The Academic Path of Group 8 in GE English

 The Academic Path of Group 8 in GE English

Ryza, Swaye, Funa

This collection of outputs under GE-ENGLISH 102 Functional Literacy Across Disciplines showcases how we, as students and future professionals, use our communication skills in meaningful and practical ways. From personal reflections to health advocacy and collaborative planning, each piece highlights how literacy goes beyond reading and writing—it becomes a tool for connection, change, and service.

BLOGSITE ENTRY 

"In our blog entries, we—Ryza, Swaye, and I—open up about what it truly feels like to be nursing students. We talk about the pressures we face, the purpose that keeps us going, and the small moments that give us strength. Through our stories, we want to show that behind every uniform is a real person—learning, growing, and striving to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives."

Time Management As a 1st Year Nursing Student

Ryza Lorraine Bautista

    As a first - year nursing student entering into second semester, I do need effective time management in my academic obligation balance and my own well-being. Lectures, along with the return demonstration that filled in my busy schedule, always keep me being proactive and being well-organized for any of my works. 

    I generally use my class schedules to manage my time, as they allow me to schedule certain times to study and finish my assignments. In order not to feel stressed in cramming and procrastination, I usually like to get things done ahead of time. Through this approach, I can better engage with the material and be less anxious during closing dates. 

    However, due to the sheer quantity of work assigned by my professors, I end up cramming even when I want to. This is true if several projects fall due almost at the same time. When I am at that point, I remind myself that I really have to stick to my attention to make effective use of the available time even though it sometimes get late into the night when working to get deadlines met. 

    To overcome this challenge, I try to break up more complex projects into manageable parts that I can work on one at a time. This approach allows me to feel like I am making progress even when I am short on time. This also helps us work together with classmates, we frequently exchange ideas and resources that make finishing assignments easier. 

    I understand the importance of self - care in conjunction with managing the academic workload. I make sure to schedule some downtime and exercises because it recharges my energies and refreshes me. Thus, I have to balance study time and self-care so that my mental health remains sound during this tough semester. 

    In summary, following my schedule and completing tasks ahead of time are the main components of my time management as a nursing student. Setting priorities and looking after myself will help me deal with the difficulties of my second semester.

Balancing the Nursing Clock: The Ultimate Time Management Guide for Student Nurses 

Alexza Swaye Castardo

    Being a nursing student is no joke. It’s not just challenging—it’s a marathon filled with countless hurdles, unexpected detours, and moments that push you to your absolute limits. Every day feels like a race against the clock. Between attending classes, completing clinical rotations, studying for exams, and managing endless assignments, it can feel impossible to keep up. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s life outside of school—family, friends, and personal responsibilities that demand your attention.

    Some days, it all feels like too much. I’ve had moments where I questioned how I could possibly manage it all. Time management became more than just a helpful skill for me—it became a lifeline. Learning to prioritize, stay organized, and manage my time effectively didn’t just help me survive nursing school; it allowed me to thrive in the chaos. Over time, I’ve discovered a few strategies that made a huge difference, and I want to share them with you.

1. Identify Time Wasters and Set Goals

    Let’s be honest—distractions are everywhere. With gadgets glued to our hands and endless notifications popping up, it’s so easy to lose track of time. I used to scroll through TikToks or Instagram, thinking I was taking a quick mental break. But those breaks often spiraled into lost hours, leaving me feeling even more stressed when I realized how much I still had to do. I knew something had to change. So, I asked myself two key questions:

• What’s stealing my attention?

• What can I do to stop it?

    For me, the culprits were notifications and the habit of mindlessly opening apps. To fix this, I turned off notifications for non-essential apps and set specific times to check my phone. I also started creating daily goal lists to stay focused on what needed to be done. These small changes made a huge difference in helping me stay productive and regain control of my time.

2. Plan Your Day with a To-Do List

    There’s something incredibly satisfying about crossing items off a to-do list. Planning ahead helps make even the busiest days feel manageable. I start each morning by listing everything I need to do and then prioritizing tasks based on deadlines or importance. Whether it’s a simple list or a detailed schedule, having a plan keeps me focused and helps prevent last-minute chaos.

3. Stick to a Routine

    Building a routine wasn’t easy at first, but it’s been a game-changer. I’ve created set times for studying, preparing meals, and even relaxing. Sticking to these routines has added structure to my day, making it easier to stay on track. Over time, these habits became second nature, and I no longer waste time figuring out when to start or finish tasks.

4. Use Your Time Wisely

    One technique I’ve found incredibly helpful is the Pomodoro method. By focusing on tasks in 25-minute bursts with short breaks in between, I’ve been able to stay productive without burning out. This simple system helps me manage my time effectively, especially during long study sessions.

5. Take It One Step at a Time

    Time management isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding what works for you. Small, intentional changes can have a big impact. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small—ask yourself what you can improve, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this, and remember, you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this journey together.

Time Management As a Nursing Student

Funa Bianca S. Ibo

    Managing time as a nursing student can be tough. There are so many things to do, like attending lectures, working on assignments, and balancing personal responsibilities. Sometimes it feels like there’s not enough time for everything. But over time, I’ve learned some strategies that help me stay on track and feel less overwhelmed.

    One of the most helpful things I do is prioritize my tasks. I always check my homework or to-do list and figure out what needs to be done first. I usually start with the assignments that are due soonest, so I don’t risk missing deadlines. If I have some free time, I try to work on the harder subjects or tasks first. This is because they take more time and focus, and I feel accomplished when the hardest part is done. After that, I can focus on the easier tasks.

