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Overall Reflection for Personal Development

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Overall Reflection for Personal Development

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1. Was the subject Personal Development helpful for you? How did this subject help you know yourself more?

Yes, Personal Development was very helpful because it allowed me to reflect deeply on who I am and who I want to become. Through the lessons and activities, I learned to recognize my strengths, weaknesses, and values, which helped me make better decisions about my goals. It also guided me in understanding my emotions and improving how I deal with challenges and relationships in life. Overall, the subject gave me a clearer sense of direction and self-awareness.

2. What were your key takeaways from the subject?

My key takeaways from Personal Development are the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and goal setting. I learned that understanding myself is the foundation for building meaningful relationships and achieving success. The subject also taught me that mental health and well-being must always be prioritized, no matter how busy life gets. These lessons reminded me that personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires both reflection and action.

3. What two topics were your favorites and why?

My favorite topics were Mental Health and Wellbeing and Career Guidance. I enjoyed the topic on mental health because it helped me realize how vital it is to take care of my emotional and psychological state, not just my physical health. Meanwhile, career guidance inspired me to plan my future carefully and motivated me to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. Both topics encouraged me to balance self-care with ambition, which I find essential in achieving a meaningful life.

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1. Engage in Extracurricular Activities

As part of my mental health plan, I engage in extracurriculars like the Ateneo Filmmakers Society, where I write and help in film projects. This gives me a creative outlet, reduces stress, and builds my confidence. Studies show that joining such activities improves emotional well-being and self-esteem (Fredricks & Eccles, 2006).

Filmmaking also helps me express myself and reflect on my experiences, which supports emotional balance. Creative practices are proven to strengthen resilience and lower stress (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). For me, this makes filmmaking an essential part of maintaining good mental health.

2. Going Out with Friends

Another part of my mental health plan is spending time with my friends. Going out with them allows me to relax, share my thoughts, and feel supported. Strong social connections are shown to protect against stress and improve overall well-being (Umberson & Montez, 2010).

Being with friends also gives me a sense of belonging and happiness, which helps me manage academic pressures. Research confirms that social interactions play a vital role in maintaining good mental health and resilience (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

3. Pursue Creative Work

I also support my mental health by engaging in creative work as the Creatives Head of STEM Core. Designing and producing materials allows me to express myself while contributing to the organization’s projects. Creative involvement has been linked to lower stress and higher emotional well-being because it encourages self-expression and problem-solving (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

This role also builds my leadership and collaboration skills, which gives me confidence and purpose. Studies show that taking part in meaningful activities improves mental health by fostering resilience and a sense of accomplishment (Fredricks & Eccles, 2006). For me, this makes creative work an important part of my overall wellness plan.

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SAMANTHA DEREQUITO’S CAREER OBJECTIVE: My career objective is to become a successful obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) who provides quality healthcare to women, especially those in underserved communities.

These then are the steps in achieving my career objective:

1. I am currently taking the STEM Pre-Science Academic Track in Grade 12 in Ateneo de Davao University - Senior High School.

I chose this strand because I want to become a doctor, and STEM will give me the strong foundation in science and research that I will need for medicine.

2. After completing senior high school, I will pursue my college degree in Medical Technology at UST General Santos.

I chose UST Gensan because it has always been my dream to study in one of the country’s “Big 3” universities, and I believe it will provide excellent preparation for medical school.

3. While studying in college, I will prioritize developing practical skills—especially in laboratory work and research—to prepare myself for the hands-on demands of medicine.

I will also join organizations and volunteer programs that will help me build discipline and empathy as a future doctor.

4. After graduating from college, I will take the Licensure Examination to become a registered medical practitioner.

I will dedicate time to a thorough review and preparation to ensure that I pass on my first attempt.

5. I will then proceed to medical school to continue my studies and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.

During this time, I will train under experienced mentors, complete my internship, and develop my expertise in women’s health.

6. Ultimately, I aim to achieve my goal of becoming a successful OB-GYN, serving in hospitals and local health centers while delivering compassionate and affordable care to women in my community.

