Stop 3: The Rough Roads – Challenges Along the Way

Difficulties and Doubts Encountered

“But the road is not always clear, direct, and smooth. Let us watch how he deals with the obstacles he faces. Immerse yourselves once again, folks!”

Before entering the university he is in, he was informed of something one must be aware of by his brother—that someone he knows who studies Bachelor of Science in Psychology at DMMMSU-SLUC told him that the program she entered had a retention policy where one must attain a specific grade, or she will face something unfortunate. That sparked an intense gush of emotion accompanied by a load of worry. But as always, he was able to redirect that problem as a challenge. With these things going on in his mind, his mother assured him that it is normal for universities to set retention policies in order for them to either climb the ranks or maintain their current standing. His mother emphasized his capability and ability to make it through, for he is intelligent, and he just has to use that intelligence with dedication and hard work. With these profound insights and advice, he set his mind with this principle or quote—"WHO DOES NOT LIKE A LITTLE CHALLENGE?”

Furthermore, going to a university far distant from his hometown, he had to move to a boarding house near the university. While it is ideal and dream-like, it can really be full of challenges too. Being away from his family is already challenging, as the life of a boarder means he has to take care of himself 24 hours a day.

He struggled physically for being visually challenged; mentally and emotionally for being away from his family and the hardships of being a college student; and financially for the many expenses that come with college life. On top of that, to enter a university without knowing anyone—in short, entering a new environment with new people—comes with challenges such as cultural differences, the default language used, different views on things, and many more.

Looking back once again, we have observed how the Bachelor of Science in Psychology was really never one of the choices he had considered. Maybe it is a program that is not too well known in his area. A program that is regarded as more aligned with the HUMSS strand, contradicting his strand, which is the STEM strand. Or maybe even the fact that he had desired more of a pure science-based program to take in the future. But look at what field he got into.

Those very views or preferences served as a challenge for him as he enrolled in a program that is a combination of sciences and social sciences. He was exposed to an environment much different from his academic strand, where, in his new environment, people are more social and vocal, whereas in his STEM strand, they were serious and academically focused. That became a challenge as he had to adjust and make this new field his new zone.

And once again, like in his senior high years, where HUMSS was his initial choice but fate sent him off to the STEM strand, and look where he got—he was able to adjust and graduate among the top in his class. In contrast, in his college years, he wanted a pure science-based program but ended up in one that was a mix of social science and science.

This is to the point that maybe he will defy the odds again and live up to a scholarly life in the psychology field. The fact that he got the highest grade in their sole major subject, Introduction to Psychology, really speaks volumes about how he quickly adapts and excels in the psychology field. When we recall that his mother told him that he is capable of any program or course as long as he puts dedication into it, this indeed proves it true.

This is like God saying that psychology is for you, signifying that he got the highest grade despite such circumstances and drawbacks. Once again, the principle instrumental to him that drives him is “WHO DOES NOT LIKE A LITTLE CHALLENGE?”

“That’s inspiring and impressive, Mr. Conductor!” says the young lad with high spirits.

“That’s right, young lad. A journey is not all clear, direct, and smooth, but it is how you maneuver your vehicle that will bring you great results. But before we proceed to the next stop, let us set to a special stop where we will refuel. Hold on, folks!” says Mr. Conductor.