How I Survived College Life :)

Straight from recollection! :P

More for recollection hangover! @_@

 It's almost June and I figured, why not try to help the incoming freshmen? So here’s my college life story in its most condensed form, hope you’ll enjoy reading it and get learning snippets along the way. <3

Hometown (Skinny and haggard!)

If you are a “Promdi” (provincial girl) like me, then going to a city to attend tertiary education is a challenge. I’ve taken my secondary education in our Municipality, Tungawan, a place of friendly people and breath-taking tourist spots. So the only courses that I knew then, honestly, were Nursing, Doctor of Medicine, Law and Education which, I realized, was a BIG PROBLEM! As owners of our future, we should be responsible of what course to take up because this will somehow determine what kind of life we’ll have.  This places this TIP on TOP.

To be a Journalist or Scientist?

FIRST TIP: Be updated with the in demand courses today.

Internet has been sprawling in far-flung areas rapidly and so,   I won’t be surprised if you’re reading this at home because Telecommunication companies are focusing on bringing connections inside the households.  Search possible career paths for you! If you want to secure a job after your graduation, make sure your course is highly in demand today. If you love to do something else, one that is not counted as in demand, it’s OKAY! Go get it, just as long as you’re really sure about it. I’m saying this because the main concern here is your happiness. If you’re not happy with what you’re doing then, you’re equally miserable as the unemployed. When you have thesis breakdowns...

As for me, I took up AB Mass Communication major in Broadcasting just because, at first, it was one of the three remaining Departments accepting new students (I had no choice). I was very late for enrollment because of the Regional Athletics Meet. Your girl is athletic--BEFORE! The good news is, I came to love it (very much) and that’s why I survived four years in college BUT that would be totally different if I DIDN’T LEARN TO LOVE IT. If fate turned otherwise, I would have ended up shifting to another course or worse, another school. You all know what that means; waste of time, effort and money! Lose time and your friends will graduate ahead of you. Waste effort and you’ll get very TIRED and discouraged to continue school. Lose money and you’ll hurt your parents who work so hard to get you to college. Please don’t do that to yourself and to them.

Don't dare waste your future, Prince! (Spot the differenT)

I have this feeling that since we’re down to the last week of May, students have already enrolled. So, this brings us to the next TIP.

USP in action! (USP po tayo..)

SECOND TIP: Join ORGANIZATIONS. (Constantly Challenge Yourself)

There will be “SIGN HERE” signs in conspicuous areas for membership registrations, DO SIGN UP!

UNITED STUDENT’S PARTY (USP)

My first organization was and still is—United Student’s Party (USP), a political party in WMSU where you can meet fellow freshmen from different colleges and departments, be under the guidance of instant Kuya’s and Ate’s and, not to mention, find your crush (No Mr. Crushie for me back then, Granny said I was a tomboy! lol.)

The USP loyalists! <3

YOU, my dear, can also have a place to stay during lunch breaks or during waiting periods because, I’m telling you, a place to relax is very hard to find in WMSU (not the case for private schools) where there are thousands of students inside the campus. During my first week at school, I practically just roam around the campus like a lost chick just because I’ve got nowhere else to stay. No! You can’t sit too long at the canteens because hungry people without seats will stare at you like you’re going to be their viand.


Campaign is very real; you talk to people, shake their hands like a PRO, present your platforms, face controversies, and have plenty of supporters and at the same time, haters.

Amidst all these, looking back, I’m very grateful for having braved the challenge. I found my real friends; I found out that there will always be people who’ll believe in you and in what you believe in. College is not just about academics, preparing for your future is a lot more than that. Find yourself, find your true friends or find your soul mate but never lose focus—to graduate.

JAMBANGAN DANCE TROUPE

Just imagine my guts going there to audition ALONE. Jambangan is the official cultural dance troupe in WMSU. This group has wowed international audience and won several awards for their performances. It’s also known even in our Province, so I want to be a part of it. One of the most embarrassing moments in my 2o plus years of existence, I danced in front of several others auditioning! But I managed to finish the dance, 50% perspiration and 50% prayers--PASSED. I became a member just for a while because I diverted my attention to dancesports.

Definitely not moi! Can't find my own pics :(

WMSU DANCESPORTS VARSITY

This organization was my family. I had several good trainers and all of them worked (SO) hard to teach me how to look “sensual” in Rhumba, “buwis-buhay ( I’m compelled to use the term)” in Jive, “sexy” in Cha-Cha-Cha, “sizzling hot” in Samba and do the “maton dance” in Paso Doble. LOL. Without dancesports, life in college is not as unforgettable as it is today. Through this, I went to places outside the city and I also happen to meet someone that I used to call “Mr. Crabs” in one of those trips (Not the red crab who owns and operates the Krusty Krab restaurant where Spongebob works) I’m not that good at history so, moving on.

You see, life is about experience and if you’re so afraid to try, to fail, to learn, then life would be as idle as a quiet and boring afternoon. I love this part of my life, I did what I want—dancing, I enjoyed every strike of the challenges. Believe me, I cried several times! I couldn’t get the dance steps right, I often forgot the routines, I frequently quarreled with my partner  Dave-- like a wife, I was scolded a lot of times for missing out practices and all those other mishaps. BUT if there’s one thing that I can say—IT’S NORMAL. Go on and discover how it is to be hurt, to be humiliated or to be the subject of hearsays and ridicules. You can’t fully taste life until you savor its bitterness. All those experiences will HUMBLE you.

