25/10/2024
It's a wrap! ๐
The first day of the event is done, and even though it's just our first day in Manila, it felt like a week because we truly enjoyed listening to different influential speakers, recognised as some of the world's best.
The day kicked off with Mr. Santaner T. Iray, who spoke about "Finding Rest Within: How to Manage Happiness?" He emphasized that happiness should not be something we seek in the people around us, but rather something we cultivate within ourselves. His message reminded us that inner peace and self-awareness are key to true happiness, and we should not rely solely on external sources for our emotional well-being.
The second speaker, Mr. Aldrine F. Anzures, delivered a powerful talk entitled "Mind the Gap: Bridging Aspirations to Better Mental Health in the Philippines." He pointed out that one of the reasons mental health issues persist is the lack of political attention. This lack of focus leads to insufficient awareness and support, leaving many individuals ill-equipped to handle mental health challenges. He urged the audience to advocate for stronger policies and better mental health education.
Furthermore, Ms. Jarina K. Sandhu, the President of the Student Y Club, was selected among all the participants to give her response to the talks. She highlighted that Mental health issues are very rampant nowadays, with many students grappling with the pressure to succeed in everything they do. Itโs not just about being able to succeed, the expectation is that they must succeed, no matter what. This mentality is unhealthy. We need to stop burdening one another with impossible expectations. It's difficult enough to fight when you're battling your own mind.
She added, "As a student leader, I believe the best thing we can do is to be someoneโs safe space, someoneโs comfort zone. I want to remind everyone that it's okay to pause, rest, and ask for help when needed. Lastly, in this world full of noise, let us be the voice for the voiceless. By doing so, we are not only helping to reduce mental health issues, but we are also saving lives. Learn to fight and let your faith be louder than your fears."