First semester of AY 2016-2017 was the most challenging for me compared to
previous ones. Last summer, I took my On-The-Job Training (OJT) in Thammasat University, Thailand which is sponsored by UST and I finished it one week before the classes resume. For that reason, I had only a week to rest and to spend time with my family. When classes resume, the first thing we need to do is to come up with a thesis proposal and to find a professor that would become our thesis adviser. The toughest part in a thesis project is starting the project itself as well as coordinating with the members of the group where all would agree and be comfortable with a single topic. It took numerous readings and articles before we were able to settle with our thesis topic entitled, Determination of Parameters for Modified Cam Clay Model of Soil. Also, I had two design subjects this semester namely Steel and Timber Design and Concrete Design. For our Steel and Timber Design, my professor was Engr. Rodelio Tiburcio who is the current department chair in the Civil Engineering Department and he required us to design a warehouse with a lot area of 1500 m2. It was an arduous job since we need to start from architectural plans up to its structural components. At the same time, we also need to design a 4-storey concrete structure as a requirement in Concrete I. Due to this requirements, I can hardly find time to review my other academic subjects. I learned the value of time management this semester and, at the same time, to be able to produce quality work academically. As a member of the Association of Civil Engineering Students, I joined a community service program called Habitat for Humanity Philippines. It is an international, non-profit and non-governmental organization which seeks to serve families in need of decent housing. In line with our course, the organization joined a community service where we could use our gained knowledge to contribute to our society. It was held last November 25, 2016 at Vargas Lane, Brgy. Culiat, Quezon City. It was a socialized housing project by the Quezon City Government with Habitat for Humanity Philippines as its developer. Also, I was able to represent my organization in National Civil Engineering Quiz Contest held last September 17, 2016 at University of the Philippines Diliman. We were able to qualify for Top 24 among 106 universities who joined the quiz contest but unfortunately we were not able to qualify for the Top 5. I am also a member of Engineering International Relations and Programs (EIRP) which is an organization for students who were sent by the university to international colleges and universities. As a member, our task is to invite other students as well as share our experiences abroad to our fellow Thomasians. Due to conflict of schedules we were unable to launch a project this semester but we are planning to start the year with a seminar and booth set-up in Fr. Roque Ruao Building.
It was indeed a challenging semester but it was a different one because I am
more inspired to learn and study due to the scholarship you have granted to me. Again, I cannot thank you enough for choosing me as your recipient of the scholarship grant. Thank you for your thoughtful and generous gift. Below are some of my pictures during the community service, quiz contest and my grades last semester. I am on the left side for the pictures in quiz contest. Sincerely, Cesar Cesar P. Malenab Jr. Civil Engineering Student University of Santo Tomas email: cesarpmalenabjr@gmail.com mobile: (+63)905-497-0761 phone: (+632)353-9909