Throughout the years, many of us have acquired friends. There are those friendships we establish as kids with whom we later lose touch as we get older. We meet other friends as adults, we keep in contact with them for as long as we are nearby and it is convenient to do so. Nevertheless, as time goes on, one of our friends may move away or our schedules may get too hectic, and we begin to lose touch. 

Becoming friends with someone is pretty usual for us, especially in college. You can have random conversations with students at the cafeteria. And then you get smile at them when you cross paths while waiting for each of your classes. The next time you’ll know, you have become friends. 

However, picture having a buddy since the first grade. A buddy you can always count on, a buddy who was there for you during difficult times and who never failed to see the best in you. Every time you were down, they would always lift you up. When you felt alone, they stood by you with patience and understanding, Imagine having this “someone” during the initial years of entering school up until college. 

Engr. Jeff Hentzen Simene, and Engr. Jay-ar Lomonsod have been friends since the moment they entered the world of learning, and like other first graders, they used to play traditional Filipino games. as per Engineer Simene, from the moment they entered 1st grade they knew they will become future engineers. since they find enjoyment in dismantling and reassembling their toys. Out of that basic delight, they nurture and manifest the ambition of becoming an engineer. 

As their friendship grew and built a deeper bond, they experienced separation when Engineer Lomonsod changed their domicile and transferred to another school in the middle year of elementary school. They believed that was the end of their friendship. 

Destiny played its part in reconnecting them. As they began their senior high school years, they went at the same university, which is USTP. we all know that when we begin our senior high school years, we must pick what course we would pursue after completing these two years of senior high school. Mechanical engineering has always been their primary choice, but they have no clue which school they would go to support them accomplish their aspirations. The dream of being an engineer remained with them throughout their lives. Mechanical Engineering was popular at the time since the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines ranked among the top two performing schools in the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Exam. As an outcome, they chose USTP as their partner in achieving their goals. 

As they started college, they experienced a variety of problems. Some of their topics are difficult for them and they almost fail, but they always encourage each other when one of them is struggling academically. They conduct after-class reviews on the areas that they find challenging and exchange thoughts and suggestions to help them identify where and what aspect of that subject they are struggling with. There are moments when one of them becomes physically and emotionally drained and considers giving up, but they are fortunate to have each other. when engineer Simene is going through this phase of his life, engineer Lomonsod is there to boost him up and motivate him, and vice versa. They had each other's back in every way.

“We shared same goal, and we collaborated to accomplish it. Without you, my buddy, that dream will remain a dream. thank you very much pal!”

these photo was taken when they were studying for their licensure examination. “These are the days of struggle and conflicted feelings. “The licensure examinations are fast approaching” feeling.

They have the "no one left behind mindset" in their friendship. They developed this mindset from the start of their friendship. From having the same desire in elementary school to assisting each other with papers in high school, having after-class recaps in college, and studying together while living their ambition of becoming engineers while prepping for their licensing board test.

The seed of their togetherness in achieving their objectives develops and bears fruit of accomplishment. They completed their bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering last 2022 together. The hardship they faced and the helpful hand they exchanged throughout the board exams bore fruit of success. 

The graduates of Mechanical engineering last 2022. 

They passed their Mechanical engineering licensure exam as a pair.

Their childhood ambitions had already been attained. According to them, they cannot reach their goals without the assistance of one another, and when difficult times arise, we need someone to lean on. We don't really need a “romantic partner” to call our own, but we do need a companion to lean on from time to time.