SEVE REYES
Stanford University How was your high school life?
Because of service, music and sports, my life beyond the classroom was never dull. Two of the most meaningful service extracurriculars I did were co-founding Lacuna organisation and becoming a volunteer at NTFP-EP Philippines. I learnt more about indigenous communities through stories of challenges that were told by them, helping me work with them in a relevant way. One of the first projects we created was a social enterprise with the T’boli weavers of South Cotabato, where we sold hoodies made with their T’nalak fabric. With the profit, we provided 60 indigenous children with specialised education grants. We have since expanded and done more projects with Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Being able to work with marginalised communities and help them become independent in sustaining projects is something I hope to continue doing.
Music has been my constant form of learning and self-expression. I loved creating orchestral arrangements for Original Pilipino Music (OPM), my own compositions and playing classical percussion for my school orchestra as principal percussionist. I also play solo percussion. I was able to improve through the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar (JSPS), where I learnt from and performed for amazing professors, as well as premiered a percussion ensemble work. I was also a member of our school U18 football team, which competes both locally and internationally. Playing football was definitely a stress reliever!
How was your experience doing high school in a pandemic?
Having our senior year taken away from us was definitely a huge disappointment; however, I am glad to have had the privilege to continue studying remotely.
Beyond wanting to receive the traditional graduation ceremony, I longed for a wider swath of ordinary experiences. Completing high school from my bedroom study table and graduating from home was not how I envisioned my final moments at BSM. Not being able to graduate alongside friends whom I’ve known since Year 3 was truly unfortunate.
What are you most excited for?
To meet new people, and hopefully, be part of the university orchestra. Having played percussion since the age of four, I’ve always dreamt of playing different genres of music in a full-size orchestra. Hopefully, my dream will come to fruition!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m not sure where I see myself in five years, but I would like to continue with Lacuna and discover a profession that can combine both music and economics.