Chronicles of BTOP

(Memoirs of Jim Claude C. Capuno)

Hi Tangents! The followings articles were written in memory of the times that we shared under one roof, one dream, one love...... The article after this may convey a somber mood, but please don't get disheartened immediately. I intentionally arranged the articles from the most recent, hoping that such method will allow us to trace our roots......and eventually inflame each of our hearts to reunite and love once more.

Happy reading! I love you guys!

March 28 - 31, 2005

“In or out, am in or out?”


I consider the retreat that I attended at the Divine Word Seminary (S.V.D.) with Rose, Gerald, Agnes, Kuya Jom, Ate Paz, Meryll, Joy, Mackoy, and the rest of the CCPians last Lent as a renewal of my connection with God. It was a rare chance to achieve serenity; I took advantage of searching for my life’s meaning. At the conclusion, I found myself whole and complete…..once again ready to face the S-T-O-R-M-S of L-I-F-E that are inevitable to occur.

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Coming from Batangas where my family celebrated Easter Sunday, I asked my father to drop me directly to Primeland. It was a crucial day because Prof. Fernandez was supposed to give our final grades for AC 4 & 5. I felt the anxiety of the atmosphere. Everyone was worried. We knew that noncompliance of the provisions of the scholarship contract would mean the discontinuance of all the benefits we are receiving at the moment. Such fear was aggravated by Dean Sevilla’s untimely removal from office. Suddenly, the man who treated us as his own was banished. Sadly, the wind beneath our fragile wings was gone.

It was before noon when Prof. Fernandez arrived. We went directly to the BA Faculty Office to inquire about our standing. “In or out, am I in or out?“ This was the puzzling question that we asked to ourselves. Before long, our grades were announced. To sum it up, only fifteen of us were in the so-called “safe zone”. We were asked to return on Thursday for the announcement of our final grades.

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The moment of bitter truth came. The once contingent event is now a reality. Only thirteen of us were able to attain a grade of 2.0 and above. Sorrow permeated the air. I knew that behind our calm and reserved countenances were hearts that were about to burst.

After the announcement, I went to Robinson’s Place-Ermita with Natalie, Jorai, Alfred, and Robin. I refused to witness any further sight of gloom. I felt that each one of us needed some space to reflect and discern.

December 18, 2004

“BTOP’s college life would not be C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E without a visit to Tagaytay.”


Last semester break, my family had breakfast at Picnic Grove in Tagaytay City. Though it wasn’t my first time to be there, picturesque sceneries and the frosty atmosphere enthralled me. For one, the majestic Taal Volcano continued to fascinate me. As a child whose provincial town bordered the Taal Lake, I made it a point to visit the “pantalan” every time that my family went back to Batangas. From there, I could vividly see the smallest volcano in the entire world.

Deeply appreciating this breathtaking panorama, I told myself that Btop’s college life would not be C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E without a visit to Tagaytay. Fortunately, this idea was given a unanimous nod during the meeting for the venue of the annual Christmas Party.

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As early as November, we began arranging this first out-of-town Christmas Party. Fortunately again, I had a dynamic and reliable set of officers: Agnes, Ate Paz, Shar, Kuya Jom, Rose, Gerald, Jubie, and Aldrin. I asked Gerald to take charge of the transportation. The others were assigned to the food committee and the games committee.

Around five in the morning, the white van that Gerald ably and economically hired for Php3, 000.00 picked us up. Though still sleepy, our excitement was at the highest level then. The warm rays of sunlight that stroke their faces awakened those who took a nap. Having cleared their eyes from morning stars, the so-called Tagaytay Rotonda was at sight. First, we dropped by at a 7-Eleven store to buy two kilos of tube ice. Then, we had the first leg of picture- taking. Just a few kilometers away, we saw ourselves unloading at the Picnic Grove. Before long, Jing and Reg who came from Las Piñas joined us. Breakfast of Filipino spaghetti was served then.

It was conceptualized that the event would adopt the “Amazing Race” theme, and so we were divided into four groups. Red Team: Ai, Agnes, Aldrin, Arvin, Reg & Rocky; Green Team: Kuya Jom, Joy, Jubie, Paul, Robin & Shar; Yellow Team: Alfred, Gerald, Ivy, Nat, Shè & Rose; Blue Team: Ate Paz, Jay-R, Jing, Jorai & myself.

