Another semester’s finished! Looking back, it was a very challenging one, but I’m glad we all somehow managed to survive. Here’s some tips I like to tell my old self, maybe it can help you as well!
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
When I entered the university, I honestly taught that I would excel academically the way I did in high school. Well, joke’s on me; college isn’t high school! I used to be very frustrated before when I got low scores on quizzes, especially on the exams. Add to it the anxiety I feel every time I took an exam that I found difficult. I used to rant about it to my friends and family like it’s the most important thing in the world. That’s why, to my past self, don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s always room for improvement. It’s not the end of your life so instead of frowning on it, use it as a motivation to do better next time.
It’s okay to rest and to reward yourself once in a while.
I was so overwhelmed with the amount of school works I had to face weekly in college that it came to a point where I can’t really enjoy my weekends or times where I regret sleeping or having some time doing my hobbies. It felt like someone inside my head is nudging me all the time to do school stuff whenever I’m starting to rest. It was so exhausting and I believe college shouldn’t be like that. That’s why to my past self, I am proud for your achievement but please don’t forget to spare some time for your personal growth and mental and physical rest.
Study wisely.
Different subjects, different professors, different ways of teaching, different resources, and different types of exams. College isn’t spoon feeding so being resourceful and strategic in studying would be very helpful. I learned how important it is not to cram studying like what I did in high school. Secondly, relying on the power point presentations alone isn’t enough. Hence, to my past self, the beginning is always challenging but I am glad that you have learned the importance of studying ahead of time so that you can be able to maximize your time in using various resources as you prepare for your most important examinations.
Befriend people.
Among the many unique things in UP is how we don’t have a consistent set of classmates, hence, you’ll really be able to meet a lot of people from different walks of life, especially in GE subjects. It’s nice to be able to get to know a lot of people but at the same time, it’s challenging as well, most importantly during group works. I learned how valuable it is to make friends and build strong relationships with them because sometimes, they can lend you their ears and time as well. That’s why to my past self, don’t be so shy in socializing! It’s never too late to widen your circle and to get out from your comfort zones.
Trust yourself.
This is the most important tip I would tell to not only my past self, but also to the present, and the future. Amidst all the doubts, pressure, and stress, trusting yourself should come first. Without believing in what you can do, everything you have prepared would mean nothing. Keep in mind that the motivation you need the most is the one that’s coming from yourself. To my past, present, and future self, keep this in mind!
Here’s to surviving more semesters, iskx! Padayon!
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