“We want our students to thrive—not just academically, but as whole individuals,” shared Dr. Ruel Cajili, Dean of Southville’s Premier College of Psychology. In an interview during the school’s recent Outdoor Educational Program (OEP), Dr. Cajili emphasized that wellness—mental, physical, and emotional—is central to the college’s mission of shaping grounded, compassionate professionals.
Held to cap the second semester of A.Y. 2024–2025, this year’s OEP invited psychology students and faculty to step beyond traditional classroom boundaries and immerse themselves in a day designed for real-world learning, connection, and rejuvenation.
The program began with a Wellness Talk led by Ms. Zheela Montecillo, MA Psychology student and HR Head of Southville International School affiliated with foreign universities. Her message on self-care and emotional clarity resonated deeply, urging students to view personal wellness as a professional strength, especially in fields where empathy and resilience are vital.
The group then moved to Buffet 101 at Alabang Town Center, where lunch became an opportunity for relaxed bonding. Laughter, storytelling, and shared reflections filled the room, reminding everyone that meaningful learning often happens during moments of simple connection.
The afternoon’s highlight was the screening of F1 at ATC Cinema’s F1 room—a 2025 sports drama film starring Brad Pitt. The movie, which follows a former Formula One driver navigating redemption and mentorship, served as a powerful narrative on psychological endurance. Students explored themes like identity development, team dynamics, emotional recovery, and the mental toll of high-pressure environments—turning entertainment into deep academic insight.
By the end of the day, Southville’s commitment to holistic education had been lived, not just taught. The event marked more than the end of a semester—it represented the kind of transformative journey Southville empowers students to take: one fueled by knowledge, rooted in well-being, and guided by purpose.
