After a series of doubts, trials, and breakdowns, Tamaraws survived the first half of the semester. As the dreaded midterm season came to an end, we were left with realizations to learn from and new chances to grab—using Undas as the chance to ponder upon another set of goals. 

The first few months of the school year brought lots of challenges, but they also imparted knowledge.

For some, it was difficult because of all the new adjustments, resulting in few mistakes that could haunt them or teach them unforgettable lessons. While for others, it was an opportunity to learn new things, make relationships stronger, and enter more chances.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, second-year Medical Technology student Chelsey Marie Arollado shared that she kept going for her goals despite having difficulties with balancing her workloads.

“I had a hard time balancing my courses because I spent so many hours on just one subject, which [also] made it difficult to keep up with everything. So, I took shorter breaks to regain focus and kept reminding myself of my goal of wearing that white uniform, and succeeding in my career,” she expressed. 

Wanting to persevere against the obstacles, the MedTech student sought ways to fight through it—with her friends’ help. Arollado added that having study sessions with her friends encouraged her to work harder.

“Sharing ideas and studying together [with my friends], especially since we’re in the same program, made me more productive and helped me a lot,” Arollado said. 

Being surrounded by people who support us plays a huge part in feeling more eager to push through the struggles we’re facing. 

Aside from having a support system, looking for reasons to carry on gives us a different kind of comfort that ignites our purpose not to give up.

For fourth-year Communication student under Digital Cinema Track Jose Alfonso Yumang, the past midterm for this academic year was very stressful but he remains motivated for the sake of a thriving career. 

“Since I’m already in my fourth year, graduating student na, siyempre stress talaga kasi huling stretch na ‘to. Nakaka-stress talaga ‘yung mga kailangan na deadlines, like thesis, [pero] what motivates me is ‘yung career ko. Gusto ko kasi ‘yung tipong kahit nakaka-stress na… for the sake of my career, ipagpapatuloy ko pa rin (Since I’m already in my fourth year, a graduating student, of course it’s very stressful because this is the final stretch. Deadlines, like for the thesis, are very stressful but what motivates me is my career. Because I want to be the type that even though it’s very stressful, for the sake of my career, I will still persevere),” he explained. 

Overcoming these experiences, Tamaraws are now heading to the final term of the semester with another set of goals—using this short break as the time to reflect and recover. 

To help the students, petitions on academic ease were made by Far Eastern University Central Student Organization and Institute Student Councils. 

In response to this, the Administration released an announcement stating that all regular classes will continue on October 28 and 29, and advised the students to consult their faculty about their modality on October 30, while independent study on October 31. 

Although we are only left with a few days without classes, it is still an opportunity to go back to our hometowns, do things we could not due to the busy schedule like spending time with family or friends, and do things that help us rest.

Second-year Medical Technology student John Carlo Pascual decided that he will use the Undas break to return to his family back in his province because he yearns for them and the taste of his mother’s dishes. 

“I’ll go back with my family, since I haven’t gone to them and I haven’t met them even in video calls because of the poor internet connection there [in my province]. I’m looking forward to the home[made] dishes of my mother, I miss those… We really like cooking together,” Pascual reminisced. 

While for Yumang, he will take this time to spring back to his usual routines.

“Main goal ko talaga is ma-revive ko ‘yung productive self ko… and lately I’ve been in the slum dahil sa mga nangyayari for the past months, [like] during the midterms. I want to go back to the gym kasi ‘yon ‘yung way of therapy ko. It helps me regain more focus and regain my confident self (My main goal is to revive my productive self… and lately I’ve been in the slum because of everything that’s been happening for the past months, like during the midterms. I want to go back to the gym because it is my way of therapy. It helps me regain more focus and regain my confident self),” he shared. 

Lastly, for Arollado, she will use this fleeting moment of respite to find ways she can recover from all her flaws during the midterm and fix them. 

“I’d work on overcoming my procrastination. It’s been a challenge, especially as a pre-med student where it feels like every week is ‘hell week.’ Every second counts so I need to stop the mindset, ‘Babawi ako, may next time pa naman’ (I’ll make up for it, there’s still a next time) and instead give my best now to avoid regrets. I’ll use this [break] to have some quiet time to recharge and catch up on any remaining study materials without the stress of deadlines,” she said.

After the Undas break, the last half of the semester officially begins. Students will be brought back to the reality of their chosen programs where they must continue reaching for their goals and career. 

Welcoming a new series of encounters, Tamaraws are hopeful to go back In Thy Happy Halls with a redeemed heart, a stronger soul, and a braver mindset—fulfilling new goals, taking new chances, and honing new abilities. Along with this is another set of months in survival mode to pass through every challenge. 

- Mariah Louise Miciano
(Illustration by Mary Nicole Halili/FEU Advocate)