Life as a first-year college student hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been a journey. My name is Dylan Steven Azada, a 19-year-old student studying at Mariners in Canaman while living in Del Carmen, Sagñay. Every day, I experience how challenging it is to balance everything—school, responsibilities, and my personal life. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, like everything is happening at once, and I’m just trying to keep up.
Being in college made me realize that things are different now. I have to be more independent, more responsible, and more aware of my choices. It’s not always easy, especially when the pressure from academics and expectations starts to build. But I’m learning to take things one step at a time.
Outside of school, I find comfort in the things I love doing. I enjoy cycling, running, and hiking. These activities help me clear my mind and give me a break from stress. When I’m out there—on the road or on a trail—I feel free. It reminds me that life isn’t just about pressure and deadlines, but also about enjoying the moment and taking care of myself.
There are days when I feel motivated and confident about my future, but there are also times when I feel lost and unsure. And I’ve learned that it’s okay. Not everything has to be figured out right away. What matters is that I keep going, even when things get tough.
I may not have everything planned yet, and my life isn’t perfect, but I’m trying. I’m learning more about myself every day—my strengths, my limits, and what truly makes me happy. This phase of my life is not just about success, but about growth.
At the end of the day, I remind myself that this is my own journey. I don’t need to rush or compare myself to others. I just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time.