ONE OF THE least anticipated yet inescapable challenges of the semester’s halfway mark is the tedious week of final exams. This often deemed ‘bane’ of academic life carries immense pressure, as stakes for students grow higher than ever–grades hang in the balance, piles of outputs rush to completion, and time seems to slip by a fleet unconsciously.  

As students reflect on the aftermath with a mix of triumphs, burnouts, and letdowns, it becomes increasingly indispensable to use this time to recharge, bounce back, and prepare for what’s to come without dwelling too much on the results. To help gauge and navigate these uncharted waters, The Bedan has gathered insightful tips and advice from outstanding Bedan scholars who continue to champion excellence, spark influence, and epitomize resilience.  

Utilizing and managing time 

Hanna Shamiha Alawiya, a sophomore from the Department of Legal Management (LM), is no stranger to relentless readings and a truckload of pendings that come with preparing for examinations. To gradually release herself from pressure, she adopts a proactive approach, starting her preparations at least three to five days ahead to stay on top of her workload. “I think this study routine helps me manage the pressure since I begin to prepare myself ahead of time,” she stated, expressing how this tactic helps her maintain focus and comprehensively review past lessons from each subject.  

Her routine strikes a balance between productivity and rest. Alongside her structured study schedule, she employs the “Pomodoro Technique,” slightly tailoring it to better suit her needs by studying for one to two hours with a 15 to 30-minute break, steering away from the standard 30-minute study and 10-minute break intervals. For Hanna, finding that middle ground between focused learning and essential downtime sustains her motivation. 

“It’s all about balance and being flexible when things get hectic,” Alawiya added, highlighting that time allotment for rest and recharge ensures clarity and composure and prevents academic burnout.  

Locked-In! 

Angel Raheema Edding characterized her study approach as fairly straightforward–or what Gen Z might call being “locked in.” As a sophomore Human Biology student, she meticulously curates checklists and timetables to monitor her progress, prioritizing subjects based on their demand to alleviate anxiety about falling behind. To streamline her tasks and manage her time effectively, she utilizes productivity apps like “Notion” and incorporates study techniques such as mnemonics and flashcards to enhance understanding and retention.  

Despite facing obstacles like health issues and organizational demands that have tested her resilience, Angel remains unabated and driven to persist through such setbacks, embodying the principle of prayer and work. She advises fellow students going through the same struggles “to remind yourselves of the very reason as to why you are doing this in the first place.” Finally, she encouraged students to constantly reflect, reconnect, and use this purpose as their driving force to succeed. 

Well under pressure 

Shara Chrisly Esteba, a sophomore from the Department of Legal Management (LM), has a distinct yet quite relatable study method. She finds focus in slightly crammed study blocks. With her trusty to-do lists and organized schedule, she’s able to manage her responsibilities and tasks efficiently. To keep things fun and light, she adds an element of amusement by treating her stuffed toy as her ‘student,’ using it to explain topics verbally and putting a quirky twist on the “Feynman Technique.” 

She believes that focusing on priorities over rigid time management boosts her productivity and efficiency. “It’s really a matter of managing priorities for me rather than managing my time, tapos disiplina na lang,” Esteba explained. She also highlighted the vital role of community and support in thriving through academic burdens, whether from study groups, fellow organization members, or family and friends. “At the end of the day, we are all students before we are leaders and, in an organization, we can each carry heavy burdens for each other in times of need,” Shara expressed, encouraging students to lean on each other when things get tough. 

On top of that, she reminds everyone to be kind to themselves, noting that “In every act or even thought of kindness, you don’t just make yourself better during the hardest days in school but also the whole Bedan community and even more so, the world.” 

Celebrating small wins 

Samantha Sarmiento, a student from the Department of Marketing Management, manages midterm pressures by using apps like “Todo Mate” and “Time Tree” which help her regulate her time and tasks effectively. To store her energy and maintain efficient study time, she indulges in short breaks every hour, allowing both her physical and mental self-time to rest. She emphasized that “balancing rest with adequate preparation requires discipline and self-awareness. It’s important to listen to what your body and mind is telling you, so take breaks when needed.”  

Clinging to a normal approach, Samantha stressed the importance of notetaking as a productive way in retaining and understanding loads of information. To enhance active learning, she also recommended the use of highlighters and visual aids, which improves both engagement and comprehension.  

Her advice for staying motivated is to break down tasks into smaller, attainable goals and to reward yourself by celebrating each accomplishment, no matter how small. To bear the weight, she also relies on her family and circle for support, signifying that “a little encouragement can make a big difference.” She believes that a positive mindset and firm self-belief will empower students to stand their ground amid academic worries.  

While it’s natural to feel disappointment over unfavorable results, especially since finals can be a make-or-break moment, it’s also worth commending yourself for reaching this point. After all, if something doesn’t seem quite daunting, it may not truly drive growth. Success rarely happens overnight – aiming for it also means having the guts to fail.  

Studying is just as much about cultivating effective habits and developing character. It challenges one’s self-discipline and determination. However, you shouldn’t feel intimidated if others outmaneuver you; focus on moving at your own pace. Know that each experience, especially the tough ones, molds a stronger and more capable version of yourself. So, take the time to give yourself a pat on the back! We hope these tips not only help you prosper through the finals but also arm you for a strong finish to the Academic Year.  

 (with Ma. Casandria Mallen Manao)