    To keep track of my tasks, I don’t use anything fancy. I stick to the Notes app on my phone to list everything I need to do. It’s simple, and I’ve been using it for a long time, so I’m comfortable with it. Some students use other apps to stay organized, like digital planners or to-do list apps, but I like to keep things straightforward. I also have a Reminder app on my phone, but I don’t use it much because the Notes app works just fine for me.

    Taking care of myself is something I’m still learning to prioritize, but it’s really important. My self-care routine isn’t complicated. I make time to listen to my favorite music, take short walks outside, or watch shows that help me relax. Even small breaks like these make a big difference because they help me recharge after a long day of studying or attending clinicals.

    I’ll admit, I’m a procrastinator. I often find myself waiting until the last minute to start my tasks, which isn’t great for my stress levels. But I’ve noticed that when I’m under pressure, I get a lot of ideas and motivation to finish the work. Even though this works for me sometimes, I know it’s not a healthy habit, so I’m trying to change. I’ve started breaking big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and setting my own deadlines to help me stay ahead of schedule.

    One thing that keeps me motivated is an app called Medium. It’s full of articles about positivity, productivity, and personal growth. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or stuck, I open the app and read something inspiring. It reminds me of my goals and helps me stay focused on why I’m putting in all this effort. 

    Nursing school can feel like a lot, but it’s also a rewarding journey. Staying organized, finding time for self-care, and staying motivated have helped me get through the challenges. If you’re a student like me, I hope these tips and my experiences can help you find your own ways to manage time and succeed.

HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY LETTER

"These letters were written to speak up for important health concerns that affect so many in our communities. One calls for respect and acceptance of cultural differences in healthcare, pushing for a system that treats all patients fairly and equally. Another brings attention to the silent rise of chronic kidney disease, urging for more education, early detection, and support. The last letter focuses on the heartbreaking reality of child malnutrition, and the need for stronger action to fight it." 

LETTER #1

Ryza Lorraine Bautista

LETTER #2

Alexza Swaye Castardo

LETTER #3

Funa Bianca S. Ibo

VIRTUAL MEETING

"To turn our concern into action, we held a virtual meeting to plan a Fun Run for a Cause. The goal was simple but powerful—to raise awareness and funds for health issues that matter. The meeting was a space for sharing ideas, collaborating as a team, and finding ways to bring the event to life with purpose." 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

"The minutes of our virtual meeting capture everything we talked about—from the event details and roles we took on, to the goals we set moving forward. It serves as our reminder of the teamwork and dedication behind this initiative, and the shared hope to make a real impact through this event."

Minutes of the Meeting 

May 12, 2025 (Tuesday), 10:00 AM - 11:08 AM,
  Virtual Meeting (Online Platform)

Title of the Meeting: Fun Run for a Cause – Fundraising Meeting

Attendance: 

• Castardo, Alexza Swaye  - President 

• Ibo, Funa Bianca - Vice President 

• Bautista, Ryza Lorraine Medilo  - Secretary 

Call to Order:

   The meeting was called to order by the President at 10:00 AM. The Secretary led the opening prayer, seeking guidance and blessings for the success of the fundraising event.

Review and Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

   As this was the first meeting for the Fun Run for a Cause – Fundraising initiative, there were no previous minutes to review. The attendees acknowledged this and agreed to proceed without the need for approval.

Setting the Agenda

    1. Finalizing the event purpose and beneficiary.

    2. Organizing event logistics (date, venue, route, and registration).

    3. Promotion strategies and sponsorships.

    4. Roles and responsibilities.

Event Purpose and Beneficiary

• The purpose of the event was confirmed as raising funds for cancer patients.

• The idea of setting up a designated fund for cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford care was discussed and agreed upon. 

• The local cancer treatment center was chosen as the primary beneficiary.

Organizing Event Logistics

• Proposed Date: A Saturday morning was suggested to maximize community participation, with a tentative target in early

• Proposed Venue: Local park by the river, known for its accessible and safe running route.

• Registration Process: The Secretary will develop an online registration form to streamline participant sign-ups.

• Registration Fee: The fee will cover event essentials such as race bibs, hydration, and first aid supplies. Any remaining funds will go directly toward the fundraising cause.

• Volunteer Coordination: Attendees discussed assigning volunteer roles, including route marshals, first aid responders, and hydration station managers.

• Safety and Support: Plans include setting up water stations at regular intervals, coordinating with local health personnel for on-site support, and ensuring clear signage throughout the route for participant safety.
  
  

Promotion Strategies and Sponsorships

• It was agreed to promote the event through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as through school bulletin boards and community channels.

• A promotional video will be produced, highlighting the stories of cancer patients, survivors, and their families to create emotional impact and raise awareness.

• The Secretary will be responsible for designing promotional posters and creating digital content for online sharing.

• Local businesses will be approached for sponsorship opportunities. In return, sponsors may have their logos featured on event T-shirts, banners, and other promotional materials.
  
  

Assigning Roles and Responsibilities

• President: Responsible for securing necessary permits, maintaining communication with the partner hospital or beneficiary, and coordinating with sponsors.

• Vice President: In charge of volunteer recruitment and coordination, overseeing logistics on the day of the event, and managing the registration process.

• Secretary: Handles all promotional efforts, designs event materials, and keeps track of planning progress and deadlines.
  
  

Adjournment

  The meeting was adjourned at 11:08 A.M. The attendees expressed their commitment to the success of the Fun Run for a Cause initiative and agreed to reconvene at the next scheduled planning meeting on May 25, 2025.