Connecting a jigsaw puzzle, care of Aldrin & Jubie, was the first challenge. The members of the team who were supposed to connect the puzzle were blindfolded; the rest were tasked to instruct. Each team was only given three minutes to perfectly form the puzzle. For this round, it was the Red Team that got the first place. Ate Paz and Rose facilitated the 50-meter dash shortly. The Green Team stood out this time.

For everyone’s tranquility of spirit, I would stop the narration of the “Amazing Race” at this point because most, if not all, haven’t wholeheartedly accepted the outcome of the series of games wherein the Green Team was declared as the ultimate champion.

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Physically drained, we took our festive lunch that was deliciously cooked from Gerald’s household.

The sun shone at its brightest, and so we decided to stay at the cottage for a while to rest. The Exchange Gift revealed the who’s who. It was as if destiny did its role to reconcile the first-ever lovebirds. (I thought I was watching the movie “Serendipity”!) Yes! Natalie was Paul’s monita. The latter lovingly gave the former an adorable teddy bear. Natalie was teary-eyed and speechless; Paul was at his usual timidity disguised in gaiety.

After visiting the Butterfly Garden, the Souvenir Shop, and all the other attractions of Picnic Grove, we packed and headed to Tagaytay’s peak. We raced to reach the lobby of People’s Park in the Sky. From there, we saw the rest of the City of Delectable Pineapples. It was a glorious sight and the chilly wind made the experience more memorable. Pictures that will defy time were taken then.

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We thought that going home was the last important activity. Unknown to us, a very startling event was yet to happen. Going to Gerald’s house in Molino, Cavite, we encountered heavy traffic. Keeping ourselves amused in the midst of idle time was what we did. Kuya Jom was the subject of mirth at the time; Paul and the rest of the boys tickled him to death. Having reached Gerald’s house, all except Kuya Jom, alighted. We thought that our dear Kuya has just taken a leisure nap but to our great surprise, he could not be awakened. We started to worry. What has happened to him was the common question among us. Some suggested to take him to a hospital. It was later decided for him to spend the night at Gerald’s house.

Though it’s quite absurd, the wonderful event had to end this way. Maybe the incident wanted to remind us that too much of something is bad enough. Like batteries, our energies will eventually drain after prolonged use.

July 2004

“The day that will launch Gerald and Agnes to S-T-A-R-D-O-M finally arrived.”
“Suddenly, the B-U-T-T-E-R-F-L-Y came out of her C-O-C-C-O-O-N.”

No one ever thought that Sir Arevalo was serious when he said last December that the reigning Mr. & Ms. Btop would represent the class in a school pageant. The month of July came. Pageant organizers of the Mr. & Ms. JPIA were in search of viable contenders for the respective titles. Ton-ton, being the faithful right-hand of Tony Miclat, sought for Gerald and Agnes’ participation. The two were apprehensive at the start; it was Btop’s assuring support that finally convinced them to join.

How the preparations were made was history so to speak. Mc Donald’s-Lepanto, being a major sponsor of the pageant, required a certain percentage of the total score to be coming from a tally of votes of customers. This was Btop’s opportunity to do its part. For two to three days, the class ate breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner at the said fast food chain just to secure receipts that were later exchanged for Gerald and Agnes’ ballots. (Thank God! Our stipend was given promptly!) Not only that, the evening before the pageant, PROJIVIR set its pride aside. Without a shadow of timidity, they bravely begged for the customers’ receipts. This ensured that the pair would get a hundred percent in the Mc Donald’s score component. While the boys were busy soliciting receipts, the girls, including Ton-ton and Arvin, rehearsed Agnes.

The day that will launch Gerald and Agnes to S-T-A-R-D-O-M finally arrived. There was no turning back. The pageant proper came after the induction of the JPIA officers.

Suddenly, the B-U-T-T-E-R-F-L-Y came out of her C-O-C-C-O-O-N. Agnes was captivating! One was blind if he or she wasn’t mesmerized by Agnes’ stunning poses. Her aura was fabulous. Her confidence was at the apex. People who didn’t recognize her asked for her name. Spectacular indeed! On the other hand, Gerald was also a head-turner. He was the most masculine, handsomest, and wittiest among his contenders.

