By Ishia Eleanor F. Marquez

Far Eastern University (FEU) Anti-Bullying Core Group (ABCG) reminded students to take breaks and look back on their progress in life through various activities during the ‘Hinay: To Pause, Breathe, and Choose Peace Amid Pressure’ seminar at the Engineering Building Room 907 last February 9.

Among the invited event speakers were FEU faculty member Jerico De Ocampo and Guidance & Counselling counselor Merrie Carolyne Matias-Garcia.

Hoping to draw inspiration from his background as a professor, Ocampo highlighted that setbacks do not hinder one’s success, emphasizing that resilience and being kinder to oneself help individuals persevere amid tough situations.

Furthermore, the faculty member urged students to avoid comparing their lives to others and to be grateful instead with what they have, stressing that comparison undermines not only their own efforts, but also those that helped shape who they are today.

“If you compare yourself to others, you have stopped being grateful for what you have… I want you to have a remembering heart not just to the things na mayroon kayo ngayon (what you have right now), but to the people around you [that] helped you [become] who you are today,” he said. 

Additionally, Ocampo underlined affirmation as a source of inspiration, encouraging students to surround themselves with people that they will receive motivation from, highlighting that they should not solely draw strength on others’ validation, but rather offer kinder words and motivation to themselves also.

The faculty member also underscored the importance of hard work and patience as elements towards success, reminding students that the fruit of their labor unfolds over time and not immediately. 

“[The effort of your] hard work sometimes come in an instant… [But some] success comes in seasons… May mga [bunga ng] hard work na sobrang tagal pa (There are results of your hard work that take very long)… I want you to be patient, kasi ‘yung mga bagay na pinaghihirapan [mo], ‘yun ‘yung mahirap bitawan. Kapag gustong-gusto mo ‘yung pangarap [mo] na ‘yun, gagawin mo [ang] lahat (The things you worked hard for are the things that are hard to let go of. If you really want to achieve your dream, you will do everything)… You will have your own seasons,” the professor shared. 

Meanwhile, Matias-Garcia noted the significance of prioritizing the overall well-being of individuals, assuring students that choosing themselves is not a selfish act, but rather a form of self-care that allows them to help others.

“When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve from the overflow, and remember that you cannot serve from an empty vessel… It is not selfish for loving yourself [and] taking care of yourself, make your happiness a priority,” she emphasized.

Moreover, the guidance counselor highlighted that the moment students notice signs of stress, they should be taking immediate action with healthy coping mechanisms to avoid the feeling of burnout and emptiness. 

“Think of us like cellphone batteries… Hindi natin puwede sagarin [‘yung low battery na 20 percent]. Kapag sinagad natin, humihina ‘yung battery, mabilis na siya ma-low battery… Kaya dapat [kapag] nafi-feel niyo pa lang [‘yung stress], recharge agad (We cannot push further the low battery of 20 percent… If we do, the battery will weaken, it will be drained immediately… That is why if you immediately feel the stress, recharge immediately),” she said.

Matias-Garcia listed several self-care strategies for students, such as resting and exercising. While acknowledging that helpful coping mechanisms vary for each individual, she encouraged Tamaraws to do what positively works for them.

Furthermore, the event featured various engaging exercises between students, allowing them to practice the techniques shared by the speakers.

The seminar was done in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth - Philippines.

(Photo by Nica Vargas/FEU Advocate)