to my classmates ...

here's the farewell remarks i gave to my STRAMA classmates during the closure of our class party yesterday ... just scribbled something fast for the class party ...

"Can you believe 14 weeks has passed and we can say with confidence that we made it through the experience of Prof. Elfren Cruz.

I remember seeing everyone during the first day of class – most expecting the worse, some having no-clue of what they were getting themselves into. Prof. Elfren starting the first session subtly – we laughed on the first day not realizing it was going to be the last time we would do so. It was probably because there was a lot of work to be done or probably because Prof Elfren never really cracked any jokes. He was really serious in making sure we learned something – in a rather different style we were not accustomed to.

Most of us wished we did not have to stand in front of the class during the presentations – those were pretty embarrassing moments most of which were captured eternally in audio. Yes, Prof Elfren, we liked the lessons that much that we recorded it so we can relive the “experience” probably even after we’ve passed our OCE’s.

STRAMA was a really humbling experience. No one, no matter how smart or witty, escaped being on the hot seat. The questions and the sarcasm taught most of us to be more confident during presentations. No one broke down and no one gave up.

My classmates probably belong to the finest lot I have the pleasure of being with during Mondays. The class officers I worked with were dependable, responsible and easy to work with. These are very fine people I see right here.

Prof Elfren is unforgettable. He truly lives up to his reputation. We learned a lot over the past 14 weeks – lessons that I know everyone here will remember as we go our separate ways.

Thank you Prof Elfren. Thank you classmates. I am happy to have shared this experience with all of you."