Work hard, play hard!

     College is no longer high school. By this, you may no longer flirt with your teacher to raise your grade, or even push back a due date on a project. In college, you have to work for the grade you want. Studying is an essential for every student in middle school, high school, and college. In college, you have to work hard for the grade you want, even if it take up majority of your time. Set up a weekly schedule for yourself. For example, write down when you have class, and when you have work. That way, you can determine when you're able to sit down and actually study. In between your classes, if you have an hour break, head to the library to get some work done. Better yet, instead of heading out on weekends, spend time indoor with some friends to get studying done. You don't want to overwhelm yourself with so much studying and homework. Every minute and every hour counts when you open up your notes or books.

Most meaningful retreat interview question:

     What did your parents teach you about being a member of your race / ethnicity?

     My parents mainly taught me to respect whoever was around me; whether they were older, younger, related to me or not, a different race / ethnicity, if they were a higher authority or not, and so on. My parents taught my siblings and I many ways to show respect. For example, when first entering someone's home we would remove our shoes outside or right by the front door before walking around the entire house. When entering the house, we say "hello" to everyone and give them a friendly hug. For the elders, we would mano (or bless) them. To do this, you would slightly bow infront of the elder(s), offer them your right hand, and say, "Mano po." They will reach out their hand into yours, and you would gently press it against your forehead. Another way my parents taught me to show respect towards others is by calling everyone Tita (Auntie), Tito (Uncle), Ate (Big Sister), or Kuya (Big brother) even if they aren't related to our family. We do this to show respect for those who are older and higher authority.

     This question was the most meaningful to me during the interview because I felt that my answer was the most significant out of the rest. I mean, I understand that everyone was raised differently. Some were taught respect and some weren't. Some individuals were taught respect, but did not carry on the ways. I believe respect is a huge thing to teach people, and the fact that my parents taught me at such a young age, and until now, makes me proud of who I am and where I come from.