As the calendar turned to 2026, a fresh wave of ambition swept through campuses across the Philippines. Students from various schools opened up about their New Year's resolutions, revealing a collective drive towards personal development, better balance, and positive change for the months ahead.
Academic Goals and the Pursuit of Balance
The resolutions highlighted a strong focus on self-improvement. Eurica Luciano, a student at Talisay National High School, pinpointed financial prudence, academic advancement, and a healthier lifestyle as her primary targets for the year.
For Richelle Mae Caspe of Abellana National School, the key word is equilibrium. She reflected on a challenging previous year, stating her desire to carve out more time to savor her high school experience. "Last year, I was so focused on academics to the point where I cried from stress," Caspe shared. Her clear objective for 2026 is to steer clear of that overwhelming pressure and foster a more sustainable harmony between her studies and personal life.
Career Focus and Changing Habits
Looking beyond campus life, Jed Daryl Barangan from Cebu Technological University is setting his sights on the future. His resolution centers on practical career preparation. "I want to find a good job to support myself and my academics this 2026," he said, underlining the need for financial stability while pursuing his education.
When discussing habits they aim to break, the students provided insightful answers. Caspe reinforced her main goal, expressing a firm intention to stop overworking herself academically. "I don't want to be too hard on myself," she affirmed.
Barangan, enrolled in a creative program, wants to push his boundaries. He resolved to break the cycle of doing just the bare minimum and instead strive to deliver the best work he is capable of achieving.
Luciano identified procrastination and a negative school attitude as her targets. She aims to avoid delaying tasks, noting it causes unnecessary stress, and to improve her interactions with professors.
The Challenge of Commitment and Their Strategies
All students acknowledged that maintaining resolutions is no easy feat, but each has a plan to persevere. Barangan believes in the power of routine, saying, "It's really hard to stick to goals, but I plan to make them a habit so it'll be harder to break."
For Luciano, faith and a personal motto provide the fuel. "'Persistence is the key' has always been my motto and I pray to Jesus for guidance," she shared.
Caspe accepts that fatigue is part of the journey but remains resolute. "It's hard to avoid getting tired because it's part of the process," she admitted, quickly adding her determination: "but I'll make sure to stay committed to my goals."
Report contributed by Irish Sevilla from the University of the Visayas.
