10 COMMANDMENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE STUDENTHOOD

Maybe you have heard about responsible parenthood. Though it is normally associated with family planning, responsible parenthood is all encompassing in terms of the responsibilities of parents. This includes responsibilities to have a manageable number of children. Parents should see to it that they are capable of providing their children with the basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and education. Attached to responsible parenthood is the mission entrusted to the parents by God as His co-creators and caretakers of His creation especially the children.

Responsible Studenthood is also all encompassing in terms of responsibilities of students. This includes managing responsibly their academic, physical, emotional, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual life. Many times we hear teachers reminding students to balance their academic life and social life. Students need to balance all the aspects of their life if they want to be successful. For example, a responsible student is one who performs well in his/her studies but at the same time maintains a good physical condition. How many students develop ulcer only because they are too lazy enough to cook, particularly those living in boarding houses? The school provides many opportunities to develop the students holistically. There are extra-curricular activities, clubs and organizations, and other opportunities which cater to other aspects of student’s life. Here are the 1o commandments that college/university students must follow if they want to become successful. 1. Put God as the center of your life. There are many challenges in college life, no doubt about it. However, God is always present and will always be. Do not forget to always turn to Him. Praise God every moment of your life. A happy and successful life lies in the loving embrace of God. 2. Do not use the name of God as your only shield. Do not be like those who trust in God for everything without doing anything. In whatever you do, push yourself to do better and always place yourself in the loving care and protection of God. 3. Keep the Sabbath day holy. While you are in school from Monday to Friday, and sometimes Saturday and Sunday, always find time to join your faith community in celebrating the Sabbath or the Lord’s day.

4. Remember the sacrifices and dreams of your parents. You are now in college and this is a rare opportunity because many of your contemporaries could not. Always put into your mind and heart that you are here because of the sacrifices of your parents. Make them as your inspiration and do not disappoint them. 5. Do not kill yourself. It might sound very rude but this is exactly what some students do. Keep yourself healthy. Eat the right food. Sleep regularly (8 hours/day). Exercise regularly. Always have a happy and positive disposition. In short, take good care of your body. Do not allow your body to suffer because of non essential things (smoking, drinking, drugs, etc.). Stay fit and healthy. 6. Do not enter into bad relationships. Be sure to know your friends/peers. Some friends can inspire and help you to succeed. Some would lead you to nowhere. Boyfriend/girlfriend relationship is not bad. However, if it becomes a hindrance to your study, that is different story. Be sure you are ready if your want to enter into serious relationships. Don’t allow your schooling to suffer because you spend more time with your boyfriend/girlfriend than studying. 7. Do not cheat. You are now in college because you have proven that you can do it. Don’t cheat during quizzes or examinations. Cheating is a way of degrading yourself. A student who cheats reveals a very bad image of himself/herself. What is a high grade when it is achieved through cheating? Prove yourselves worthy and keep your dignity intact by being honest in everything you do. 8. Do not criticize others. Be friendly and compassionate to all. Avoid criticizing your classmates, teachers and other people. Do not complain all the time. Try to question yourself first. You might be the problem and not others. While constructive criticism is healthy, try to be reflective before making remarks. 9. Do not covet the things that are not yours. Be respectful of other people and their possessions. Never claim an achievement that is not yours. Work for your success. 10. Don’t be too ambitious of material things. Be happy with what you have. If you cannot afford it, do not force yourself to buy things that are not needed. For example, do not be jealous and feel insecure when everybody has a cellular phone and you don’t have one. Know how to budget your money and spend it wisely.