Future Iskolar ng Bayan? Here are some tips and advice for incoming UP freshies

Explore and step out of your comfort zone

In UP, you'll be stepping out of your comfort zone. For Jeravem Ortiyas, a Magna Cum Laude graduate at UP Diliman who currently works as an HR Officer for Recruitment & Employee Relations of IDEALS, Inc, being a freshman at UP includes embracing a "new chapter of your life by being open to all the opportunities that come your way."

"It is essential to build connections with your peers, as the relationships you form might last a lifetime, and this could even help your future career path," she told L!fe.

She added, "While it's needed to be welcoming, do not ever forget to set boundaries that protect your personal space and welfare. This balance will help you thrive socially while keeping peace with your mental and emotional well-being."

This also rings true for Summa Cum Laude graduate KC Perez, who took up a Bachelor of Arts in Philippine Studies at UPD. 

"Be flexible, stay curious, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. College is where you'll discover more about yourself and the world around you, and it's a journey that will shape you in ways you can't imagine."

Do not be afraid of failures

Daniel Raphael Lui, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of BS Business Administration from UPD, emphasized the idea that college gives the luxury of failing and taking risks with relatively minimal repercussions.

"[Do] not be afraid of failures; I know it's easier said than done but living entails failing. I'm not saying that you should fail but in case you do, be kind to yourself. Use it as a learning experience so you'll be better," he said.

Be kind

As you'll be around your coursemates and orgmates throughout your college life, it's important to build connections—whether it's so you have groupmates you can count on or just buddies to hang out and study with.

"One thing I learned from studying during the pandemic: When everything was so uncertain, [the] achievements and accolades we aspire to achieve are useless if we sacrifice our values and relationships in the process. You would want to finish college knowing that you touched the lives of people you encountered with your kindness and warmth," Lui said.

While you are being kind to others, Bianca Ysabelle Baldemor, a third-year Juris Doctor student at UP College of Law, reminds freshies to be self-aware and kind to themselves.

"Take care of your health. A holistic approach involves taking care not only of your physical health, but also your mental health."

She added, "Assess your own strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness is key to constant improvement during college."

Join organizations

At UP, you not only learn in the classrooms but from organizations, too.

These groups, ranging from academic clubs and professional societies to cultural and recreational activities, play a crucial role in shaping a student's college journey.

"Join organizations (whether academic or not). Explore life, love, and everything in between in UP. You are in a unique position to be nurtured not just by the best minds in the country, but your peers who will shape who you will be in the next five or 10 years. But never forget to always uphold honor first before excellence," said Brandon De Luna, a BA Political Science graduate and a media and stakeholder relations director at FleishmanHillard. 

"Apart from [helping] build your portfolio when applying for work, joining organizations also nurtures your hard and soft skills which you will apply regardless of which career path you will take. Take advantage of the liberal education that UP offers, especially in learning from your peers kasi it expands your horizons, and gives you a better appreciation of different possibilities."

This was also echoed by Patricia Isabel Gloria, also a UPD graduate working as a producer.

"Join organizations, join protest actions, join university and college events. These opportunities broaden your perspective beyond the classroom."

Set your priorities straight early on

Setting priorities and defining a clear purpose in college is fundamental to making the most of the experience. Establishing these can help you manage time effectively so you can juggle acads, orgs, and your personal life.

Take it from Lui, who said that "knowing what you truly want" in college makes "good tradeoffs."

"[Your] time and resources are limited. You can’t do everything all at once! Ano ba ang valuable sayo? Latin honors? Internships? Leadership position? Orgs? Gawin mo kung ano ‘yung sa tingin mo na makakatulong sayo dahil ikaw lang nakakaalam niyan."

Similarly, Francis Bermundo, an associate power electronics engineer, noted the same matter, highlighting that one must also know one's purpose in studying at a big university like UP.

"Alalahanin mo kung para saan pag aaral mo. Siguro 'di ka nasa kurso na gusto mo o 'di ka pa sigurado sa kung saan ka patungo, pero pinaka importante ay alam mo kung para saan ba pagaaral mo. Para sa'yo? Para sa pamilya? Para sa bayan? Kung ano man rason ay ito ang pinaka magtutulak sayo sa mga panahon na nagaalanganin ka," he said.