collegeguidance@hcdc.edu.ph

Semicolon is used in phrases that could’ve ended but decided to continue. In my story, I experienced a lot of struggles as a woman with neurological problems I just found out that having depression and anxiety is part of my disability. At first, I can’t accept the reality I’ve struggled many such as; suicidal thoughts,self harming and even attempted S. As I’m looking at my scars right now I learned to accept the reality of my life that God gave me. Therefore, I learned to embrace everything in my life, of what I have and decided to just continue to live my life to the fullest. I am looking forward to share my story in the future to others but for now I am ending my story here and share some of my journey.

Every step, no matter how small, takes me closer to growth and strength. Moving forward is the key to unlocking what’s next.

The word perseverance may be easy to read and say, but living it out is truly challenging. In my life, I have learned that perseverance is not just about enduring struggles, trials, and hardships—it is about continuing even when it feels difficult to move forward. My experiences have taught me to develop this strength, to keep going despite obstacles, and to believe that every challenge I face shapes me into a stronger and better person.

WARNING!

It includes (sUic1dal thingz)

Hi, Im chin! (Close to my realname)

This issue were happened, September 1*, 2025. I’ve been dealing this personal problems right now, I just need someone to rant about this because it’s affecting my academic life.

My parents found out that I have a boyfriend. My parents were mad about it because they don’t like my boyfriend. They judge him like he did something criminal, which is over ra kaau ang judgement. If i-describe nako akong bf too many to mention but to shortened it he was a MAN OF PRINCIPLE and a MAN WHO WORSHIPPED GOD—it was like nigawas sya sa mga romance book nga akong gina read. After nila makabalo, gitawagan nila akong bf and gi kasab-an and ni abot napud sa point nga gi threatened nila akong bf. Tho, di man akong immediate family ang nag threatened saiyaha—it was my tita. Sister sa akong mama, nilahak akong mama tungod kay nag uyab2 ko. Pero tao rapud baya ko mahigugma pud, bisan unsaon nako pag stop sa akong feelings sa akoang bf dili jud nako macontrol. Pero bisan man nga gi threatened na akong bf and gipanagkasab-an nami kay nganung wala nako sya gipailaila. Gilabanan gihapon ko sa akoang bf, sya ang nisalo sa mga kasaba sa akoang family. I admit, naa jud koy sala kay wala nako siya gipailaila officially sa akoa na side and gi explain sad nako/namo nga mahadlok jud ko, nga mag open up sa ilaha kay lagi among family dili ready sa mga ing ani. Nag dako ko nga very secretive sa akoang fam kay tungod grabe nila ka istrikto nga ultimo akong cousin na lalaki akong kauban mabutangan nilag issue. So, please don’t judge me and to clarify lang dili napud ko minor age nako is 20 and my bf is 22, we’re LDR couple. He’s in Manila and naa ko diri Davao.

(We’ve been knowing each others name for 2years since we’re in 1 big circle, tho, year 2024 kami nag talk and 1yr and 1month nasad mi as couple.)

Now, ang desisyon sa akoang parents kay magbulag mi or mo undang kog skwela. Which is tutol akoang bf dili sya gusto nga ing ana ang pamaagi. So, nag talk mi sa akoang bf and nag decide ko nga mag bulag nalang mi. It was a HARD choice kay sya jud akong sumbongan pag kapoy na sa school or work, sya akoang sandalan sa tanan kay dili man sad nako maistorya sa akoang parents kay mangasaba raman, in-short sya akong kauban sa tanan when no one else dared to ask if how I was doing.

After that night, nagbulag mi and super sakit kaau nga ing ato ang ending sa amoang duha.

Nawal-an kog gana sa tanan sa pagskwela and even sa akoang work. 2weeks walay tarong kaon and tulog, and I even tried to to my wrist but i don’t want evidence. So, I cut my other leg using b/4de it was painful but it gives satisfaction to me. Until now, Im still fighting and hoping na mapasaylo ko sa akoang parents and tita. Pero as of now, dili pajud nako sila matalk because wala koy courage to face them. I admit i made a mistake and i take responsibility for that.

Thank you for reading, I feel lightheaded right now.

-Chin,

1st year Irregular (transferee)

BSED ENG

to fold my edges so the world would fit me better.

There were nights I pressed my chest to hush the noise,

days I forgot which voice was mine.

But somewhere between the small breaths and the soft refusals,

I found a stubborn little yes —

a promise whispered into my own palms: stay.

Not because you’re already whole, but because you deserve tomorrow.

To you carrying a story that’s not healed yet:

it’s okay to be unfinished.

Healing is messy, slow, conyo pauses and brave tiny steps.

You don’t have to sparkle to be worthy; just keep showing up for yourself.

Hold your hand like you would a scared friend.

Say, “I’ll try again tomorrow,” and mean it.

We are not alone in this—our scars map the places we fought to survive.

