amidleo

[amidleo]

Every Second Counts!

Hello, I'm Leorey A. Agbayani, and let me share you how my college life has been going so far.

Let me begin by taking a trip down memory lane, all the way from 2020.

My college life did not actually have a happy beginning as I thought it would be. Rather, it was probably one of the darkest days in my life where I literally got informed a day before my birthday that I won't be able to enroll for the year because of financial issues.

For a year and 2 months, I stayed up in the mountains of Apayao. There were feelings that I could not help but to eat me up during those times. There was jealousy; I was upset by the fact that I was left behind while the people I know were finally entering college, it almost felt like I was a downcast. There was also regret; you know how the saying goes "nasa huli ang pagsisisi", and I thought that I should have done something to avoid the situation, but then it happened, and I had no choice but to suck it all up instead.

Skipping to September 2021, I finally had the privilege to enter college, and officially start by enrolling at San Beda University-Manila as a psychology student.

Yes, San Beda University was my former school, it was the university that I also graduated senior high school from. Basically, I'm a transferee from the city.

I honestly did not have much memories during my first year of college, mainly because classes were held online, and it was so difficult for me that time to make friends, so I had to rely on myself most of the time especially during examination seasons. There weren't any photos captured as well, most of my classmates live in Manila, while I took online classes here in Tuguegarao City, so distance was the biggest factor that time.

Although, there were struggles, and challenges I experienced, especially since it was my first time taking online class, so I was clueless on how this kind of set-up works. But I guess being tech-savvy has its own advantages so I caught up right away.

Now, let's move right away to my second year.

Before enrolling for second year, I was quite upset with the fact that I had to transfer schools. At first, I was really against it because I did not want to lose my streak of becoming a Dean's Lister, and I thought that once I transferred, I had no chances of becoming one anymore because I'll be transitioning to become an irregular student.

But life does not want to have it in your own way all the time...

Eventually, I transferred for my second year at St. Paul University Philippines. It was pretty devastating for me, but I guess I got caught up with my emotions too much that I judged my future already.

Little did I know that my college life in St. Paul University Philippines is where REAL college experience begins...

When I say REAL, I meant I had to face challenges and struggles in person, since classes were now conducted face-to-face. Knowing how shy I am to interact with unfamiliar people, and the fact that I had to adjust to the new environment were already struggles for me.

During my first month in the university, it was pretty lonely for me. I had to go lunch by myself, I walked around the school lots of times, it was also SO hard for me to start a conversation with my new classmates. My routine that time was always like: Go to school -> Study -> Go home immediately. I could not help it, especially that I am shy.

However, skipping down to October is the time I finally had my own circle.

In just a short span of time, I was able to give them my trust, share my personal secrets, and stories, and along with cracking jokes, tears were also spilled. It felt l have known them for years already in just the short amount of time we had. People can say it is cheesy, but you know how the saying goes, Sila ang pahinga ko, cause every time I am with them, I feel at ease. I feel that I can set all the problems and exhaustions aside, and be in the moment with them, either by sharing laughs or tears together.

Other than having our fun moments together, I also loved the fact how we encourage each other in our studies. We share notes together, we study together either in the university's library, or in cafes. We rely on each other so much, and did not have that competitive vibe with one another because we only have one goal in mind, and that is to graduate altogether in college.

However, of course, it is not always sunshine and rainbows in friendships, but there could also be storms to go through. And I can say I think it's quite normal for such occurrence, like misunderstandings, petty fights or big fights to happen among friendships. But I do not see these fights as something negative, rather, it is somehow a way to build the bond stronger, and be bare with our feelings to each other.

So far, I can say that my college life has been a rollercoaster ride. It surely has its ups and downs, and I will make sure to prepare myself for more in the remaining years of my college. In terms of my course, which is psychology, it has been pretty great for me, honestly. I take so much pride on the fact that I am doing well in my major subjects (disregard the minor ones), but overall, I am quite satisfied with my academic performance.

If I have to share on how to survive college life as a psychology student, or in general, I have to say that people should know how to prioritize, and manage their time. Massed practice should not be done at all times.

And in order to survive, we make sacrifices, whenever we feel like quitting, we are only asking for help, and motivation. Let's not dwell on our failures, but serve it as a driving force for us to do better in the future.

Lastly, if there is anything I learned in college in my on-going journey. I would have to say that

We should surround ourselves with the right and good people. Find a support system that you know will be very helpful throughout our college life.

College is a one-time opportunity. When we have our jobs in the future, our college life will be one of those things we cannot help but to reminisce, and wish that we can go back in time, so, if we want to have the most memorable college journey...

Make the most out of it!