The VisionarySheron Fuertes

Seven steps and more…

With my four years of staying in the college, I came to realize a lot of things. At first, I thought that life would be easy… there would be more freedom, independence, and vacant periods. But that was all an illusion. As we climb a step higher, more requirements are being given, more homeworks and projects to pass and more examinations to ace. Hence, they all pile up in a giant ball of stress that sometimes, we don’t even know how to untangle them one by one.

Now that I’m at the last stage of the course, I managed to compile a list of things or tips as we call them to better cope up and handle the school stress that we’re facing…

First on the list: Be Optimistic!

Batch 2013 achieved a 100% NLE rating in the recent board exam. And what did this leave us? AN EXPECTATION. Every one of us is expected to do our part to maintain the rating and to produce topnotchers. Now that is something that adds up to our stress. But we couldn’t blame them, could we? They brought pride and honour to our college so we don’t have the right to curse them.

As what the first tip said, have a sense of optimism in mind. If they have done it, then I’m sure we can all do it as well. Have a leap of faith in yourself! Makakapasa ako!

Second: Know Your Learning Style

Did you know that everyone of us has their own way of learning? Some may be a visual, which means they learn just by looking at the text. (But that one is quite rare, I guess.) Others may prefer writing notes or reading aloud. I for one, can’t concentrate reviewing while listening to music, while others find it more pleasurable that way. Some may also watch television while reading. But the latter is unadvisable since nowadays, news like the pork barrel scam and the Zamboanga ______ can just make us more depressed and increase our stress level.

Third: Have a Good Study Environment

Whether it be in our own room, library or classroom, we should know the place where our minds can better work. Having a good environment means that we should be comfortable to where we are studying. But sometimes, factors like noise pollution can greatly affect our concentration during discussions, especially when students from other colleges pass by the hallway. Others aren’t even sensitive enough to keep their voices down when they can already see us having classes.

Another thing is the air pollution. This is not about cigarette smoking. But, rather, the foul odor coming out from the sewage systems near our classrooms. We couldn’t even think straight with the unpleasant smell that is being emitted. But of course, we couldn’t do anything about it again since we’re assigned to that room. We’ll just have to endure it until the semester ends…

Fourth: Time Management

As cliché as it may seem, it is but important to keep track of the things that we need to do so as not to waste a single minute. Setting up a schedule may be rather useless, but I find it really helpful especially as a student nurse. We should be organized with meeting all the deadlines of our paperworks and reviewing for our exams. That way, our minds won’t clutter and we could have a clearer view of what can be achieved.

Fifth: Get Enough Sleep

Even though, this may not be possible for us, we should still follow it as long as time permits us because having enough rest and sleep can help us work better. Imagine yourself not having enough sleep, how can you wake up the next day without missing your first class? All your effort in reviewing for that exam in first period will just be put to waste. So try to have a good sleep once in a while…

Sixth: Be Grateful

After all the hard work, we can say that not everything is made possible only by ourselves, but with the help of other people as well. We owe our parents for sending us to school and giving us allowances every day. We owe our classmates and friends for without them, we probably won’t have anyone to share our laughter and tears. Our clinical instructors also deserve our thanks for giving us difficult exams that keep us motivated to learn and achieve more, and to our beloved dean, who will soon leave the college, for her wonderful contributions in the improvement and achievements of the college. Indeed, we won’t make it without them!

And the last: Offer Everything to God

At the end of the day, He is still the one who never fails to guide us and helps us stand up whenever we face obstacles that may seem to be insurmountable. Prayer is the most powerful tool that we can use not only in times of danger but also in times of prosperity. We just need to believe in Him and believe in ourselves that we can do it. Everything is possible with Him…

These tips are just few of the many things that can be helpful to fulfilling one’s goals. Whether you follow these tips or not is up to you. Everyone has their own perspective and everyone has their own way of learning. But let’s keep in mind that what’s important is that we enjoy what we’re doing and not overthink and overdo things which can just add a burden in our backs.#