Cherey Canales

Cherey Canales is this month's featured student. She is 18 years old and a first-year Occupational Therapist student at Liceo de Cagayan University. Let's get to know her a little more as she adjusts to college life.

Cherey expressed that her current goal for this year is the most important; "Dili mabagsak" or to not fail. She shared how her parents are extremely supportive of her academic efforts and never interfere with her personal time. Additionally, her parents do not give her household chores in order to allow her to dedicate more time to her studies. As a result, her academic achievement acts as a gift to her parents. She revealed her future ambition, which is very particular: acceptance into medical school with a concentration in the Pediatric Pulmonary field (which she hopes to achieve). Canales is very grateful that her parents do not put any pressure on her studies and have been encouraging her throughout her life and her academic journey.

The major question that all college students are continuously being asked is, "Why did you choose that course?" Let's get to the heart of the matter. Cherey has revealed that occupational therapy (OT) was not her first choice of profession. She was torn between pursuing a degree in Medical Technology or continuing with her current course. She confided in her mother that she was utterly confused. Everything that happened after that became a motivation for her to remain in the OT department. It took around two months before she began praying for God to provide her a sign as to what she should study in college as a pre-med course. Then, one incredible night, God had miraculously appeared to her in a dream and told her that she would one day become an Occupational Therapist. Thus, she followed the message, which was the result of her strong faith in God. She expresses that whether or not anyone believes this, it remains in Cherey’s heart as a big incentive for her future and reminder to always be thankful to God.

Now that she is now enrolled in occupational therapy, she did not hesitate to mention that her favorite subject is Foundations of Occupational Therapy. This subject was the one that introduced her to the course and helped her to fully finalize her decision to stay in the course, which she currently enjoys. Not to mention that her area of specialty is memorization, which means she also enjoys reading books.

In her role as a student who is extremely dedicated to her studies, Cherey's advice to others would be to, of course, avoid procrastination. As a student, especially at the college level, it is important that all the work that is given should not only be turned in, but understood as well. If left to do at the very last minute, it might not have long lasting effects on remembering the materials that are learned. Therefore, organizing your schedule, also, is a crucial skill since it will assist you in keeping track of all of your activities and will motivate you to complete your responsibilities. By having a clear and easily adjustable agenda, in the event that something important comes up, it will avoid procrastination and will give in space for moments of rest. In addition, she added that we should have belief in ourselves and in our capabilities. Despite the fact that we have blockmates, “you are ultimately doing it for yourself” (C. Canales). You, as individuals, know yourself better than anyone. Hence, you have to put faith in yourself that you can do and will make it. In closing, Canales also stated that when confronted with challenges, one should never be afraid to turn to the Lord for guidance. She reveals that she will naturally pray when she is drained and frustrated. Cherey puts her confidence in God that she will be guided through this tough time of online learning and difficult college years. She is, without a doubt, a very dedicated, faithful, and motivating student in every way.

Written by: Irah Marie C. Añora, CRS Newsletter Writer

Edited by: Kissy Chyne Zaportiza, CRS Newsletter Writer