In Leadership and Service: Mikaela Angela T. Subosa

Article by: Marco R. Sunga

Graphics by: Cassius Klai C. Francisco and Vaughn Kyle V. Ostan

Championing the voices of the student body, the Central Student Council (CSC) stands as one of the pillars of the Mapúa's University Student Government (USG). Tasked with representing the Mapúan student body, the CSC works to address student concerns, foster inclusivity, and create initiatives that resonate with the students.  

Leading this vital body is Mikaela Angela T. Subosa, a BS Technical Communications student with a deep passion for leadership and service. Having previously served as the President of the Liberal Arts Student Council and the Public Relations Officer of the Council of Presidents, Subosa brings a wealth of experience to her new role as CSC head.

From Crossroads to Leadership

Mika’s leadership journey is one of transformation and self-discovery. “I didn’t start my college journey in Mapúa,” she revealed, recounting the moment that ultimately reshaped her path with profound gratitude. “I started at UST, the University of Santo Tomas. And then, […] things didn’t really go according to plan [...] then I transferred to Mapúa.” 

Despite the challenges, this move turned out to be pivotal for her. “Because of Mapúa, I was able to find the passion and direction I wanted to take in life [...] Mapúa has been such a transformative experience for me, I wanted to have that same effect on the other students as well,” she shared. 

Her gratitude for the university’s impact on her journey ultimately drove her to step up to run for the CSC presidency, determined to give back to the community that helped her rediscover her purpose.

Empowering Through Communication

For her, the position of CSC President has the tied responsibility of making sure that it represents the student body and being the voice of the students who don't have the same avenues to express their concerns. She also emphasized that “ ... the CSC president should be able to take the sides of the students at all times and to consider what they have to say in every situation.” 

Mika believes that leadership is built on teamwork and mutual trust. “You don’t work alone; you work with a lot of people,” she expressed, underscoring her belief in the power of collective effort over individual recognition. For the CSC head, her approach to leadership is about collaboration, not authority: “... as a leader, you’re not supposed to just tell people what to do, but to work with them toward a common goal.”

Facing Challenges with Resilience

Being a leader comes with its share of challenges, and Subosa has faced her own struggles. “ ...  no matter how hard you work, some people really won’t be able to acknowledge that or they won’t recognize that. And sometimes, of course, it’s disheartening,” she admitted.

But she does not see it as an excuse to give up, but to improve. “It’s not about asking for validation. It’s not about asking for […] some sort of recognition. It’s about sincerely serving the students regardless of  […] the comments that you receive in return.” This resolve in the face of adversity is what truly defines her leadership—driven by purpose, not praise.

The Vision of Greatness

Under her leadership, the CSC plans to launch new initiatives, such as expanding charity work and revising policies students have long advocated for to improve the students’ quality of life in MU.

Beyond the campus, Subosa believes in using the privilege of attending a university like Mapúa to make a broader impact. “… it’s not cheap going to Mapúa. So, in a sense, we all have a certain sense of privilege. So, what I wanted to see for this year is that we use that privilege and channel it into other means and to help other people who need it,” she explained justifying their mission to do something outside of the university to start a change.

Leaving a Centennial Legacy

Looking ahead, Subosa hopes to leave a lasting impact, “I want to hear people say that the USG really united the Mapúa community,” she mentioned, most especially for this year given that the university is to celebrate a momentous milestone.

She also aspires to inspire the next generation of leaders of the university. “And then, another legacy that I would like to leave is a legacy that would inspire other students to step up and become leaders themselves and to make even the smallest of change that they can to the community,” she mentioned when asked about what she wanted to leave behind.

As Mapúa recently celebrated its historic milestone, Subosa’s message to the Mapúan community remains clear: “… embrace what Mapúa has to offer. You’ll be able to find your own small community within a big community in Mapúa because there’s a place for everyone in Mapúa.”