Like most college students, Ayra Mae Mascariña and Krizzia Kyla Almeda entered Mapúa University with a goal: to gain the knowledge and skills they needed to thrive in their chosen professions. What they didn’t expect, however, was how their journeys would transform not only their academic and technical capabilities but also develop their grit, determination, and passion for niches where they could make the most impact.
Both ladies had a rough start, as they began college during the height of the pandemic. Back then, Ayra Mae Mascariña, or Ayra, who enrolled in a double degree in Civil Engineering and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, found herself constantly anxious, wondering if she would make friends, adjust to college life, and keep up with her classmates.
Although doubt and uncertainty initially clouded Ayra’s mind, leading her to question her abilities as she found herself in a sea of brilliant, diverse students, she learned to embrace her strengths and weaknesses. Her freshman year was a defining moment, paving the way for her to become confident, adaptable, grounded, and resilient.
Fellow Mapúan Krizzia Kyla Almeda, known as Z or Zia, also found her first year challenging, particularly when online classes suddenly shifted to onsite. Despite feeling overwhelmed at the onset, given her high-caliber Architecture-focused Project Construction Management course, she adapted and persevered. Through the friends she first met online, she gained a support system that encouraged her to be more disciplined, resourceful, and collaborative. These experiences enabled her to realize that architecture was meant to be collaborative, entailed teamwork, sharing of ideas, and mutual support.
As both of them moved up year levels, they became accustomed to the school’s rigorous curriculum – fast-paced and following world-class standards. The mental fortitude and academic prowess they developed through these experiences enabled them to successfully accomplish complex projects and achieve significant academic milestones.
Zia narrated how these skills prepared her for the Architecture Comprehensive Exit Exam (CompreX). CompreX served as a powerful showcase of her focus and agility, as she successfully navigated the long hours of design marathon that challenged her to think, draw, and innovate in real-time. This journey was bolstered by Mapúa’s vibrant community, where a culture of mutual support kept her inspired through every consultation and creative iteration of her thesis.
“What made the challenges worthwhile was the environment and the people around me. My professors guided me with both honesty and encouragement, pushing me to improve without losing sight of my own ideas. The administration ensured we had the tools we needed, and my fellow students played a huge role; we shared sleepless nights, exchanged ideas, encouraged and reminded each other that we were never alone in this journey,” said Zia.
She explained further that the university’s pace and competitive environment reflect the real world, so it prepares students to handle difficulties confidently and inspires them to accomplish ambitious projects.
Ayra’s pivotal experience was during her research internship at the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan under the Mapúa University International Sandwich Program. With the guidance of her thesis adviser, Dr. Delia B. Senoro’, she gained a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to analyze non-invasive proxies (surface waves) to capture the complexity of site response in soils, ultimately gaining technical knowledge beyond theory. The apprenticeship solidified her passion for integrating environmental and civil engineering with sustainable development goals and fueled her desire to create sustainable innovations.
Zia seconded this, affirming that her Architecture professors reshaped her approach to projects and her identity as a future architect. The mentorship she received from the School of Architecture and Planning, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment’s Dean Junar Tablan, Architect Jing Legaspi, and her thesis adviser Dr. Edgar Chavez, made her realize her niche and the purpose behind her work.
Now that both Ayra and Zia are moments away from graduation, they view their time at Mapúa with grateful hearts, reflecting on the knowledge and skills they have gained, the friendships they have formed, and the challenges they have triumphed. While the future holds endless possibilities yet to be explored, both of them stand confident, knowing that Mapúa has equipped them not just with academic expertise, but with a holistic foundation for their next life chapter.
“I am truly grateful and proud to be a Mapúan because this university didn’t just teach me how to be an engineer; it taught me how to be a problem-solver, a lifelong learner, and a person who continuously strives for excellence. Carrying the Mapúan identity gives me the confidence that I am ready for whatever comes next,” said Ayra.
To learn more about Mapúa’s programs, visit www.mapua.edu.ph and begin your journey to a world-class, future-focused education today.
