Notes from Nurse Aris: 5Ws & 1H Tips to Survive College and Beyond

Stepping into college is like entering an uncharted world of endless possibilities and daunting challenges. As you embark on this transformative journey, the anticipation of success and the fear of failure can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself asking, “Will this experience make me or break me?” As the new academic year begins and graduation approaches for others, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) alumnus Aristotle Calayan Castronuevo—College of Nursing Batch 2023 Cum Laude and Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) topnotcher—offers invaluable insights. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, provides a guiding light for both fresh and seasoned Haribons navigating the challenges of college life.

When Plan A is no longer possible, make the most of Plan B.

Aris’ path to college might appear to be a flawless success story—graduating as the class valedictorian from elementary to senior high school. However, he candidly reveals that his experience upon entering college was anything but perfect. 

Initially, Aris planned to study at the University of the Philippines (UP). “I only applied to UP as that was my only plan. I took the PLM Admission Test (PLMAT) only because my mom forced me,” Aris shares. A few days after delivering his valedictory speech at his senior high school graduation, Aris received the gut-wrenching news that he hadn’t been admitted to his dream school. “Durog na durog ako noon. Para akong napahiya (I was crushed. I felt humiliated),” he reminisces. Despite his disappointment, Aris knew that success meant not dwelling on setbacks. Determined, he enrolled in PLM as the next best step forward.

Where your heart is, your actions will follow.

As a Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) graduate, Aris struggled in his first semester as a nursing student. “Hirap ako mag-excel (I had a difficult time excelling),” Aris, now a nurse, shares. He felt at a disadvantage compared to his classmates who had graduated from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand and even considered shifting to Tourism. However, he chose to stay when he learned that his caregiver of 18 years had been diagnosed with a life-altering illness. Aris’ love for his yaya inspired him to continue in nursing so he could learn how to take care of her like she had taken care of him. Realizing the importance of his field, he soon came to appreciate his chosen course and adapted to the demands of being an Iskonars. 

Whoever has your back and whoever stabs your back, never forget them when you face success.

College, like actual high school, isn’t always a musical. Aris faced his share of challenges, including conflicts with classmates and doubts from others about his place in the program. He vividly remembers a person he used to look up to in the classroom asking him, “Deserving ka ba na nandito? (Are you deserving to be here?).” Despite this, the inner voice urging him to persevere for his loved ones was stronger. During his third year, Aris had caught up with his peers. Although he aimed to graduate Magna Cum Laude, he fell short by a mere 0.0091 in his Overall General Weighted Average (OGWA). Heartbroken but resolute, Aris set his sights on becoming a PNLE topnotcher to honor both his supporters and detractors.

How you act towards your goal determines your future.

Exactly how much are you willing to sacrifice for your dreams? Aris learned early on that achieving greatness demands significant sacrifices. He devoted months to rigorous study, missing family gatherings, chugging coffee, and relying on chocolates for sugar rush and alertness. He even chose to skip his own graduation rites to focus on his review. “Missing my graduation was not a difficult choice,” Aris explains. His unyielding commitment to his goal fueled his success, proving that dedication and sacrifice pave the way to triumph.

Whatever You Do, Do It Well.

Aris believes that one must work well and rest well. As he prepared for his board exam, he followed a strict daily routine that balanced thorough coverage of exam topics with time for other essential activities. He attributes his top rank in the board exam to this discipline. Aris also credits his success not only to his hard work but also to ensuring he got adequate rest. “Kapag kompletong walong oras ang tulog mo, mas maaabsorb mo yung inaaral mo (If you get complete eight hours of sleep, you’ll absorb what you’re studying better),” he advises.

“Why’s” to “That’s why”: Never forget that you can change the narrative

Who would have thought that failing to get into your dream university would lead to becoming a topnotcher in a course you never considered? Or that missing Magna Cum Laude by 0.0091 would fuel the determination to achieve a 91% and top the board exams? Aris emphasizes that you can change your downfalls by persevering through challenges.

Aris’ story, along with those of other Haribons who have excelled beyond the walls of our Pamantasan, illustrates that every challenge faced, every sacrifice made, and every setback endured contributes to a story of triumph. So, as you step into this new chapter, take inspiration from Aris and others who have paved the way. Face each challenge head-on, draw strength from your people, and never lose sight of your goals.