THOMASIAN WELCOME WALK
Β One of the rights for being a full-pledged thomasian is crossing the famous "Arch of The Centuries". It is a historical structure. Philippines' national hero --Jose Rizal and other honorable names (like Manuel L. Quezon) have crossed this arch as it was the main doorway of the university's first campus which was originally located in Intramuros. As the campus in Intramuros experienced World War II,Β the arch is one of the structures left in good state (enough for them to repair). It was then placed in USTβs campus in Espana.
Β The university's culture is to let students enter it with their block mates once they've enrolled with all the other freshmen students and let them exit ONLY during their Baccalaureate mass which is held as part of graduation rights. There's a myth that if you walk through it within your stay, you'd be debarred from the university.
Β Β I was so excited to enter through it thinking someday I'd attend the baccalaureate mass and walk through it signifying the end of my thomasian student life. While we (students) were waiting for the program to start, we were all piled up at the gym beside the Quadri-centennial Pavillion a.k.a Q.Pav. The weather was high, it was tiring, our feet hurt so bad (CTHM students were required to use heels), we were thirsty and everything but it was all worth it. When I walked passed the arch, I felt recharged. I felt so happy to be a thomasian. I felt that "Kilig" sensation or what they call "Sparks" together with the cheer of The Yellow Jackets singing "Go Uste!".
