The add-on

I was always told to think ahead and always be ready for life after graduation. Study well, establish good connections, and build up a good résumé.

Entering college, I thought of different ways to stand out. Maybe getting high grades wasn’t good enough anymore. Maybe I needed to up my game. And that’s when I thought joining extra-curricular activities was the way to go. Since everyone was focusing solely on their academics, why not try to balance both academics and have a bit of fun by joining various organizations?

I joined as many as I could during DLSU’s annual recruitment week and ended up being a member of about five organizations. How did it go? Well, let’s just say that although I was able to organize at least one event per organization, I realized that I wasn’t really enjoying it. Now don’t get me wrong here. It wasn’t like the activities were boring—it’s just that it wasn’t what I had expected it to be.

First term passed and I started having a really hard time coping with my org duties and academics. I would always find myself too tired to do anything, which really took a toll on my grades. I then realized that maybe I was doing all these things for the wrong reasons. I was too focused on doing something that can be put in my résumé instead of just enjoying what should be the four best years of my life.

Relevant but not fulfilling. Yes, joining different organizations gives you an edge but then don’t overdo it by spreading yourself too thin or doing it just because you have to. You go and join that organization because you see yourself there growing as an individual. You go and join because you think you’ll enjoy and meet new people there.

And the rest—as in including it in your résumé? It’s just an add-on. That thing that you organized just happens to be “résumé-worthy.”

There is no need to force yourself to do more than you can and do what you don’t want because you have to. Besides, companies don’t base everything on your résumé. While doing well in school helps you become successful, it is hard work, grit, and perseverance that will be the ones to carry you to the top.

Just a few weeks ago, I passed my résumé to several companies where I plan on interning. I’ve decided to just list down the important and fulfilling things that I’ve done so far in my stay here in La Salle, the ones I joined because I thought I did well and has helped me grow and develop. Now, I’m excited and anxiously waiting for my interview, which is two days from now.

Bottom line is, we must learn how to once in a while re-evaluate our current situation. Are the things that you are doing right now making you happy? Are you living in the moment and enjoying what you’re doing? Ask yourself what’s the purpose of it all. If you’re not contented with it, then change it—regardless of how your résumé will look.