Stay. Breathe. Let kindness be your homework.

For the not-yet-healed: we are patient witnesses.

— For the self who learned to save themself: I see you, I honor you.

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."

🏫At school, I tried to smile like everything was okay, but inside, I carried pain. I watched other families laugh together, and I asked myself, “Why can’t mine be like that?” I wanted peace, but instead, I came home to anger and shouting.

Over time, I learned small ways to help myself. I remembered before that when I felt sad, I wrote my emotions in my math notebook to release my feelings. I prayed for strength when I felt weak. I talked to my close friend Aetherine👭, who listened to me without judgment. These little steps gave me comfort and reminded me that I was not alone.

Slowly, I realized something important: their fights were not my fault. I cannot control their choices, but I can control how I respond. I chose to be brave, to take care of myself, and to keep believing in better days.😇💗

I'll end my story here first beacuse I think this is too long to shared it here. Anyways, my story is not just about the pain I felt, but about the strength I discovered. Even in a house full of quarrels, I found ways to grow stronger, kinder, and more hopeful. I am proof that struggles can build resilience and that even in hard times, light can still be found.✨️

-Shee, BSA 1

There are moments when I look at others and see how talented they are, and I can’t help but compare myself. I feel like I try many things but never become great at any of them. Deep down I know that each of us is unique, but sometimes it’s hard to silence that voice that tells me I’m not enough.

In my studies, I’ve also faced heavy thoughts. Because of our financial struggles, I almost gave up on college. I felt guilty, thinking I should be working instead to support my family. Still, there is a small flame inside me that refuses to die. It pushes me to keep going even when I’m afraid. My relatives wanted me to take a course like seaman, but we couldn’t afford it. So I chose Social Work, the course within our reach, somehow. I know they have silent expectations on me and I can't clearly look at them in the eye, but this is my choice.

My family's journey hasn’t been easy. My mother is my constant strength, but I also carry the weight of my father’s actions. As a child, even small mistakes would make him angry — words and actions that left me feeling hurt and distant. I don’t hate him, but I hate what those moments did to me. Until now, I wish for change, but I cannot tell him these feelings face-to-face.

Because of these scars, I grew up learning how to stay silent. In family gatherings, I often hide my voice. I wish I could just be a child again — free, safe, and able to speak without fear. When arguments happen at home, I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, the pain inside me feels so heavy and I have this kind of action that I cannot handle myself that I want to grab things and throw it anywhere just to make them stop and I don't know I am like this I just cried until the pain is gone.

But even through all this, I have never thought of ending my life. I believe life is a gift, and I cannot throw it away. The struggles may be heavy, but my family — with all their flaws and love — is still my reason to keep moving. They are the light that reminds me to stand up again.

-NACH

No matter how hard life gets, I choose to keep going. I try to be strong—not just for myself, but also for those who believe in me. Sometimes, all we really need is rest. And yes, we deserve that—especially when we’ve been working so hard and carrying so much. When things feel too much, I pray. I read verses. Somehow, they help lighten the burden. I’m still adjusting—especially with school and everything else going on—but I keep moving forward, because I have goals I want to achieve. I refuse to let myself or my family down. To anyone who feels the same way: you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to rest. And most importantly—it’s okay to not be okay all the time. Let’s continue to support one another, break the stigma, and remind each other that there is always hope.

I grew up carrying not just my own pain, but also the silent cries of being the firstborn. Being “ate” meant I had to be strong even when I wanted to fall apart. I wiped away my tears in silence because I needed to show my siblings that life must go on. I buried my fears, my longing, and my brokenness just to protect my younger brother.

What makes it heavier is seeing my father—still holding on to a love that left us behind. Even he didn't tell us I can see it in his eyes. I hate that part of him, the part that still loves my mom despite the scars she gave us. And every time I see it, it makes me angry, because it feels unfair. Why do we have to suffer while she gets to walk away free? I feel hatred building up, because how can he still love the person who caused us so much pain?

There were nights I asked myself in silence: Why me? Why was I born if I was only meant to be abandoned? My heart ached for answers, but none ever came. All I had were the echoes of my own questions and the strength I was forced to build just to survive.

But in the middle of all this pain, I chose to rise. I became strong and independent, not because I wanted to, but because I had to. The struggles, the anger, the responsibilities, they all shaped me into who I am now. A woman who carries scars, yes, but also a woman who refuses to be broken.

— jas

- Padayon! Holy Crossians. ^^

If the winds of struggles is strong enough to blow you away, be stronger. That wind will pass by soon enough until it will calm down and vanish.

It's okay to give your self some time if ever you feel lost in this life. It's better to love yourself than loving someone. It may be not an easy road for you, but keep moving forward! Your progress doesn't need to be fast, take it slow. Slow yet consistent.

Struggling is inevitable because we are alive– we are living. Because we have life. For now you'll be questioning yourself but soon you'll realize why it happened.

