#gensan

"Never study to be successful, study for self-efficiency. Don't run behind success. Follow behind excellence, success will come all the way behind you." - Rajkumar Hirani & Abhijat Joshi, 3 Idiots

Six-year journey but there’s only a sentence which can summarize my entire high school experience – It was worth the fight. In my final year, I remember spending the summer at public libraries, at the review center where I was admitted as a full scholar, at home, at my friend’s house or at any place that allowed me to review peacefully, for one ultimate goal – to pass all my Scholarships and College Entrance Tests. I was not born with a silver spoon so I always searched for ways to help my parents carry the financial burden of my education. I was poor so I have no choice but to work hard. While most of my schoolmates were busy playing games, going to other places to relax, for vacation, I was busy making my future. In the end, the universe favors the bold and I was able to pass every test that I took with flying colors.

University of the Philippines

Mindanao State University (Academic Scholar)

University of Immaculate Concepcion (Full Scholar)

De La Salle University

Ateneo de Davao University

Philippine National Police Academy

DOST-SEI S&T Undergraduate Scholarship

How did I make it?!

Allow me to share 15 things I've learned in high school that helped me achieve my goals:

1. Listen to your teachers. We have one mouth and two ears, which means that we have to listen first before we can talk. When somebody is speaking in front, that is an opportunity to learn. We should never stop listening and learning, because that’s the only thing that can keep us relevant.

2. When you do not understand something, you have all the rights to ask questions. So do not be afraid to ask. It is the imperative of students to stay curious, to ask questions, to challenge existing facts, and to gain new learning.

3. Keep a handwritten personal checklist and schedule so you are always guided in finishing your tasks. I will always be thankful to my high school adviser who has introduced me to this technique. This has helped me more than anything to complete requirements on time and to stay focused. We are busy people so we have to make sure that we can remember the details of our tasks. This will also help you keep things planned out. You do not want anything to mess with your personal timeline, right?

5. Kill the deadline before it kills you! Be wise in procrastinating. (Oops! Consider this a personal high school hack.) When a task is due next week, you have 6 days to rest or spend your time on other activities but always dedicate the last day to finish your task. Do not leave a task unattended. And unless it can be accomplished within a day, do it days in advance or at your own pace.

6. Do not mind the mountains that you have to climb and the rivers that you have to cross. Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember that rocky roads will still take you to your destination. Keep on going.

7. NEVER compare yourself to others. This is really challenging when you belong in a class surrounded by academically stellar students. But remember, it does not matter how slowly you go for as long as you do not stop. When you're focused on thinking how others are greater or lesser than you are, you would never learn to appreciate all the blessings that come in your life. So stop comparing. Tell yourself each time thoughts of comparison enter your mind, “I'm too busy working on my own grass to notice if yours is greener.”.

8. Look for a role model. It can be a friend, a senior, or a teacher who you look up to. They can be people who inspires you, who has achieved great things in life.  If they can do it, then why can't you?

9. Believe in yourself. As J.M. Barrie said, “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” Doubt is the enemy of our dreams. In realizing our vision, it only takes one person to believe – that’s you. Who will believe in you if you do not believe in yourself? Our thoughts can be very powerful. We eventually become what we think. So, think like a winner.

10. Select your friends well. Surround yourself with people you can grow and achieve your goals with. Be wise in choosing your company because at many times, no matter how seemingly far your goals are, with the right company, you’ll get there in time.

11. Failure shouldn't stop you to achieve more. You cannot win every time but you can stand again each time you lose. Have that solid fighting spirit. It is certainly not an option but a necessity to survive. Everyone goes through it. Learn from it and grow.

12. Opportunities come to everyone but only those who are brave enough to act on them can succeed. When an opportunity comes knocking at your door, have the courage to welcome it. A lot of people do not regret the things that they have done but those that they did not do. Seize the day!

13. Dream high. Set a standard for yourself. Aim for the moon. When you fall, you'll land among the stars. Get that MS, PhD, JD, MD, at the end of your name. No sky is unreachable for a stalwart soul.

14. Always give yourself time to reflect. When the time comes and you think you can’t do it anymore, it is okay to take a time off. Humans are like gadgets. Even the most powerful phone in the world needs time to recharge when it’s out of battery. Go to your happy place and recalibrate yourself. Start again.

15. Remember your reason why. When you’re tired and weary, go back to the main reason why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place. It can be for your family, for yourself, for the nation. Look for a motivation because it will be the fuel that will keep your fire burning.

Helping a friend out showing off their skills with skateboarding.