I know you’ll be starting off your journey quite unprepared, and I’ve got tips on how you’re just going to be the opposite.
STUDY
Yes, I know it’s a pretty common thing to say when you’re in college. But, seriously. Get your head in the game!
EAT
We all know you need it. Eat all you can and feel better!
STAY HYDRATED
I know you’re the type of person who doesn’t drink 8 cups of water a day, and you really need to change that.
STOP PROCRASTINATING
Yeah, you’re quite good at that. Please stop. That is really what’s going to bring you down. Please stop procrastinating and start doing your work.
BE YOURSELF
Hey. Be yourself. Don’t mind what others say and just live your life to the fullest. College may be hard but try to enjoy your college life. Loosen up!
Do not hesitate to be open and to show who you are to other people. I know that you are intimidated with the situation that you’ll face but don’t let this hinder you from putting yourself out there.
Set your priorities straight
You came to this university with a purpose. Do not let all the challenges that you’ll face distract you from the the goals that you must achieve.
Enjoy
Make time to do things for yourself that will genuinely make you happy. Please find more time to continue creating art because this will greatly help you find enthusiasm.
Trust yourself
You often find yourself doubting the choices you are making. In time. you’ll learn that you could’ve change a lot of things if you only trusted yourself.
Do not procrastinate
You don’t usually procrastinate in the past but it will eventually become a problem of yours. Always practice good work ethics and don’t let your motivation die down.
Approaching the end of this semester, there are things that I realized for myself. These are new things as well as the same things all over the again. To my past self, to the Julius from Day 1, here are things I wish you knew from the very start of the semester.
There is not much I can say to you because until now because I believe that old habits die hard but there are some things you should’ve been careful with to make yourself better. I cannot make the clock reverse but there are few things I want to tell you based on what is currently happening to me so both of us will better versions of ourselves few years after.
HAVE SHORT-TERM AND LONG TERM GOALS
Girl, these things will keep you on track. As long as you have these, no matter how impossible it may be, you will seek for better opportunities just to have these. These things will also help you avoid temptations that might pull you down. Always remember that these goals is not only for you but for your family and the people that surrounds you as well.
DON’T TAKE TIME FOR GRANTED
Until now, you are the best crammer and procrastinator I’ve ever known but girl you are in college now. YOU. ARE. IN. UP. You should control your time and not the other way around. Based on my experience, time is your worst enemy not the requirements (well, not yet). Please learn to manage your time so it will be your ally, your shield, and your weapon against the requirements and deadlines from your professors.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS
Girl, always remember that you are worthy of everything you have today and you still deserve more BUT you must do something to prove that. You should do your very best and don’t settle for “keri lang”, “g lang” or “at least di’ba?” You should always aim for excellence not only because it is what you want but because it is the right change for your parents’ sacrifices. “Bahala na” sintuations is a big no-no. If you ever achieve excellence through your hard work, always remember to keep your feet off the ground. Soar high!
These would be it for now girl. Always do well and be good to other people.
It still feels surreal that I managed to survive a semester in this university. I can still remember myself on the first day of classes—looking as lost and clueless as I felt. Back then, it seemed like I had done everything to prepare myself for this new phase, but looking back now, I realized that no amount of preparing was enough for everything this university threw at me. Though pointless, I sometimes wish I could talk to my past self and give her a few pointers on how to do things a little better than I had done.
Here are the top five pieces of advice I wish I could give to my past self:
1. Come to class prepared. I know this probably sounds basic but I never really realized how important this was until I entered college. If you got away in senior high school with not reviewing your notes before class, that would not work for college since a lot of professors like to give quizzes as the attendance. And though some might not give quizzes a lot of weight when it comes to grading, it still sucked to submit a blank sheet of paper.
2. Do not procrastinate. Again, this might seem like a basic piece of advice but college was the first to give me a taste of how badly procrastination can affect my life. I cannot even count the number of times I told myself this semester the words “if only I studied/did this earlier then I would have gotten a higher score.” Often, procrastination led to all-nighters and adrenaline rushes due to 11:59 PM deadlines, both equally horrible to the feeling.