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Beige Simple Infographic Machine Learning Lifecycle Presentation

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Hello! I am Samantha D. Derequito, a proud Grade 12 student of Ateneo de Davao University - Senior High School under the STEM Pre-Science Strand!

Born on a rainy day on July 1 in the year 2008, I completed the Derequito Four: My mother, Madonna, my father, Irving, my brother, Sebastian, and finally, me, Samantha!

I was named after my older brother, Sebastian, by my father and mother who apparently had a liking for old-fashioned names. But, I'm not complaining, I think my name is pretty (My brother? Not so much)!

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During my infancy, I relied completely on my parents and caregivers to provide me with food, comfort, and safety. Because they consistently cared for me and met my needs, I developed a strong sense of trust in them and in the world around me. This early stage was important because it gave me the basic feeling of security and hope, which later helped me grow more confident in exploring my surroundings.

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Name: Samantha Domingo Derequito

Age: 17 (But will always be 14 at heart)

School:

Ateneo de Davao University - SHS

Notre Dame of Dadiangas University

O.B. Montessori Center

Hobbies:

Drawing

Reading

Watching Old Hollywood Films

and more!

Likes:

Anything sweet

Coffee

Coffee

Did I say coffee?

and more!

Dislikes

Slime

Loud chewing

and more!

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Born to be in HUMMS, forced to be in STEM 𓂃⋆.˚

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Born to be in HUMMS, forced to be in STEM 𓂃⋆.˚

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Many say that my personality, hobbies, and whatnot are often associated with the HUMMS strand, rather than STEM. But I beg to differ!

As the STEM CORE Creatives Head this year, I believe I have the right to say that STEM students can be so much more than the title and professions associated with the strand they are under.

I enjoy drawing, public speaking, writing (news articles), listening to music, watching films, and more!

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Click on this collage and take a sneak peek into my life!

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Beige Scrapbook Vision Board Photo Collage A4 (1)

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FA2: Letter to my Future Self in 10 Years

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FA2: Letter to my Future Self in 10 Years

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Dear Future Samantha,

I hope you're doing alright, in 10 years from now. Before I begin bombarding you with questions and expectations, I'll start first with talking about me.

I am currently a Grade 12 student in Ateneo de Davao University - Senior High School and I'm creamming this during my 10 minute break before Practical Research with Adriana Leker playing in the background to get me in "the feels".

How are you? Do you still get bad headaches? Are you in college by now? You better be!

I don't what course you're taking or what path in life honestly, but I fully trust myself now and even you, future me, that everything will work out for me, or rather us, in the end.

I just hope you're as happy as I am now, but knowing me, I might even be happier.

Sincerely,

10 years ago Samantha

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For our Lesson 1 on Knowing Oneself

1. What was your Personality Type according to the 16-Personalities Test (MBTI Inspired Test)? Do you agree with the result? Why or why not?

My personality type is ENFJ-A, also known as “The Protagonist.” I resonate with this result because it reflects how I see myself and how others perceive me. I naturally take on leadership roles, not just for the sake of leading, but because I genuinely care about bringing people together and ensuring that no one is left behind. I strive to be encouraging, responsible, and thoughtful in every setting—whether in class, at home, or in organizations. This result reminded me that being outgoing and empathetic is not a weakness but a strength when used purposefully.

2. How can your Personality Type help you become a person with and for others?

As an ENFJ-A, I find fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of others. My personality type is driven by a strong sense of duty to help others grow, feel valued, and receive support. Being a "person with and for others" means using my influence to uplift those who are struggling or feel unheard. Whether through active listening, offering encouragement, or organizing meaningful community events, I am naturally drawn to serve. This personality trait enables me to build trusting relationships where people feel safe, appreciated, and inspired

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As a student, the main stressors that contribute to my level of stress, which I have identified, from a scale of one to ten, to be eight, are academic work, peer pressure, and homesickness. As an Atenean, I highly value my academics and have high expectations for myself to do well, not just for the sake of self-fulfillment but also as my own way of returning my parents’ hard work and sacrifices. Though I may value and sometimes enjoy academic work, it can admittedly place a heavy burden on my mental and emotional state, sometimes disabling me from thinking rationally or taking care of myself. I believe it is a universal experience among teenagers to experience peer pressure—it is easy to become swayed by others’ opinions and the pressure to go along with what the majority is doing or enjoying. Finally, I live in a dorm, miles away from my home and the city I’ve known for years. It can be stressful at times when the loneliness sometimes gets the better of you and not having the physical and emotional closeness I’ve grown so used to growing up. However, though these stressants can prove to be difficult, I believe I should still be grateful that I’m given the privilege to stress about school, peers, and home when others do not have them.

