Calvin Macatantan

What is your favorite thing about MIT? Being right next to the river?

How did FLI help you during your time as an MIT undergrad? Being FLI shaped the way I navigated MIT in important ways. My FLI identity gave me resilience: I learned early on how to persist through challenges and work harder when resources weren’t always available. That mindset carried me through tough classes and moments of self-doubt. I also brought strong financial literacy skills with me. I was already familiar with managing limited resources, budgeting carefully, and making thoughtful decisions about work and opportunities, and those habits helped me balance academics with life outside the classroom. Equally important was the community I found. Connecting with other FLI students gave me a support system of people who shared similar experiences and challenges. That sense of belonging was as critical as any academic resource, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in the journey. Being FLI pushed me to grow more resilient, resourceful, and community-oriented, qualities that will help me thrive at MIT and beyond.

What made you want to be a FLI Student Advisory Board member? I wanted to be a FLI Student Advisory Board member because I understand the value of having a support system and knowledge of the hidden curriculum in a place like MIT. I believe FLI students deserve to know the ins and outs of the hidden curriculum and to have a support system.

What do you do for fun outside of work/school? Outside work/school, I enjoy baking, cooking, and gardening.