3. Be Organized. This is honestly easier said than done, especially during the worst of the hell weeks, when you can barely think about doing anything other than studying. Organize everything, from the hard copies to the files on your computer, from the canned goods stacked on your kitchen shelves to the clothes in your cabinet. Make sure that you set aside one day every week to organize the mess you made, because this makes your dorm life easier—and your dorm mates will also thank you for not being a slob.
4. Keep in touch. One thing that makes college difficult is having to be away from your family and friends, which is why it is incredibly important that you find time to reconnect with them, even if that meant talking to your mom for a few minutes or leaving a couple of messages to your best friend who goes to another faraway university. Though they would surely understand if you are too busy to hang out or go home on the weekends, it does not hurt to at least make some effort to let them know that you still have time for a little chat.
5. Be present. Something that I would truly regret is being absent during important events or even during hangouts with my college friends. I have yet to learn when to let myself breathe by not forcing myself to go to events I do not feel up for, and when to actually force myself, not just because attendance is required but also because it’s a once in a blue moon opportunity that I should give a chance to. So before you say “screw it, I won’t attend or come anymore,” take a pause and think: would it really hurt to drag your butt towards the door and have fun for once? At the very least, you can stock up on incentive points for being present in the needed events.
Four months have passed and it was one extreme roller coaster ride with all the twists and turns and the ups and downs. It was a semester full of sleepless nights, stressful days, and overwhelming requirements. Nevertheless, it was still a period of change, growth, and acceptance. If you would ask me, I wouldn’t have this semester any other way, but if I would have the chance to go back and give my older self some advice this is what I’ll tell her:
Dear Kristina Isabel,
Here you are, in your dream school, finally living the dream. Right now, I know you are full of uncertainty and self-doubt. You ask yourself, “Will I ever be enough?” or “Is this the right path for me?” And that is completely okay. A bigger environment can really be overwhelming. This semester will be a battle and I hope that through these tips you will be armed and ready for it.
First, I want you to always remind yourself that you are strong and capable, it was you that brought yourself here. You have prepared enough, you have sacrificed your mental and physical health, and you gave it your best. Despite all your struggles you came out strong. Please do not belittle your capabilities, please use them to fight.
Second, I want you to feel your emotions, you cannot be strong always, the number of requirements can tire you up. Giving your best and still not meeting the standard can make you feel hopeless. You will face many setbacks and its okay. You can be sad just as you are allowed to be happy. It’s okay to not look your best. It’s okay to show the world that you can be vulnerable because pretending can only eat you up and tire you more.
Third, always do your best, listen to your professors, take down notes, review your lessons, prepare for your tests, and submit your requirements on time. This will not be easy, especially if you have to do this for all your other subjects. It takes practice, do it bit by bit, and in the end, it will just be a routine to you. Do not procrastinate, you do not have all the time you need in college so do things while you can, this will not just lessen your workload but it will also avoid you from cramming. And trust me, if you do not cram your outputs, you’re likely to submit better ones and get better grades.
Fourth, have a support system. I have to stress out that college wouldn’t be easy but having friends can lighten up the load. In your first semester, you will meet your super classmates. Each of you wouldn’t have a clue on how college works, but I tell you, it will be best to figure all of it out with them. From lunch breaks to vacant schedules to staying up late to do school works, your super classmates will stick with you through thick and thin. So, treasure them. Sometimes, even if you think you’re strong enough and you can do everything alone, there will be a point in your life where you’ll need help and support. When things get tough and workloads become hard to handle, it’s nice to think that you’re not battling everything alone. You may be away from home, but I assure you that you will find a family in the people you will meet.