The question and answer portion came. A question related to a current political event was thrown to Agnes. Thank God! Though her answer was brief, she was able to deliver to the judges’ satisfaction.

The announcement of winners of special awards followed an intermission number. As expected, Gerald and Agnes bagged the Mc Donald’s Patron’s Choice Award and the UE-AOG People’s Choice Award. Ton-ton, Arvin, and Prof. Peralta’s coaching paid off when Agnes also got the awards for Best in Formal Wear, Casual Wear, and Corporate Attire.

The moment of truth approached. Agnes was crowned as the 2004 Ms. JPIA, while Gerald as the 2004 Mr. JPIA 1st runner-up. The new title-holders shared their triumph with the BTOP family. Out of Sir Arevalo’s magnanimity, the group shared a Goldilocks cake to celebrate the well-deserved victory.

July 2004

“And this was the B-E-G-G-I-N-N-I-N-G of the BTOP Corporation…”


It all started as a fund-raiser. During the time that I ascended to presidency, the fund was totally depleted. It was a deficit so to speak! No one could clearly explain where the accumulated contributions went. Like bubbles, the limited wealth perished.

To address this problem, the newly elected officers, Kuya Jom, Ai, Ivy, Rose, Arvin, and myself, thought of a revenue-generating activity. We consulted the group. From there, we concluded that there was a need to have a sari-sari store that will provide convenience to everyone.

Having raised the sari-sari store’s working capital by our (officers) loan extension, we then prepared for the venture. An initial list of goods to be sold was prepared. We had our first purchasing (The word “purchasing” is more appropriate in the accounting parlance than “shopping”) at Divisoria. On that time, God was as if testing our determination. It rained when we went there. The road was so muddy, and I nearly fainted because of the intoxicating methane produced by human waste. It was a blessing that Jason was with us. (For everyone’s information, majority of the store owners in Divisoria are Chinese.) The guy bargained for the lowest price of the goods that we purchased from a Chinese wholesale store.

The sari-sari store quickly flourished. Having studied Macroeconomics last year, we quickly applied the law of demand and supply. Different goods ranging from candies to biscuits were offered to the buying public. 5E, which housed the store, became the official hangout of the group. In a month or two, the loans extended by the officers were eventually settled. Subsequently, the profits increased the Btop Treasury.

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Today was the inauguration of the Btop Merchandising, our Management project. Obviously, it was an offshoot of the Btop sari-sari store. Being corporate in form, the working capital was provided by issuing shares of stock. Each share had a one-peso par value. Everyone was encouraged to purchase shares.

The inauguration had the traditional ribbon cutting, which was spearheaded by no less than Sir Arevalo. (To note, it was a pink ribbon by Ate Paz!) To ensure that everyone was truly jubilant of the occasion, snacks of cheese streusel from Julie’s Bakeshop plus orange juice were provided.

June 16, 2004

“…..a year of f-r-i-e-n-d-s-h-i-p and l-o-v-e.”


Today, I attended two celebrations. First was my mom’s birthday, and second was Btop’s first anniversary. The latter was worthy of commemoration because it signified a year of f-r-i-e-n-d-s-h-i-p and l-o-v-e. It also marked the continuity of a blossoming brotherhood.

It was just a simple celebration. In the afternoon, we gathered in the hallway with lighted candles. Around a Goldilocks cake, each of us uttered a solemn prayer. Just like the rest, I prayed for peace and understanding.

Aside from the cake, there were spaghetti and pancit palabok from Goldilocks. These were the food that we humbly shared. Though late, Sir Arevalo was still able to rejoice with us.

It happened that today was also Jay-R’s 18th birthday. Aside from the traditional cake (care of Aileen this time!), his special day didn’t pass without the distinctive birthday song from the group.

June 5, 2004

“And today was the fulfillment of Tita Bing’s P-R-O-M-I-S-E.”


In the tradition of surprises, Jing was given a birthday bash last January 17, three days before she celebrated her lavish 18th birthday. Her close friends, Ai, Shar, Ton-ton, and myself, organized the event. It was a Saturday then, and we had to attend our NSTP class in Tondo, Manila. Upon dismissal, we hurried back to Primeland. Finger foods, which consisted of cheese sticks, squid balls, fish crackers, and mini-pizzas, were in the menu. 5C was transformed into a multipurpose kitchen then.

