Ateneo Chemistry Society

By Elizabeth Gregorio

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“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,”
~ Lewis Caroll, “Alice in Wonderland” ~
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Although interesting and exciting, entering college can leave freshmen with many questions about their school, course, and community. Fortunately, last 19 August 2023,  the Ateneo Chemistry Society and Chemistry department not only provided answers, but also a warm welcome for the new BS CH and CH-MSE majors during the annual “WelChem” event.

✧*̥˚ Companions *̥˚✧

Part of any magical journey are the people, the community. Through icebreakers, dances, and games, the freshmen became better acquainted with their peers and upperclassmen.

Registration

WelChem Dance

Interviews

More activities and games

Freshmen group photos

Group photos with upperclassmen

Upperclassmen who made the WelChem 2023 possible

✧*̥˚ Equipment *̥˚✧

Information and advice from more experienced travelers are valuable to those starting a similar journey. During three talks, the freshmen learned what to expect academically and socially while pursuing chemistry, and how to maximize their experience. Each of the guest speakers had unique facts, anecdotes and tips to share, in relation to their unique roles in the Ateneo chemistry community.

Talk by Dr. Armando Jerome de Jesus, Jr. (Assistant Professor at the Chemistry Department)

Talk by Mary Nichole M. Apiladas (5 BS CH-MSE; 2023 BS CH Program Awardee)

Talk by Reno Rossel A. Valdehueza (3 BS CH-MSE; ACheS President)

✧*̥˚ Maps *̥˚✧

To guide them on their journey, the freshmen were introduced to important landmarks of the Ateneo chemistry journey. Not only did the tour help them navigate the campus, but it also inspired excitement to use certain apparatus in the future.

Tours by group

✧*̥˚ Through the LooCHEM Glass *̥˚✧

After their eventful Saturday afternoon, which began at Escaler Hall, the new BS CH and CH-MSE got a “sneak peak” of their life as aspiring chemists. They were able to build acquaintances with their peers and upperclassmen, discover essential facts, tips, and tricks of the chemistry trade, and explore the vast campus that lies ahead of them.

Which way should the freshmen go from here?
They can better decide after their WelChem experiences this school year.

Ending WelChem 2023 and starting the chemistry journey