaping Minds: Lighting the Path Through Opportunity and Shared Purpose.”
Organized by the BS Psychology Program under the leadership of five pinning committee heads—Joash Pyrrhus Wycliffe I. Gumban, Josan V. Alinsog, Josh Edgar D. Castillo, Shekinah Shalom C. Rosaot, and Rinalyn Joy Arceo—the ceremony highlighted the coordination and support of the CPU Psychological Society, led by Vice President-External, Dianne Lois I. Senegocio.
A total of 170 BS Psychology students proudly received their pins, signifying their readiness to enter internship—a pivotal phase in their pursuit of becoming future professionals in the field of psychology.
Joash Pyrrhus Wycliffe Gumban, President of the CPU Psychological Society, reflected on this significant transition:
“Honestly, it still feels overwhelming. It’s easy to have dreams and whatnot, but it doesn’t feel real once you’re finally facing the door that holds it. Surviving college is one thing, but it’s really difficult to pinch yourself awake once you finally realize how difficult adulting is.”
He added, “Nevertheless, it feels really fulfilling yet overwhelming. Fulfilling in the sense that you can finally practice your purpose. Overwhelming in the sense that on a random Monday morning sometime soon, I’ll finally be part of the workforce and be a taxpayer that contributes to our society directly.”
The ceremony was both emotional and celebratory as students marched with pride and joy to their batch song, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. For many, the event symbolized both an achievement and the start of a new chapter.
“The thought of catching a glimpse of how psychology works in the real world made me feel a mix of excitement and pressure at the same time. In all honesty, I am still figuring out my plans and goals now that I am an intern. But I do know one thing: I am ready and equipped to face any challenges that I may come across during my internship,” Rinalyn Arceo, a 4th year Pinned BS Psychology Student-Intern said.
Another 4th year student, Neco Baraquia, shared his thoughts and actualization after getting pinned. “At first, I didn’t think much of it, but as time goes by and as I look back at everything my friends and I have been through, we shouldn’t forget to feel proud of ourselves and celebrate the small wins in life.”
“I don’t have a clear goal yet as an intern, but one thing I’m sure of is that life will get busy, and before it does, I would like to spend time with the people I love,” he replied when asked about his goals and plans after getting pinned as a student-intern.
The Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony serves as a rite of passage for BS Psychology students, honoring their dedication, hard work, and the hope they carry as they transition into real-world application through their internships.
With hearts ignited and minds set on their purpose, the Batch Higayon student-interns look ahead, ready to contribute their knowledge and passion to society while embracing the challenges and opportunities that await them.