Lessons Learned: Reflecting on a Completed School Year

The school year is almost over! As I take a well-deserved break, it's a great time to reflect on the past months and what I learned. Here are some key takeaways:

Time Management is Key. Juggling classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities could be overwhelming at times. Mastering time management skills was crucial for staying organized and meeting deadlines.

Learning From Mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and this year was no exception. But instead of dwelling on them, I learned to view them as opportunities for growth.

The Power of Asking for Help. Whether it was a confusing concept or a challenging project, reaching out to teachers, classmates, or even online resources proved invaluable. There's no shame in asking for help when you need it.

Finding Balance. Academics are important, but it's also crucial to maintain a healthy balance. Making time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones helped me avoid burnout.

The Value of Continuous Learning. This year solidified my love for learning. The classroom may be on pause, but my journey to acquire knowledge and new skills definitely continues.

Looking ahead, I'm carrying these lessons with me into the next school year, ready to face new challenges and embrace new knowledge.

 

My Definition of Success: A Roadmap to My Future

 

Financial security is definitely a part of my future success story. But it's not the whole picture. Here's what "winning" looks like for me in the next decade:

Building a Fulfilling Career: I see myself excelling in a field that challenges me and allows me to make a meaningful contribution. Whether it's climbing the corporate ladder or starting my own venture, I want my work to feel purposeful.

Financial Freedom: Having enough financial security to pursue my passions and travel the world is a dream. This requires smart financial planning, consistent saving, and potentially even exploring additional income streams.

Giving Back: Success isn't just about personal gain. I want to use my resources and skills to help others. Whether it's volunteering or supporting causes I care about, giving back is a key part of my vision.

Living a Balanced Life: Achieving my goals shouldn't come at the expense of my well-being. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, nurturing relationships, and making time for hobbies are all essential parts of my definition of success.

This isn't a rigid plan, but rather a roadmap that will guide my decisions and keep me motivated.

References:

www.blogger.com

Araw ng Nanay: Celebrating Moms the Filipino Way

 

Mother's Day in the Philippines, or "Araw ng Nanay," is a heartfelt celebration filled with tradition and love. Here's a glimpse into how Filipinos typically honor their mothers:

Pagmamano: This respectful gesture of kissing the back of one's elder's hand is a core part of Filipino culture. On Mother's Day, children of all ages perform the pagmamano to show gratitude and respect to their mothers (De La Cruz, 2018).

Family Gatherings: Filipinos value strong family ties. Araw ng Nanay is a perfect occasion for families to come together. Expect delicious home-cooked meals, heartfelt messages, and maybe even some karaoke singing! (Lagman, 2021)

Gifts and Flowers: While grand gestures are lovely, Filipinos often express their love through simple gifts and flowers. A handwritten card or a bouquet of Mom's favorite blooms can go a long way (Ancheta, 2023).

References:

De La Cruz, J. (2018, May 10). The Significance of Pagmamano in Filipino Culture. [https://steemit.com/culture/@grace44/mano-or-pagmamano-the-filipino-gesture-of-showing-respect-to-elders](https://steemit.com/culture/@grace44/mano-or-pagmamano-the-filipino-gesture-of-showing-respect-to-elders)

Lagman, C. (2021, May 9). Pinoy traditions: How Filipinos celebrate Mother's Day. Philippine Star. [https://www.philstar.com/tags/mothers-day](https://www.philstar.com/tags/mothers-day)

Ancheta, M. (2023, April 28). Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Nanays in the Philippines. [https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/shopping-guide/2022/05/02/2177675/mothers-day-treats-gift-ideas-dearest-nanay](https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/shopping-guide/2022/05/02/2177675/mothers-day-treats-gift-ideas-dearest-nanay)

Be the Change: Starting Small, Creating Big Impacts

We've all dreamt of changing the world. It's a noble goal, but sometimes the vastness of it can feel overwhelming. Where do we even begin?

The good news is, change starts small. Maybe it's picking up trash in your neighborhood, volunteering at a local charity, or simply being kind to those around you. Every little action has the potential to create a ripple effect (Payne, 2008).

Think about your unique skills and passions. How can you use them to make a positive difference in your own community? Remember, a world transformed is made up of countless individual contributions. Be the change you want to see, one step at a time.

References:

Payne, L. (2008). Change the World for Ten Bucks a Day: A Guide to Doing More Than Just Feeling Good. HarperCollins.

Remembering Valor: Araw ng Kagitingan

Every April 9th, the Philippines commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor. This national holiday honors the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II, particularly in the Battle of Bataan (Commission on Filipinos Overseas [CFO], 2023).

The Fall of Bataan, though a defeat, became a powerful symbol of Filipino resilience. Despite facing a larger and better-equipped Japanese force, Filipino soldiers valiantly defended the peninsula for months. Their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds are remembered on Araw ng Kagitingan (Lumina Homes, 2023).

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for freedom and sovereignty. It's a time to honor our veterans and pay tribute to their sacrifices.

References:

Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). (2023, April 6). Araw ng Kagitingan. [https://cfo.gov.ph/](https://cfo.gov.ph/)

Lumina Homes. (2023, March 29). Why Do We Celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan in the Philippines?

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