The University Guidance and Counseling Services (GCS) and Information and Orientation Services Office held a Growth Session on Learning the Healthier Ways of Managing Stress to College of Medicine students at the UNP Auditorium on April 25, 2024.

The activity focused on addressing stress management of first year and second year Medicine students, especially that their chosen program requires so much of their time and focus.

Dr. Mariano Paterno F. Avila, director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, highlighted in his opening remarks that the session can provide students with “the information necessary to make responsible and intelligent decisions in personal, social, and academic pursuits.”

He also added that “the University provides students with the necessary support in their quest for excellence.”

Ms. Glenny Angelic B. Barrientos, guidance counselor, discussed the importance of managing stress and shared tips of overcoming them despite the tiredness and pressure of academics and their personal lives. Ms. Barrientos also said that students’ emotions matter and they should always have time to relax.

In addition, Dr. Rodel Rosario, guidance counselor of the Colleges of Engineering and Medicine, introduced to the students the guidance counselors of the different colleges. He assured that the GCS is open to all students who need counselling services and added that in the next academic year, a new GCS office will be at College of Medicine building so that the students who need counseling may have an easy access to the office. 

Growth sessions are designed to assist students to become successful learners. These learning sessions provide them the information necessary to make possible and intelligent decisions regarding their personal, social, academic, and vocational aspects. The GCS and IOS Office conducts different activities to address the consolidated concerns of students.

Article by Noelle Jnyx Tacas.