Getting into the university was I thought the most difficult part of my Isko journey but I was wrong, it has just started.
Dealing with a new environment from my island life is an indication of a true fresh start. In spite of all the struggles being miles away from family, communicating with a different dialect, budgeting limited allowance, challenging courses and to be with a new set of diverse talented and smart individuals was truly challenging but luckily, I just finished a month in the institution where a daily routine could change to an optional decision. It was actually hard but it taught me a lot of things to consider as I go through much crucial battles in my college life. Amidst the challenges, I was able to establish my own version of to-do-list in surviving this grueling season of a freshman.
ADJUSTMENTS TAKE TIME. Homesickness and intimidation were my ultimate foes, crushing me into pieces and questioning my worth. However, you should remember your purpose of pursuing UP at the first place. We are here for our families who constantly offer us everything they have just to reach our goals, so whenever you miss them never hesitate to talk and cry to them even through phone calls because as you hear their voice of encouragement it will fuel your drive in fulfilling your dreams for them. Also to be with much more clever, spontaneous and well- off classmates and; excellent professors expecting a lot from senior high graduates which they anticipated to have enough background knowledge on the course could actually lower our self- trust, but take note of why you applied for admission in the university— because we know UP could teach us something we cannot get from other schools, we are here to learn not to compete because at the end of the day we will be similar products of UP.
LOW SCORES IS ACTUALLY HOPE. Getting low scores in your first set of quizzes does not define your future. Instead, convert that minimal failure into a motivating factor to make strategies and achieve improvements. But in case you failed again, always put in mind that there is no end to a dreamer, because in real life this is only a basic challenge we would encounter, so if ever you have upsetting exam results turn them into an inspiration to persist and finally claim your desired rating.
TIME IS PRECIOUS. After all it is our own discretion how to spend our time wisely. Recreation and relaxation is a good remedy after a draining week of lectures and recitations but it should be in moderation. Do not practice cramming because it might cause negative consequences in complying your requirements. We can do both lakads and acads but always be responsible.
HEALTH OVER ACADS. Overwhelming required exercises and homework given by the professors lead us to overnight works and no-weekend status which tend to choose consuming instant goods, drinking a lot of coffee, and even skipping meals, our body needs enough energy to function well and having an unhealthy eating habit is not a good idea. Sometimes we also deprive ourselves from having enough sleep by over exhausting to academic requirements which is actually not recommended or unless you want to be embarrassed like me by hitting myself hard into a glass wall and realizing it was not the exit. Rest is a must. How can you serve people efficiently if your body cannot function well?
BUILD GOOD RELATIONSHIPS. In this new world you just entered you have to build good relationships with the people you will be interacting throughout your journey. We cannot avoid instances that we will be needing help in dealing with our different personal struggles, and those people who are willing to listen and somehow provide is what we truly need— a friend. Having good relationship with your professors will also allow you to take everything easily, do not hesitate to consult to them and love them by showing respect even if we get intimidated sometimes on how they act in front of us. They are essential in honing ourselves to become better after college.
NEVER FORGET TO ENJOY. This is the most important thing you must remember for other tips to work. Enjoy your stay!
I still have more months and years to go and I know I still have a lot to learn in my stay here in UP. Expect for my second part and more to go.
God Bless!
BLOG 6050 