Cartoon by Jeremy Calvin S. Enriquez/ The LANCE
“How do I even begin?” a question in each student's mind.
A sigh after another, a sound after the professor assigned another task. Tasks are starting to pile up, and so does the heaviness on each student’s back. Barely rested each week, yet Letranites found themselves doing it again like robots— not needing any rest.
The consequences of the previous suspensions start to haunt the students of the Colegio, as deadlines cause immense pressure, with both professors and learners having no choice but to follow through. Doubt starts to fill thoughts, numbed by to-do lists.
It is officially a wrap for midterm period in the Colegio, the rapid transition towards the pre-final period becoming a period of vulnerability. Just after surviving long weeks full of activities, projects, and most especially the midterm examinations, Letranites are gearing up for a fight once again this pre-final period. Despite the exhaustion, they are left with no choice but to continue.
It seems like only yesterday when the school year officially began. New aspirations waited to be accomplished as planned this school year, and Letranites were all filled with their own goals. As a fresh start emerged, a new sense of hope thrived to fulfill these goals through new opportunities.
Nearly Balanced, Yet Stumbled
After experiencing many things, may it be good or bad; it always teaches a lesson. Yet, at some point, challenges inevitably still happen even after learning from them. For some Letranites in the Colegio, many find themselves facing both personal and academic challenges, manifesting in different ways for each student.
For Nadine Dado, a 4th Year BSBA Business Economics student, juggling between OJT and back subjects is difficult.
“Bawal na mas angat ‘yung isa kaysa sa isa, since they all have different standards,” she shared, describing the exhaustion and tiredness from handling both academics and OJT.
Another perspective comes from Paola Venice Leyesa, a 2nd Year BS Psychology student and the Letran Band President. An unfamiliar, hectic route is something she has been experiencing with the new schedule, her academics, and her new role in the organization.
“These responsibilities made me stressed and anxious at all times, which made it difficult for me to find time to rest and relax,” she stated.
It is difficult to imagine the exhaustion students face while trying to balance each requirement in compliance with different subjects, while also fulfilling commitments to their respective organizations.
For Kim Davatos, a 2nd Year BS Accountancy student, the program is inherently challenging, requiring him to work twice as hard. “Mahirap mag-adjust at makasabay sa mga lessons ng professor namin, lalo na sa mga accounting lessons,” he stated.
Leyesa also highlighted the difficulty of maintaining focus amid subject requirements and staying organized: “I had to accomplish a lot of academic, personal, and org tasks with only a little time.”
Courage to Face with Grace
Exhausting as it may be, for students like Davatos, BS Accountancy student, when asked if he would still face or avoid the challenges if given the chance, he stated that he would still face them head-on.
“Instead na i-avoid ko o balewalain ‘yung mga pagkukulang ko, I would face it, learn my lesson, and do something about it,” he stated.
When asked what motivates him despite the challenges, he looked back on his goal to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
“Marami siyang benefits na mabibigay sa’kin at s’yempre, ‘yung advantage na maging CPA ka, marami kang makukuhang opportunity.”
For Leyesa, Letran Band President, a good support system motivates her to keep going.
“They offer me unconditional love and support, which motivates me to keep going and do better.”
While for Dado, BSBA Business Economics student, she finds assurance each day.
“Everything will be fine, because at the end of the day, I make sure that I take care of myself.”
A Gentle Reminder, Kinder and Wiser
Challenges indeed make students stronger and more resilient than ever. They shape them as individuals, preparing them for something greater in accordance with their future. Nonetheless, taking care of oneself is still important, as Inst. Kirl Wenzriech Buaquiña reminds. A simple reminder not only for Letranites but also applies to all students.
“Sometimes, nakakalimutan natin mag-pause to the point na masyado tayong naka-focus lang on the things we need to comply with academically.”
He places great emphasis on pausing; to not forget ourselves despite everything.
Giving up is not an option for Letranites, as Inst. Buaquiña stated:
“When you fall, get up and start again. Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
As faculty of the psychology department, Inst. Buaquiña emphasized compassion in every aspect, may it be from teachers to students. He also emphasized that going back to the reason why Letranites started will replenish that motivation in each student.
“Lagi nating kamustahin ‘yung ating mga estudyante kung ano ang kanilang nararanasan, at kung kailangan nila ng tulong, ibigay natin ‘yung tulong na ‘yun na kailangan nila.”
Checking up on the student’s well-being is also important—to see how they are truly doing is perhaps what they need. For Inst. Buaquiña, it is also his personal practice to refer the students to the Guidance, Counseling, Testing, and Placement Department (GCTAP) if necessary.
Challenges teach different insights, and they might always be hard to overcome. Goals are easy to say and write in planners, but staying committed is another matter. At the same time, what will define a goal, if as an individual, one is neglecting and forgetting oneself?
At times, challenges may hinder progress, causing a step back toward a goal, but they also serve as a bridge to see things from a perspective on how to eventually move forward. Little by little, day by day, one small step will eventually arrive at that destination. It is not about how fast or slow it takes to get there, but rather the growth and perseverance toward the goal, even in the face of setbacks. To keep going despite the long road ahead while maintaining oneself is what makes the journey truly worthwhile.