Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Graduating students: On the way to the next level
GRADUATION day is one of the most memorable and unforgettable moments in a person's life! For some people, it is like a birthday party.
Everybody gets to celebrate. To others, it is like a battle. Emotional struggles like stress, worries, and fear of the future are common opponents. And to many, graduation day marks another chapter of one's storybook.
But no matter how differently people perceive this event, one thing remains. It is the fact that the heart is being prepared for the next level!
Most students generally feel happy and excited to graduate. No more exams, projects, and papers.
It's time to earn your own money and buy the things that you want. There's no need to depend on dad and mom's financial support anymore.
You're on your own now. You can buy whatever you want at any time. A few months after graduation, students see themselves in different ways.
Sheba Espino of UP Baguio said, "I see myself struggling in search for a job at Singapore. I also see myself as a very industrious and responsible professional."
Gesell Capua, also from UP Baguio, said, "I see myself enjoying work and singlehood."
Another reason for such excitement upon the coming of graduation is the desire of the students to have a colorful lifestyle.
Aziel Cherreguine of UP Baguio said, "I want a lifestyle that not only allows me to buy the things I need, but also the things I want."
Isabel Nacis, a B.A. Communication student, said, "I want a life that's a little more than simple. But of course, the needs will have to come first before the wants. I love shopping. With a salary, that could help me to make up for the hard work of my parents."
On the contrary, others want to have a simple yet meaningful and fruitful lifestyle. Jan Dichoso, a Biology student, said, "I want most of my time to be spent with friends and disciples."
Aster Garcia, a Journalism student, added, "I want a simple but happy life. I desire to financially help my parents."
Despite the joy and excitement, graduating students also emotionally struggle.
Jayfie Nasarro said, "We students struggle because of cramming, plus the expenses! We are also pressured to worry about what lies ahead of us after graduation."
"I am pressured because my father expects much from me," Corie Corpuz explained.
"What's next after graduation?" Jermaine Beltran asked.
"The greatest struggle of a graduating student is handling a lot of academic pressures due to lots of responsibilities. Much expectation from other people also gives added pressure," Andrea Zulueta exclaimed.
While others are worried about the future, there are some who are optimistic and hopeful.
"For as long as you've planned ahead, then there is no problem," Leslie Tagala said.
How does a graduating student overcome graduation-related anxieties like stress and fear of the future?
Michiko Agustin from Saint Louis University (SLU) stated: "Through prayer and trusting God that He knows the best for me, I can overcome. The support of family and friends will also help, plus the advice from other young professionals would help me be prepared."
Bon Guintu, also from SLU, said: "Pouring out my heart in solitude and crying out to God in solitude is my way of overcoming problems."
"It's all by God's grace. He's indeed my assurance as I graduate. He's the very reason why I've learned to balance time and set priorities," Jobelle Rosario explained.
Where do graduating students get their assurance of a bright future?
Maganda Caoili from the University of Baguio (UB) expressed, "From within myself, because I create my own fate."
Lemuel Bantic from SLU explained he's happier to move out of college and move on towards uncertain yet exciting terrain.
Indeed, one's future can only be enjoyed if the present days are being lived out to the fullest.
Why worry about the future if today has enough troubles of its own? It's time to maximize whatever it is that we possess during these present times in order to live out meaningful and productive lives in preparation for a brighter future.
It really takes hard work to graduate. Each student is uniquely designed to perform different functions for the benefit of the community.
Cherry Bustamante from the University of Cordilleras (UC) said: "What makes me different from all other graduating students? It's being devoted to working at the hospital for 40 hours a week while having two days of rest. I also invest in enhancing my capabilities and updating myself about medical innovations during my free hours per day."
Now that's totally remarkable. It does take self-discipline and dedication in order to be the kind of person that you want to be.
The fear of the future will be a defeated giant when it is surrendered and entrusted to God, and also when it is accompanied by determination and the will to carry on.
Learning from the lives of respectable and honorable individuals can be of great help to graduating students as they face the future with boldness and confidence.
Chancellor Priscilla Supnet Macansantos encouraged the UP graduating students in her letter for the centennial yearbook of UP Baguio for everyone to make a contribution no matter how small or big.
She said the important thing is living our lives as we faithfully fulfill our responsibilities, bearing in mind the very essence of service.
Student Affairs Director Jerome Palaoag added in his message addressed to the students of the University of Baguio that the world is the biggest classroom, and we must be open to its lessons.
Rolly Fernandez of UP Baguio encouraged his students and said, "In the next few months you'll be job-hunting. Good luck and try to enjoy (life) first."
Enjoyment and contentment are two secret ingredients to a meaningful and peaceful life.
True enough, a life that's lived by faith and in trust is a life that's truly worth living!
Graduation marks the end of an old chapter and introduces the beginning of a better life. Graduates must be encouraged to know that change is inevitable. But one thing never changes, and that's the Word and promises of God. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Let the graduates move on with confidence in their hearts a bright future is waiting ahead of us. All it takes is a "mustard seed -- like" faith and the desire to live our lives to the fullest, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. (PJE/CCA)