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I went through a difficult time when I received a low grade on an important exam. At first, I felt frustrated and disappointed in myself, which made me want to give up. However, I managed my emotions by taking a break to calm down, reflecting on my mistakes, and asking for help from my teacher. This helped me turn my emotions into motivation to study harder and improve next time.

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Black and Cream Modern Creative Company Mind Map Brainstrom

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At this stage, I started to learn how to do simple things on my own, like eating by myself or trying to dress up. I remember stories from my parents about how I was playful and curious, wanting to explore everything around me. Sometimes I made mistakes, but when my family encouraged me instead of scolding me, I slowly developed confidence in myself. These experiences helped me gain a sense of independence while also learning my own limits.

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During my preschool years at O.B. Montessori Center, I started exploring new activities and meeting other kids my age. I was excited to make new friends, and I enjoyed playing and learning with them every day. Being in that environment made me curious and more confident to try new things, whether it was joining games or sharing my ideas. Those moments helped me develop initiative while also learning how to work and play with others.

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Me and my dad with his favorite motorcycle

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In my elementary years, I became more focused on learning new skills and doing well in school. One of the most memorable parts of this stage was being a Girl Scout, where I learned responsibility, discipline, and teamwork through different activities. I felt proud whenever I was able to accomplish tasks or earn recognition, whether in schoolwork or scouting. These experiences boosted my confidence and taught me the value of hard work and cooperation with others.

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In my adolescence, I’ve become more mature and started to understand myself better. Moving to Davao by myself for Ateneo de Davao University – Senior High School was a big change, but it helped me grow independent and responsible. I was able to build a good relationship with my new friends and maintain strong connections with my family, even from afar. This stage has been about discovering my identity, setting goals for the future, and learning how to balance both my personal and social life.

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My greatest achievement was being chosen to speak on stage during my graduation tribute for parents and guardians, even though I was a transferee. It was a great honor because it showed that I could make a meaningful contribution in a new environment. That moment gave me confidence in public speaking and inspired me to continue improving my communication skills, which I know will help me in the future.

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Shantelle has influenced me to become more open, understanding, and accepting of others. She taught me the value of vulnerability—how it’s okay to let people see the real me and to embrace every kind of person I meet with kindness. Even though she now lives on the other side of the country, she continues to show me that true friendship isn’t defined by constant communication, but by being a constant presence in each other’s lives. Because of her, I’ve learned that love and connection can endure distance, and that genuine relationships are built on trust, acceptance, and emotional honesty.

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(Man on the right) Irving U. Derequito — Father
(Woman on the left – orange) Madonna D. Derequito — Mother
(Boy on the left) Sebastian D. Derequito — Older Brother

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Recognizing both the challenges and blessings within my family allows me to grow as a person who strives for magis—to become better for myself and for the greater good of my family and others. By acknowledging our challenges, I learn patience, humility, and understanding. It reminds me that growth doesn’t only come from comfort, but also from moments of disagreement and hardship. These experiences help me strengthen my emotional maturity and develop a sense of empathy toward my family members. They teach me that love is not just about harmony, but also about learning to listen and forgive. At the same time, being aware of our blessings allows me to practice cura personalis, or genuine care for the whole person. I realize that showing love means being present, kind, and considerate, even in small ways. Appreciating the goodness in my family inspires me to give back that same care through understanding, respect, and support. This balance of recognizing struggles and gifts helps me build stronger relationships at home. It encourages me to strive to be a better person who uplifts others, beginning with the people who love me most—my family.