Jing was really clueless; Tita Bing, who was about to fetch her, was asked to stay longer because something special was prepared for her daughter. A short program was held. This time, it was not in keeping with the traditional debut. The debutante had to prick 18 inflated condoms that hung on the wall. Each protective rubber contained words of wisdom about an aspect of life that required a subsequent explanation and message from us. After this segment, everyone munched at his heart’s delight.

Tita Bing was very touched by Btop’s thoughtful gesture. She promised of throwing a swimming engagement in the forthcoming summer vacation, aside from Jing’s festive blowout on her birthday.

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And today was the fulfillment of Tita Bing’s P-R-O-M-I-S-E. Btop was invited to come at Jing and Joy’s (Jing’s sister) thanksgiving party at Island Cove in Cavite. Sadly, we were not complete. For one, Ai had a fever and so her nursing Ga wasn’t able to come, too; the others were either, at that time, still traveling back to the metropolis or making their preparations for the coming school year.

Jing’s Mitsubishi Adventure fetched Shar, Rocky, Reinier, Jason, Joy, Ivy, Nat, Agnes, Jubie, Rose, Ton-ton, Robin, and me. Ate Anne and Bryan had to commute because, unfortunately, there was no space left for them. While crossing Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Jing’s sensitive driver, who might have heard our oozing stomachs, sensitively treated us a brunch at Jollibee.

It was around ten thirty when we arrived at the first-class resort. Gerald, a true-blue Caviteño, followed shortly. Immediately, we changed to our swimming attire and jumped off to the big, cold pool. (Except for the loners Reinier and Shar who managed to walk around the place the whole time!) (I understand if you smelled something F-I-S-H-Y!)

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A remarkable event worthy to be written was Jubie’s unsuccessful attempt to slide. The scared girl, who would easily be eliminated in a Fear Factor episode had she been given a one- in- a- million chance, was at the deck of the big slide for around an hour. Her companions, including myself, already had two or three take-offs, while she wasn’t able to perform even one.

(The worst scenario was yet to happen!) She was already at the middle of the slide when she realized that she really couldn’t make it. Consequently, she was stranded and the children behind her were waiting for her take-off. Sympathetic of the excited kids, Jubie decided to desperately crawl back to the deck and forget sliding F-O-R-E-V-E-R! (How T-R-A-G-I-C!)

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Swimming wasn’t the only activity the whole afternoon. The management of the resort facilitated games where participation of everyone was sought. The said games consisted primarily of tag of war and boat race.

At around five, we started to pack up. We thanked Jing and Tita Bing for their generous treat. We headed back to Manila by bus.

December 17, 2003

“The vibrant and fruitful year that W-A-S.”


My first year in the dormitory would not be complete without the celebration of the most important event of the year- Christmas. Arranging the six- feet Christmas tree last November marked the start of Btop’s observance of the Yuletide season. (To note, the tree’s striking gold ornaments were even highlighted by Christmas lights sponsored by Kuya Jom.)

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Btop’s attendance to the traditional Simbang Gabi at the world’s only all-metal cathedral, the San Sebastian Church, followed. An anecdote worthy to be written was Ton-ton’s Spiderman moves in escape of several dogs who barked at him and his companions while crossing the shortcut street leading to the aforementioned church. The unfortunate boy, who happened to have a scheduled Christmas vacation in Japan, hastily climbed a gate of a house in fear of ravenous dogs that threatened to bite him resolutely. Thank God! The barking halted, but Ton-ton, who mistaken the two canine to be four, was still in grave shock.

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The 16th of December approached. Everyone made it a point to buy presents. For instance, Shar, Ai, Jorai, Rose, and I went to Robinson’s Place- Manila. Shopping with multitudes of last-minute buyers made the activity an inconvenient one. We had to rush shopping because a lot of preparations still had to be made for the party.

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Party time came. Thanks to President Endriga, Dean Sevilla, Sir Arevalo, and Prof. Candelaria who financed the event. With concerted efforts, the hallway was transformed into a place where Christmas evidently existed. Ton-ton and Arvin managed rehearsing the contestants for the mini-pageant. The rest of us prepared food and prizes.

