UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : Finding the Perfect Course

Joie speaks..

For those in High School, I’m sure some of you are probably worrying about what course to take up in college. There are countless choices around, which makes it harder to find the perfect one. I was definitely like some of you when I was in High School. I had a really tough time figuring it out, but eventually, I was able to discover what I truly wanted to pursue. Deciding on what course to take was a huge step for me since I had to leave my hometown Cebu to take on my dream course. But I have no regrets. I am more than happy here in IMC.

So to you High Schoolers, don’t fret! It’s normal to be uncertain for now, but you have to start charting the right course for you! Here’s an article I found that might help you pick the perfect one.

* From the article “Charting the Right Course” by Gabriella Lee

Thinking about college by now? Or maybe you’re already there and wondering if you’re in the right course. Here’s a guide to making your college and course choices.

Tip#1: EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

List down at least four to five colleges or universities you want to apply to. Develop a list of criteria that you want to have in order to make your choice. Consult your parents or guidance counselors and teachers when making this list, and consider the following points:

• Degrees and courses offered
• Scholastic background: is it a reputable school? Does it have a good history of producing top-quality students?
• Finances: is it a public or private school? How much does it cost per unit, and are there any financial assistance programs that you can obtain or apply for?
• Student population: would you like to go to a small campus or a large one? Is it co-ed or and exclusive girls’/boys’ college?
• Campus resources: do they have a library or media center? Are there laboratories well provided for? Does it have regular and easy computer access?
• Extracurricular activities: does it support student organizations and varsities?

Tip#2: WRITE YOUR REASONS

Applying for a college course is both a boon and a vane to every high school student--- on the one hand this is your opportunity to prove yourself in a field of study you’re interested in. Bear in mind that you will have to go through at least four years of this, so make sure that you are fully committed to your reason.
The best strategy is to list down what you like doing, and what you think your best subjects are, and compare them to the qualifications of the course you like. Examine your values as well--- are you more interested in making money than doing charity work? Do you value stability and security, are you good at working under pressure; do you enjoy contributing to society?

Tip#3: GET PAST PEER PRESSURE

Separation anxiety is one of the factors that have to be considered when applying for a college. After all, you’re going to be leaving a place you’ve call home for most of your life--- the school you have grown up in, friends and family that make you feel safe. And it’s important to consider whether or not you can handle the pressure of leaving.
But you also have to remember that it is your choice to apply for a college or course that you think is right for you. Learn how to overcome your fears. Friendships have survived, despite geographical distance and differences and experiences. So don’t be afraid to chart your own path: after all, who knows where you might end up right?

*So High School Juniors and Seniors, do you already have some courses in mind? Any worries or concerns? Share with us your thoughts!

To college students, how’d you end up choosing your course? You might want to give us some advice ☺

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : we dont ride carabaos to school

out of Krystle's head...




Have you ever wondered how it is to study away from your family? Some of you (those who are from the provinces) are Manila-bound for college in about 4 months time. We are posting this article to give you a glimpse of how it is to study here in Manila.

Writing from experience, our guest writer, VINZ studied at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City before flying in to Manila to study at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) for college.

***

Only a few graduates from the province get to decide where they want to go after high school. After getting permission to study away from home and promising they will be good boys and concentrate on their studies, they pack up their bags, say good bye to their loved ones, and take one last look at their own little paradise before they buckle up and prepare to go to college.

Being away from home is a traumatic experience for someone who came from the province and is suddenly transported into an entirely new world.Fear for our life and safety constantly bugs us after hearing rumors and never ending stories about robberies, hold-ups, rapes, street fights, taxi drivers who take advantage of our gullibility. Horrific stories scare our concerned parents living hundreds of miles away.Despite all of these, there are good reasons why we keep coming to the big city.

It is funny how some urbanized people educate themselves by asking people from the province questions like “Are there malls in your hometown? Do you have roads? How do you go to school?” some of us would answer purely out of sarcasm, wit and good intentions, “no. no. we ride our ever so faithful carabaos to school.”

People from the province stand out in the crowd; their funny accents are not hard to spot. They are the center of attention when they are asked by others to translate some of their lines in Tagalog or English into their own language and, all from the generosity of their hearts, they play along.

From the slow pace of their daily routine in the province, they experience an intense transformation and need to survive city life. Instinctively, they become survivors as they try to master riding in public transportation and getting familiar with the new surroundings. Given a month, they are able to travel more efficiently than some city people.

Some students cannot take life in the big city and after a few semesters, call their parents and go back home. Some become heroes when they go back home, successful and proud of their achievements. They serve as inspiration to those who still dream of studying in the big city with all its traffic, horror stories and skyscrapers.

***

To all those who plan to go to Manila for college, don't be scared! You will find that it is actually a friendly place-- once you get a wind of it! =P Share some thoughts, ok? We'd be glad to know what you have to say! Cheerio!