What is an MSUan?

August 05, 2008 by Melody Arcamo-Lagrimas

Quite a simple question literally, but when I started to type, I couldn't find the exact words that would aptly describe the coined term. One could go about this on a general scale or on a more personal approach. So I paused to consider a way to tackle this and decided to make it Mindanao State University Neigborhood: MSU something personal but with a global relevance.

On that note, I opted to pen something that echoes my distinct voice, experiences, and ideals as an MSUan. And to simplify it even further I'm going to approach it acrostically.

So here it is:

M - Mindanao, of course. Although not all of us are Mindanao natives, once you have stayed in MSU, you get to imbibe the culture, the mindset, and the pride of the Mindanaoans. MSU is a melting pot of Mindanao culture. It boasts of a studentry, faculty, and staff as diverse as the peoples of the world. Wherever an MSUan goes, he bears the emblem, sojourns and sufferings of Mindanao in his heart. He is an advocate for Mindanao at heart, no matter where he may be or what his circumstances are.

S - State as in government. An MSUan has firm ideals regarding the government, and these ideals are not founded on what the government can do for him but rather on what God can do for him and his government, as well as what he can do for God and his government. 'S' is also for the spirit that drives an MSUan to endeavor for progress and development, to pursue his dreams and goals, and to scale to greater heights in every life's facet.

U - University that is like no other to every MSUan. With its distinct academic culture and excellence, MSU has provided the whole world with highly valuable manpower that has made significant contributions to the global workforce. Therefore, 'U' also refers to the entire universe out there that MSUans have conquered. Almost every country in the world harbors Filipino workers and among these Filipinos, you're most likely to find an MSUan.

A - Ability of the MSUans to adapt to any environment or culture without losing his very own identity. This adaptability has been present in every student who entered MSU, and was further honed by the various idiosyncratic experiences he has gone through during his stay in MSU. 'A' is also for an MSuan's ability to create change, to spearhead innovations whenever possible or needed. 'A' further stands for aspirations developed in every MSUan's heart as a result of his orientation to the kind of world and culture offered by MSU.

N - Nature. An MSUan has a strong connection with nature which is deeply rooted in his heart during his stay in scenic and nature-preserving MSU. This ecological consciousness has made an MSUan closer to his and his world's Creator. And this love for open, natural and panoramic views has driven MSUans to search for ways to preserve his environment too. He advocates and actively participates in fighting pollution, promoting recycling measures and incentives even in his own little ways - recognized or not.

An MSUan therefore does not only refer to an MSU student or an alumnus, but to the essence of the person he has become as a combined result of his sojourn in MSU and his advent into the world after that.