My brilliant idea of Mr. & Ms. Btop Pageant finally came into reality. It consisted of five stunning pairs: Gerald & Agnes, Aldrin & Shè, Reinier & Shar, Robin & Pacita, and John Paul & Nat. First, the contestants performed ramp modeling to exude their poise and self-confidence. Because of limited time, there was no talent portion. The question and answer portion disclosed who the wittiest pair was. Furthermore, it revealed the pair who was ready enough to represent the ideals of the BTOP class.

Allow me to divulge how the selection was done. The decision was among Sir Arevalo, Arvin, and me. Sir Arevalo was for the Gerald-Agnes tandem. Sir Arevalo’s justification was that Gerald was profound in answering questions, making the latter a viable candidate for a school pageant. As far as I can recall, Arvin was for the Aldrin-Shè tandem. But it was my decision, accompanied by Ton-ton’s unsolicited opinion, which broke the tie. And so, Gerald & Agnes (Daddy & Mommy) won the prestigious title.

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Having digested the dinner consisted of carbonara, chicken curry, different flavors of cake, and many dishes to mention, the pageant was succeeded by parlor games, which maintained the vigor of the group. For one, Shar and I won in the Statue Dance contest, wherein a ten-peso necklace was awarded to each of us for our terpsichorean skills. Gift- giving was the last phase of the event. The “Exchange Gift” was postponed for January because of the obvious and disheartening reason of financial constraint.

The rooftop was the final destination. As the cold Christmas breeze dampen our bodies, we reflected on the fruitful and vibrant year that W-A-S and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity of bringing us together.

September 26, 2003

“……to unveil the blooming of a R-O-S-E.”


Today is a very special day because Btop’s dearest Ate Paz is celebrating her 18th birthday. Being the first debutante, we, her only family in Manila, did not let this significant event to simply pass by. We prepared something that will make this occasion truly memorable.

The idea of a party was obviously a collaboration of the girls who were, by their nature, so ecstatic about 18th birthdays. To finance the event, a gratuitous contribution scheme was made. Shè, who just celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday, gave the largest contribution. And so, everything else followed.

We had to make the necessary physical arrangement without the debutante getting a hint of our surprise. To make this possible, Agnes, Joy, Jubie, and Rose devised a stratagem, i.e., hey invited Ate Paz to watch a movie at Isetann-Recto. The debutante, who was not really used to doing a task that, was not in her daily schedule, refused at first. Thank God! The indomitable girls didn’t stop until they finally encouraged the debutante to join them.

The arrangements having been done, we dressed our best attire. It was between five and six o’ clock when the moviegoers came back at the dormitory. Ate Paz was puzzled because everyone seemed to be very busy. It was after her entry in 5F when she realized what was going on. And so, her roommates and the other girls groomed her to be the fairest for the night.

The purpose of a debut is to unveil the blooming of a R-O-S-E. Thus, Pacita Armada was formally introduced to the crowd as a W-O-M-A-N. Each gorgeous boy danced waltz with her at the center. Afterwards, it was the girls’ turn to give their presents. Every present was like a treasure for it symbolized something of value to the debutante. This was succeeded by a light dinner.
Overwhelmed, Ate Paz was nearly in tears for Btop’s manifestation of love. She never expected that the group would give her such importance in just a short span of time of being together. All she said was thank you and that she would never forget the event for the rest of her life.

August 2003

“…..that the blessing drove all the bad spirits A-W-A-Y!”


The long wait was over! Through the coordination of the College of Business Administration and the Chaplain’s Office, the blessing of our new home finally came into a reality.

Btop prepared so much for the said event. As a matter of fact, it took us weeks to finalize everything. Yesterday, we ensured that the hallway was dirt-free. The cleaning of our rooms turned out to be an effective bonding activity. For one, it was the first time that Aldrin, Alfred, and even Reg cooperated with me in cleaning 5B. (After a hundred years, thank God!)

A mass at the hallway preceded the actual blessing. Present in the occasion were Pres. Endriga, Dean Sevilla, Sir Arevalo, Ma’am Cua, Ma’am De Jesus, and some of our parents. The CCPians sanctified the atmosphere through their heartwarming songs of praise.

Fr. Joseph initiated the blessing. There were the traditional ribbon cutting and sprinkling of holy water. The kind Fr. Joseph even conducted a short interview with each of the occupants and advised everyone to live harmoniously.