I have joined other organizations too but these three are the most memorable. You have to do something to have good and lasting memories. Do nothing and just be a mere passerby in college and you’ll remember the trees, the big lawn, the gym, the long line during enrollments, the nasty comfort rooms, etc. You can do it! We both won’t know until you do it.

Let's drink to that!

THIRD TIP: Don’t be a snob, mga bes!

Of course we are vested with the right to choose our set of friends but hey, “The more, the merrier!” Truth is, people skill is very important at work, it can determine promotions or troubles with the people you work with. Now what better way to start honing this skill than practicing during your college days! College is about survival, that’s why I’m writing this, and you can’t survive alone. If you’re like me, away from home and not having around people you used to turn to for help, then you need FRIENDS, BEST FRIENDS! Lots of them. I’m so lucky to have found MAPLANNS and Company (you know who you are). The thing about friends is, they have the power to either help you or harass you. If you’ll meet “suspicious” beings, it doesn’t mean that you should be friends BUT you can be civil. After all, education is the key to a civilized society.

Ang tunay naming Nicqui :D

Le’go back to my best friends, I love you guys! I consider each friend unique. Whenever I’m sad, keeping a secret, disturbed or pissed, I know who to call. The funny thing about MAPLANNS and Company (the entire MassComm peeps, Kuya Jc, Kuya Fred etc.) is that we have what we call a “Forum” where we air everything we feel towards each “bes” (our endearment). The “bes” has to change whatever that attitude problem was, for the better. In this manner, we grew to be more responsible of our actions. Try this with your friends too. The Key to Closeness is Openness.

Dreading Deadlines

FOURTH TIP: Beat Deadlines Not Beaten Up by Deadlines.

Sorry! I just have to include this, I’m a big (literally) liar if I won’t plead guilty for this. My other best friend is CRAMMING and we have a cycle of “love-hate” relationship. I’m really trying my best to get rid of it but my condition is severe. Escape while you can! You can’t bring this attitude to work so better strain the relationship now, PUH-LEASE! Figure out your study habit or better yet, make it a habit to study for crying out loud! You may say that graduating in college is liberating and fulfilling but graduating with honors and to see your parents so proud of you is EPIC! Plus, it gives you POGI/GANDA POINTS for employment purposes.

Graduation elation!!!

FIFTH TIP: Fail, Cry Hard and MOVE ON.

Wait, I’m not talking about romantic relationships yet (moving on), are we on the same page? LOL. It’s really impossible to graduate in college without experiencing those "drama" moments, it’s part of the curriculum—How to Be Strong. I have been through several failures too. Like failing quizzes, midterms but never in finals. Final examination is the time to kick a**! Work your butt for it. I just have this grand idea that teachers will remember finals than midterms! Yeah, you can laugh at that BUT it’s working for me. My greatest failure was when we competed for the Hall of Fame in the Hola Zamboanga Dancesports Competition and LOST! How’s that? Everything was wrong at that time. My partner got sore eyes, my shoes, costume, energy, vibes—everything! (Weakest alibi) But I didn’t have regrets at all, because I tried.  Remember, “Rejection is not a failure, not trying at all is.”

Moving on with sing along.

SIXTH TIP: Love.

I’m not supposed to include this but I thought that college life won’t be complete without love life or can it? Yes it can! HAHA :D What can I say? I can’t say much! HAHA. So, just BE CAREFUL in entrusting your heart to someone. It can be damaged permanently. BUT OF COURSE YOU KNOW I’M JUST KIDDING! 

I haven’t got much time for love life during college days because I already had so much on my shoulders with academics and extracurricular activities (WEH? Defensive!). I had my moments, thanks to those who made it possible. J

I haven’t got a list of crushes either. I know I sound so bring on this one but yeah, I can’t help but be boring!

Suitor/s, JUST BE THANKFUL AND NEVER LOSE RESPECT. One thing I regret was my behavior towards those who cared. If you don’t like being in that awkward situation where he’s there to give you a bouquet of flowers or a love letter, chocolates or a piece of pink jewelry in front of your friends—just imagine how doubly hard it is for him! And if you have that instinct that he’s just fooling around, still, never lose respect. Say, “What love? On your foot!” JOKE! Just be honest about it. Say it personally or through email, text or fb, say it nicely. Easier said than done, I know, BUT you’ll save yourself from a lot of trouble. You don’t want this guy to hate you and do things against you, right?

I still stand firm on this: You can explore on love once you got out of college, there’s going to be plenty of time—believe me. Also, you’ll be  wiser in spotting Mr. Right.

In love, there's more to it than what meets the eye or feeds the stomach, choose one that’s good for the heart. (*Crickets... What made me say this? IDK!)

El maga honorable de CLA (With Honors BFF)

Whether your incoming freshmen or already in college, always Make the Most Out Of It!

Friends. Deadlines. Organizations. Competitions. Success. Failures. Challenges. Love. 

#JustSaying: Yes, You Can!

You can share your college experiences too! Just leave a comment in that box that says “Post a Comment.” Please subscribe, I’m running out of reason why you should but, please? :) HAHA.

Let me know what you think about this post (I would definitely love that) or if there are topics that you want to be posted here.

Live in love<3