Guidance Seminar 2026

Summary

The seminar emphasized that mental and emotional well-being is an essential part of college life—not something to set aside while pursuing academic success. Guided by Caritas (compassionate care), students were encouraged to care for themselves and one another, recognize their limits, and seek support when needed. The central reminder was that a person’s worth is greater than their grades, achievements, or future profession.

Key Wellness and Productivity Strategies

• Check in with yourself regularly. The speaker used a traffic-light model:
  • Green: Coping well.
  • Yellow: Under stress but managing.
  • Orange: Stress is becoming more serious, such as persistent lack of sleep or difficulty functioning.
  • Red: Serious distress, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or substance-related problems. Seek professional help.
• Use practical ways to manage stress. Examples included walking, exercising, managing time, listening to music, dancing or singing, spending time with pets, and talking with family or friends.
• Make room for rest. Sleep, pauses, stretching, and relaxing tense muscles were presented as important parts of maintaining well-being. Students were encouraged to prioritize their responsibilities while still making time to recover.
• Set meaningful goals and keep going through setbacks. The speaker advised students to define what they are working toward, believe they can make progress, and view difficulties as obstacles that can build resilience rather than proof of failure. Prayer and faith were also described as sources of guidance and strength.
• Be compassionate toward yourself. A disappointing grade or difficult semester does not define your value. Recognize your limitations, emotions, and need for rest rather than being excessively self-critical.
• Show care through small, sincere actions. Ask classmates how they are doing, listen, and check in if someone seems unusually quiet or overwhelmed. If a group member is falling behind, approach them privately to understand what is happening and offer support instead of immediately excluding or blaming them.
• Ask for help when coping strategies are not enough. Contact trusted people, campus support services, or mental health professionals. Seeking help was framed as a responsible act, not something to be ashamed of. The speaker described professional consultations as confidential.
• Treat AI as limited support, not a substitute for human care. AI tools may provide information and be available at any time, but they do not offer human empathy or observe nonverbal cues. The speaker recommended human support when someone needs careful listening or professional assessment.
• Avoid judging someone who does not respond well to your advice. They may be dealing with difficulties of their own. Try a different time or approach, ask how they are doing, and seek support from someone else if needed.
• Build connection gradually. For people who find it hard to open up, the speaker suggested starting with a trusted friend, practicing sharing, and participating in caring or service-oriented activities.

Support Services

The seminar identified the university’s Guidance Office and Student Wellness Services as sources of support. The discussion also mentioned the university clinic’s free consultation service, held on the first Friday of the month at the College of Medicine, second floor, as well as external mental health services. Attendees were told that further contact information would be shared through the student mental health council.

Closing Message

The closing remarks connected well-being to the values of Caritas (love and compassion), Unitas (unity and community), and Veritas (truth and honest self-awareness). Students were encouraged to work toward excellence without sacrificing their health and to remember that they do not have to face challenges alone.

Presenters and Sources

• Dr. Maria Ruth A. Bordado — Seminar speaker
• Ron Gloria Mendoza and Lucas San Gabriel Arma — Hosts
• Rona Ray Mendoza — Icebreaker facilitator
• Sister Flora May Valhera, OSA — Welcome remarks
• Mr. Jose Paulo Espinosa — Opening prayer
• Dr. J. Mark Santos — Closing remarks
• Source: Guidance Seminar 2026 subtitles from La Consolacion University Philippines