“With guidance. With more clarity.”
This was how BS Statistics student Jonathan Gabriel Lay described the mentorship he was receiving as part of the second batch of mentees in the Alumni Mentoring Program, an ongoing initiative of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in San Francisco, in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs-Office of Student Development Services.
Five of the AMP Batch 2 mentees met with UP System officials and UPAASF Chairperson Rosario Calderon, April 14 — their first in-person interaction, following the program’s launch in December 2025. The Mentees’ Gathering aimed to provide students with insights from UP alumni’s experiences, facilitate networking opportunities, and deepen their understanding of their prospective career paths.
During the event, the mentees recounted their experiences and the lessons they had learned from their respective mentors. From mock interviews to actual job hunting, the mentees shared how the program has helped them in forging their career paths.
During the event, the mentees recounted their experiences and the lessons they had learned from their respective mentors. From mock interviews to actual job hunting, the mentees shared how the program has helped them in forging their career paths.
Calderon, in her mentor’s talk, said the program’s purpose is to share the alumni’s professional journey with students, in hopes that they “learn from [the alumni’s] mistakes and aspirations.”
UPAASF Director and AMP Program Head Michaela Abao-Viray urged the mentees to make the most out of the program. Her advice to them: “Lean into the experience, continue learning from each other, and stay connected.”
Joining them are AMP Batch 2 mentees, UP Vice President for Development Daniel Peckley, Jr. (third from left), and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Student Affairs) Ma. Shari Niña Oliquino (sixth from left). Photo by Misael Bacani, UPS-MCO.