A little feasting through the generosity of the big wigs and Reg and Jing’s benevolent parents came after. While the rest were busy with their plates, Btop managed to render a song number to show their appreciation. We sang “ On top of the World”.

And that’s it. Hopefully, the blessing will promote peace in our little community and make our relationship stronger. I also pray that the blessing drove all the bad spirits A-W-A-Y!

June 16, 2003

“First times are always F-R-E-A-K-Y.”


First times are always F-R-E-A-K-Y. Though I have somehow prepared for my first day in college, I’m still quite nervous about the possible turn of events. For one, I am in a strange environment. It is only Paul whom I know. I have no idea how to deal with my fellow scholars. They appear to be nerdy in varying levels, and I do not know if they will give a positive response once I approach them. The girls from Sisters of Mary are practically aloof, while the boys (not really all are boys per se!) who reside at 5C are boisterous. Not to mention, my roommates seem to have their own worlds. (How pathetic of me!)

The seven thirty class was Introduction to Macroeconomics. Sadly, the Economics professor wasn’t around yet so the class decided to proceed to the PE Building instead. There, I had an encounter with all of my male classmates. There were these twin towers. The first one was named Gust who was deafening at the very start; the other was Alfred who was very calm in speaking. There were also Arvin and Ton-ton who were very fond of fooling around and laughing at themselves. Of course, my roommates: the serious Bryan, the very big Reg, and the boy-next-door Aldrin. I do not know the names of the other boys yet but so far, no one has given me a negative impression. After our class, we were advised by Dean Sevilla to eat our lunch at Gina’s Luncheonette. However, the said restaurant offered limited “home-cooked” meals, and so we decided to dine at another place. Paul and I detached from the rest and took our expensive lunch at Greenwich Ever-Gotesco.

Afternoon came; level 5 of F.T. Primeland was full of activity. My fellow scholars began to utter the usual “Hi”, “Hello”, “What’s your name”. For instance, the boys were at their doorways catching glimpses of the girls whom they wanted TO MARRY. (This is not exaggeration. My statement is verifiable! Try to ask the boys who will eventually have relationships with the girls.) On the other hand, the girls were the customary Maria Clara AT THE START.

Sir Joel Arevalo and Kuya Niño arrived late afternoon to welcome us in our new home. They also oriented us about dormitory rules and regulations. A noteworthy rule was the curfew hour of eight in the evening.

Nighttime approached; we started to arrange our rooms. That was also a chance to get to know our roommates and to set our respective room do’s and don’ts. As directed by Sir Arevalo, we had the lights off at exactly eleven o’ clock. A well-deserved rest for a very long day!

April 14, 2003

“Today, I signed a C-O-N-T-R-A-C-T.”


The saying “When God closes the door, He opens the window”’ is definitely real. God has given me another opportunity to prove myself as an achiever and more importantly, as a P-E-R-S-O-N. I consider it as beautiful blessing…an extraordinary G-I-F-T.

Today, I signed a C-O-N-T-R-A-C-T. A contract that entitles me to full academic scholarship in the institution that produced many of the people behind today’s industry giants…a contract that will enable me to be the B-E-S-T that I can be.

The contract signing was only brief. Present in the said occasion were Mr. Baltazar Endriga, the UE President, Mr. Macario Sevilla, the CBA Dean, Mr. Joel Arevalo, the CBA Associate Dean, together with my fellow scholars who came all the way from different parts of the archipelago. Everyone appeared optimistic about fulfilling the dream to bring back the glory that was UE.

After the formal ceremony, a sumptuous lunch was served to the scholars and their ever-supportive parents to celebrate the newly formed tie. The final phase of the occasion was the dormitory tour at a newly constructed five-story building along R. Papa St. It was a magnificent spectacle so to speak; everyone could not help but be amazed on the pouring blessings from up above.

The contract signing was only brief, but it has lasting effects. For one, it will define the next five years of my life. Will I survive? Will I succeed? These are questions in my mind that do not have definite answers as of the moment. As for now, I am sure that the University of the East is my new home. It is my new training ground. It represents a series of challenges I have to take that will measure my intellectual prowess and strength of character. It is a bridge that I have to cross in order to attain the realization of my D-R-E-A-M-S. Moreover, it opens a new chapter in my life that demands more responsibility, diligence, and maturity.