under the university lights

chapter 20

The day of their thesis presentation arrived—a day filled with equal parts excitement and sheer, unadulterated terror. Olivia, Chloe, Miguel, Mark, and Ethan huddled backstage, a chaotic mix of nervous energy and last-minute adjustments.

"Okay, mga pre, wag tayong kabahan! Kaya natin ‘to!" (Okay, guys, don't be nervous! We got this!), Miguel attempted to reassure everyone, though his own voice trembled slightly.

"Sus, ang dali-dali lang naman nito!" (Come on, it's easy!), Mark quipped, his forced nonchalance only amplifying the tension.

Chloe, ever the pragmatist, checked their slides one last time. "Baka naman may nakalimutan tayo?” (Did we forget anything?), she asked, her voice betraying a hint of anxiety.

Olivia, usually brimming with confidence, felt a wave of panic. "Jusko, paano kung ma-blank ako?” (Oh my god, what if I go blank?), she whispered, her eyes wide with apprehension.

Ethan, surprisingly calm, offered a reassuring smile. "Relax lang, mga pare! Pinaghirapan natin ‘to, kaya natin ‘to!” (Relax, guys! We worked hard for this, we got this!), his quiet confidence a calming influence.

As they walked onto the stage, a potent cocktail of adrenaline and fear coursed through them. Olivia started, her voice initially shaky, but quickly gaining confidence. She explained their research clearly, punctuated by the occasional humorous anecdote.

Chloe's portion was flawless, her clear explanations and engaging visuals captivating the audience. Miguel's data analysis was impressive, his confident delivery silencing any doubts. Mark, surprisingly, delivered his part with unexpected eloquence, his initial nervousness replaced by newfound assurance. Ethan's concluding remarks were insightful and impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

The Q&A session, however, was where things got interesting.  Professor Reyes, known for his sharp questions, posed a particularly challenging one.  A moment of stunned silence followed before Miguel, with a flash of brilliance, delivered a clever, humorous response that completely diffused the tension.  Professor Reyes, visibly surprised, chuckled, "Well, I wasn't expecting that answer, Mr. Santos, but I'll give you points for creativity."

Another professor, Professor Santos, known for her dry wit, made a comment about the model city's unconventional design.  Olivia, quick on her feet, responded with a playful jab about its "artistic license," prompting a chuckle from Professor Santos.  "I see you've embraced the spirit of innovation, Ms. Reyes," she remarked, a twinkle in her eye.

After their presentation, a wave of relief and exhilaration washed over them.  They had done it! They successfully navigated the treacherous waters of their thesis defense. As they celebrated with friends and professors, they knew their success wasn't just about the research, but the journey, the challenges, and the bonds they forged. The nervous energy was replaced by pure joy, their laughter echoing through the room—a testament to their friendship and hard-earned victory. It was time to celebrate, mga pre! The party had officially begun!  The professors, witnessing their genuine camaraderie and quick wit, joined in the celebratory atmosphere, impressed not only by their academic achievement but also by their resilience and humor in the face of pressure.