Fifth and last, live in the moment and set your goals. You only live once, Kristina, but it’s not a life you should live recklessly. You have to know why you do what you do. You have to know in your heart who you are doing it for. Everyone has their purpose, sometimes it’s not just clear to everyone what that purpose is. You then have to explore to discover it. Things will get easier when you know how your efforts will turn out in the future and how you will be able to impact others through what you do and what you will be. So keep that in mind, learn to love what you do and everything will come into place.
I wish you the best of luck, college will just be the beginning. There will be a life ahead that will be much harder. But I want you to know that after you have won a lot of battles, you will be a warrior, a warrior who’s ready to fight, a warrior who will come back after the setbacks, and a warrior who sacrifices, not just for her own benefit, but for the benefit of those whom she bled for.
Hi Daniel! I know that your first semester here in UPLB feels like eternity, but I am so proud that you’re still here, pushing yourself for this last week! I wish I could go back and tell you these highly important pieces of advice, for you. Nevertheless, use this still for your future endeavors and carry on siz. :)))
Daniel, do not waste any of your spare time and do your requirements needed, as soon and as early as possible! There will always be time for your lazy days and in this time period, it is not for it. Learn to manage your time wisely so that you avoid procrastinating and cramming you works, okay?
Mumsh, in our lives choices are inevitable. You should really think hard on what choices you pick and made. I know that you’ve made the wrong choice which you regret up until now so for the next time, I need you to think intensely on the consequences of your choices and pick the most beneficial for you. There’s countless possibilities with your choices, therefore, pick what is the most righteous thing to do.
Daniel, please do not stress yourself too much and just do what you got to do. Do not overthink and over-analyze everything that’s on your mind. I know that if you stress too much, you’ll just avoid doing those necessary things for you to progress. Sometimes it is better not to think and just move forward on these certain things and do these certain actions, and I want you to do that.
Siz, step out of your shell and surprise yourself on what you can do. Always push yourself not only for the better, but for the absolute best. Don’t be afraid to take risks and let your voice be heard in this crowd that seems the inaudible. Tell yourself that you can be just like one of them, that you are also great, and that you are also worthy to be here. And for that to happen, you need to be brave and step out the comfort zone of yours!
Daniel, I know that failure affects you highly. It just lingers to your mind steadily, affecting all your senses, all your choices, and all your actions. I know that failing gives that feeling of not being enough. Please always know that failure is a part of the learning process. It is also inevitable and its bound to happen to us. Its okay to feel this certain way, but you’ve got to be back on your feet and move forward. Don’t let a failure define who you are. Use it to learn, to grow, and to progress.
Four months have passed but it feels like years have already gone by right? This is the wildest journey so be prepared and hold onto the boat because you’ll about to have a glimpse of what life is. To your past self, here are tips that’ll help you not regrets your actions and decisions along the way.
Cramming is never a good idea like ever! If you think you can finish your output in a limited amount of time? Think twice because you indeed can but there is so much thing that will be sacrificed such as the quality of your work, grades and even your health! Believe me, I’ve experienced making homework while crying because I’m so sick and forcing myself to finish it for the deadline is right around the corner. To you past self if you want to live longer, never cram again.
Don’t ever think of bottling your emotions again and desperately trying to show the world that you’re strong and crying is not an option. Dear, it’s okay to cry sometimes, showing to your friends that you’re not okay is not a wrong thing to do. Crying will make you feel better or stronger, it will help you to think clearly and release any negative emotions you’re feeling. Always remember that after wiping your tears, stand up and be your best again.
Never degrade yourself just because of a single failure. College is the best place to make mistakes for it means you’ll learn to stand-up alone after the downfall. We are in the process of developing ourselves, don’t be too harsh on yourself just because of failing but take it as a motivation to do better.
Learn to see on a wider perspective because being in UP means you’ll encounter people with different beliefs. Listen to other people’s opinions and take it as a guide that’ll help you to have critical perspective. Never isolate yourself in only what you believe, in this vast ocean you’re not the only one existing.
Stop hiding on your introvert personality! There are so many things to discover in this place and you’ll never see the wonderful sights if you will remain afraid. Be confident, it’ll take you to places that will help you grow. Confidence is a superpower within us, use it to your full potential!
