Lumanog, Patricia Mae SJ.

Purposive Communication
1BAF2A Reflection Paper

Challenges and Triumphs of Academic Life

As we conquer the world through academics, it will surely be a very tough

journey. The roads will be bumpy and there will always be several humps that we need
to cross. It will never be easy to study and there will be times that we may fail. But as we
fail, we need to stand up again and try to be a better version of ourselves.
One of the troubles that students face in terms of academic life is time
management. Studying is not easy, some students are busy doing things from one
subject to another. Some are consuming their time in social media, instead of
prioritizing homework and reading for the next chapter of lessons. According to Dr.
Harman, many people struggle with managing their time to get things done. One reason
that time management is difficult to execute is due to the "planning fallacy"—something
that occurs when people underestimate how long it will take to finish a task, even if they
have done the task before. Another is financial problem. According to Philippines
Statistical Authority (PSA), almost 20% of ages from 16 to 24 years old cannot afford to
continue to study in college because of financial problem. Some cannot afford tuition
fees and other miscellaneous things that needs to be paid. However, some people are
looking for a part time job, and working hard to support their financial needs, and still
fighting for their dreams to study. Next problem is depression. It is a medical condition
that affects student’s ability to work, study and interact with people around them.
Depression becomes a problem to a student when it affects not only their academic
performance but also their actions in their daily life. It is hard to notice if a student is
suffering depression because one could still smile or laugh but could be dying inside. It
is important to always ask all the students how they are feeling regardless of how they
present their self. Sometimes, students only need someone who could listen to their
problems and knowing that a teacher, a counselor, or a friend understands their
situation can change their whole perspective.
Despite of every trials and circumstances we faced in our life, I believe that there
are always a good comeback and blessings after that. Even if procrastination is a toxic
activity that almost all of us are guilty of doing, when we pass our projects on time, we
feel relieved and happy that finally, we could sleep on time. When one could finally
enroll because he managed to overcome the financial problems, we feel the happiness
and excitement that we are going to learn again. And even if we are suffering with our
own mental state, we still get up, go to our classes, and strive hard because you know in
the back of your head, that someone believes in you. There are still a lot of troubles and
accomplishments that I have not included in the list nevertheless, we should all take it
as a blessing because these are considered as the rain and sunshine to become a
beautiful plant.
All of us faced different battles and circumstances every day, but we need to fight
for our dreams in life. For us to succeed and be a better person, we need to be
responsible on the things that we do. We need to prioritize the things that will help us
achieve our dreams. We are not kids anymore, we are already adult who will face the
real world in a short matter of time. We may graduate and leave our school afterwards
but learning and studying new thing in life will never stops. If you are struggling right
now in one of your subjects or having a difficulty finding your true purpose and passion
in life, I believe that all our hard work and the hardships that we experience will
eventually paid off.