This story shows that many who appear fine on the outside may be silently struggling within. Sometimes, the loudest laughter hides the deepest pain, and what makes the difference is one simple, genuine question that shows someone truly cares. It reminds us that courage can be found in small steps, like choosing to speak up, and that kindness can open the door to healing. During Suicide Prevention Month, we are called to listen without judgment, extend compassion, and create a community where no one feels they must face their battles alone.

Even when things feel heavy, every small step forward still counts. Be proud of yourself for trying — that’s already a win.

This Suicide Prevention Month, I choose to bring hope by starting conversations that matter. Even small acts of listening, understanding, and showing kindness can make a difference.

Through struggle, there is strength—and by sharing and supporting one another, we can build a society where no one feels alone.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

[33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

But life is full surprises. I'm now in my first year in college. Since turning 17, I met new friends who helped me heal myself. Felt grounded and actually got to feel what life is all about. I now appreciate myself more than anyone could do. I now know myself more than anyone who tried to. I am now myself—happy, and excited into what tomorrow is holding.

Knowing myself was actually the key to surpass the void that I have been feeling for years. Knowing what I want and actually standing with what I value is what helped me anchor myself to reality. Knowing myself helped me feel everything—the pain, sadness, happiness, and life. So try and know yourself more. Talk to yourself more. Look at yourself and smile. Appreciate yourself more. Speak kindly towards your reflection and your shadow. Accept who you are and if you want change, then change because no one really cares. People only cares for themselves, so care for yourself.

No more drama, I will just keep on trying my best everyday.

If someone asks, “How are you?” — be honest, even if it’s just a whisper, or a tear.

And if no one’s there to hear it, I’m here.

You’re not alone. Not now, not ever.

I CAN be strong, even when I feel weak.
I CAN speak up, even when it’s hard to find the words.
I CAN ask for help, and I CAN help others too.
I CAN choose hope, even in the darkest times.

Suicide is not the solution to pain — it is a permanent answer to temporary struggles. Every life has meaning, and every person has a story worth continuing. Sometimes, we all just need someone to listen, to care, and to remind us that we matter.

This month, let us all remember that our actions can save lives. A small act of kindness, a gentle word, or a sincere “How are you?” can make a big difference to someone who is silently suffering.
You never know who might need your light to guide them out of their darkness.

If you are struggling, please remember that you are not alone. There are people who love you, care about you, and want to see you heal. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to reach out. It’s okay to not be okay — because you CAN overcome this.

Let us stand together in hope and compassion. Let’s break the silence, end the stigma, and show the world that together, WE CAN make a change.

💛 I CAN live. I CAN love. I CAN hope. And I CAN keep going. 💛
Because your life matters — today, tomorrow, and always.

This title reflects the ache of being excluded, of watching connections form without you and carrying the quiet fear of being forgotten. But it also shows your resilience—the truth that even though you’ve been left out, you are still here, still moving forward, still searching for belonging without letting the past break you. It’s a reminder that your worth doesn’t disappear just because others failed to see it. Your story isn’t about being left—it’s about the strength you’ve built while finding your own place, even when it wasn’t freely given.

Sometimes I can say it's okay even though I know it's not really okay. You just say it's okay because no one will listen to you. Sometimes you beg for their attention, but they don't care about you, so who are you for them to pay attention to? Growing older, this is where I realized that no one can help you but yourself. Sometimes in life, you need to be alone because no one stays; everyone leaves and abandons you. But I am thankful because despite everything, God is there for me. Yes, I know that in our lives, problems are truly unavoidable, and we need someone to lean on. When you're very tired and you don't know where to rest, but it's okay, I know no one is willing to listen to my problems, but to tell God what I feel, what I want. Even if everything isn't okay, but when you surrender it to the Lord, you'll just wake up and everything will be okay. So I told myself that even if you have many problems, just pass through them, don't dwell on them.

#YOUMATTER!!🫶🏻🫶🏻

#EVERYTHINGSGONNABEALRIGHT!🫶🏻🫶🏻

There are days when I want to give up, but then I remember the sacrifices they made on my behalf. I recall the quiet support, the lengthy conversations, and the unspoken love. That’s what keeps me going.

Their belief in me reminds me to believe in myself. So I keep showing up, not just for my future but for the people who helped me dream it in the first place.

So listen closely: letting go of people may feel painful at first, but trust me—once you do, the peace and happiness you will experience are beyond anything you could ever imagine. It will be one of the most beautiful and liberating chapter of your life.

Sometimes, the pressure of competing with others and trying to meet expectations made me feel like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. There were nights I stared at my books, too tired to keep reading, but too anxious to stop.

College isn’t just about studying it’s about surviving the pressure, balancing everything, and trying not to lose yourself in the process. And while it scares me, I know that each challenge is shaping me into someone stronger than I was yesterday.

It's not bad to have a insecurities, sometimes its our inspiration to do better and help achieve our goals.