Dear past self, if you ever read this, I hope you stop thinking that entering UP is the wrong choice for this decision is so far the greatest thing you did. In just a short period UP will teach you so many things that you’ll be utterly shocked for how much change you’ve experienced. Never forget to take care of your health and enjoy every little bit of things while it lasts.
Your FUTURE is CREATED by what you do TODAY, not tomorrow.
Anonymous
The first semester has been a roller-coaster ride. It has given me a lot of realizations in life. Where I met different kinds of people and make them as my friends. It was full of adjustments, not just the environment but even the workload that I’ve got before. It was a semester full of opportunities and learning. Where it helps me be a better person. With that, here are some reminders and advice I wish I could tell my old self;
Set your priorities.
Think of the things that are needed. As you plan to make something about it, finishing your requirements ahead of time, read your supplements, prepare for your next classes. If you need to do it make a sacrifice because every sacrifice has a worth. Have a balance in your extracurricular and academics.
Have time for everything.
Do not procrastinate. Use your time wisely. It is better that you finished your requirements ahead of time rather than cram it because there is a big-time that is wasted and it is not productive.
Don’t be afraid of failures.
There will come a time that you have failed your quizzes or exams, accept it and move on. Do better and prepare ahead for it. Try to do an advance reading or rereading your notes. Do not be discouraged. Take your failure as learning, because it makes you a better person, but try to commit fewer mistakes.
Be industrious.
Strive to be your best every day. Think that you can. Do everything that can make your output, worth their time. Again, do not cram your outputs because some of them have the potential to be the best. Use your time for productivity not only for fun.
Enjoy the process.
As they say: “Mahaba haba pa lalakbayin mo.” As you go to different places, meet new people, the opening of new opportunities, go and take it. Because some of them will not be available or seen in the near future. Treasure every moment, may it be fun or sad because at the end of the day there is a learning in every moment.
Hi Gherald! Please take this note in your heart and mind. Strive to be a better person everyday. Keep on striving until you reach your goals and dreams. Keep going! Continue to be Courageous and Daring! Enjoy your stay in the university. I’m so proud of you. One semester down, more semesters to go. Laban lang! Remember that God is with you too. *HUG*
Going and staying in a new environment, with new unfamiliar faces, new culture, and school was a challenge to me. What made it even worse was the fact that I am too far from my family. So, here are five tips or advice that I wished someone has told me before the start of the semester.
“No man is an island.” I believe it would be impossible to survive in UP without a friend or some friends. You need to make friends and socialize. You need someone to talk to about your past and/or new experiences, achievements, failures, rants, crush/es, or whatsoever. We are all struggling here but it doesn’t mean that we need to suffer alone. We can support each other and have that sablay together.
In the past few weeks, the “Hell, Hell Weeks”, I missed home so bad. I wanted to go home but I can’t. There were so many things to do: reports, papers, articles, exams, etc. I wished I went home when I still had the chance before. So, if you don’t have an important matter to do in LB, I advise you to go home. Take a break from LB, be with your family, spend time with your friends, and feel the comfort of your home.
During the whole semester, I have been cramming everything. And, based on my experience, let me tell you that it’s not a good habit. If you’re aiming for high grades then, you need to start doing your requirements and your review for quizzes or exams as soon as possible. In that way, you’ll have more time to check, revise, and improve your work, and you’ll be able to study your lessons thoroughly.
In my dorm, cooking is not allowed so what I’ve been eating in LB are fast food that are far from healthy. You need to eat something nutritious and healthy. You need to exercise. You need to drink water and stay hydrated. And you need to take good care of yourself, stay away from danger, and be safe.
It’s not a crime to take a rest if you are tired. With all the stress and pressure, it is important to take short breaks to rest and relax. Your mind and body need these. Take a rest but don’t give up. Always remember that no problem lasts forever. You can face it and overcome it, one way or another
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