Every student strives to stride on the platform to receive that long-awaited diploma. From group work and extracurriculars to part-time jobs, juggling everything simultaneously could sound…exhausting. And I know that by heart, my dear adings, so read more to glimpse what to do, expect, and experience before your semester starts!
Scour Your Schedule
Hours within a day are often maximized so that the 24 hours can be fulfilling and balanced throughout. That said, you should check your schedules for school and work. For instance, I used to check which subjects would work best for me so that I would have ample time to rest, do my schoolwork, and work at my part-time job before I got to end the day with a well-deserved sleep.
Start and Strut Your Second Home On the Go
Whenever I head off to school, I usually bring the essentials to keep me afloat and get by the day before I work in the evenings. So no matter what essentials I bring, I always think about the bag I will use, from its type, fabric, durability, and number of pockets. This shall serve as my portable second home, enabling me to be prepared, even when I am away.
I usually use two bags on rotation, depending on how many items I need to carry and for what purpose for that day. If I need to bring my stationary, I usually use my Shigetsu backpack because it is durable, spacious, and easy to carry. I will sling its handles on my back and call it a day.
If I don’t have to bring notebooks or papers, I will bring my Plinio Visona bag as its leather is well-made, it’s equally durable, and it can pack a lot, even if it’s small in size!
Putting the stationary items aside, I HAVE to have these essentials, no matter which bag I use:
Hygiene Kit
Consisting of feminine products, tissues, wet wipes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, band-aids, and vitamins, I bring my hygiene kit everywhere because I do not want to encounter any mishaps when I am out and about.
Touch-Up Kit
Consisting of a pressed powder, a tinted lip balm with sun protection, lipsticks, blush, eyeliner, and a sunscreen stick, this one helps me look presentable, although I had a hard time the night before.
Umbrella
Rain or shine, an umbrella is a must-have, especially here in Baguio City, where the weather is unpredictable.
Powerbank and Charger
We all need to communicate instantly and be up-to-date with the things around us daily, so having a cellphone with a low battery is out of the question in today’s technologically advanced era. Hence, these are a must!
Pen
Just because I may not bring stationary doesn’t mean it’d include the pen. A pen is a must-have for signing a document and so on.
Phone
Of course, this one is a given since you need to bring this digitally all-in-one product wherever you go to be informed, stay informed, and communicate immediately.
Make Your Meals Manageable
I schedule my time for meals as I still want to enjoy the food while prioritizing eating well and thriving throughout the day. I want to feel full in every meal I consume while keeping my health well. And so, I often eat meals that have protein, vegetables, and rice in one. Not to mention, I also drink juice rich in vitamin C or plain water to wash it all down.
If you plan to comb through Baguio City to seek affordable yet hearty meals, you may check out some restaurants like Health 102, located at 2nd Basement, Palangdao Building, Lower Gen. Luna, Baguio City, or Feli Ramen and Food House, located at Corner Ledesma St, Aurora Hill, right along the highway. I personally frequent those places to guarantee their quality service, cheap yet healthy meals, and quaint atmosphere.
Breathe, By Baguio: Building Bonds on a Break
And speaking of meals, eating together is one of the best ways to bond with your friends and partner. But aside from that, you can do various activities in Baguio, so all you gotta do is go out, have some fun, and enjoy your time. Know that your efforts deserve a reward for a job well done on hanging on to things, so don’t feel bad about spending a bit of your time for yourself or with others.
It may not be easy to deal with all of these within 24 hours each day, yet what motivated me to keep going was to look forward to my aspirations and remain steadfast. If you underwent or will undergo juggling your work, school, and life in your next semesters, I encourage you to stay headstrong and keep it up. Learning from different aspects, paths, and choices can help you improve—as a student, a professional, and above all else, a person.