Discover Your Oracle Within
Written by Honey Joyce Puracan
Adolescents today often feel confined by the traditional definition of success—usually measured by academic competence and standardized tests. Many believe that if you excel in school, then you are gifted. Yet, this narrow and toxic perception often blocks our path toward self-actualization, which is the final stage of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
As the new generation progresses, teenagers are developing lower levels of resilience, and some fall into the belief that ending their lives will release them from the immense pain they are struggling with. This aligns with statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which report that 1 in 7 teenagers globally, aged 10–19, experience a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety among the leading causes of illness. In the worst cases, some have resorted to suicide.
Therefore, as we celebrate National Suicide Prevention Month, let us first strive to understand ourselves—and recognize why we should not be pressured academically.
Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences proposes that intelligence is not a single, general ability but rather a collection of distinct modalities. These intelligences are relatively independent and represent different ways individuals learn, process information, and demonstrate their capabilities.
Everyone has an innate gift; some discover it in their early years, while others develop it as time goes by. Gardner’s theory offers a liberating perspective: intelligence is not limited to intellectual capacity but is a collection of diverse abilities.
Being intelligent also means having a strong emotional quotient. This implies that we must accept the fact that life doesn’t end when we fail. Rather, failure can signal a new beginning. Perhaps you were simply in the wrong place—that’s why your light seemed dimmed. So, find your passion, nurture it, and embrace it instead of stressing yourself to become someone you were never meant to be.
In fact, there are people who are skilled in carpentry, masonry, artistry, music, acting, filmmaking, and other fields that most scholars cannot excel in. Yet, this does not mean we should neglect school. Education is still a priority. What is important is to understand that pushing yourself too hard may lead to negative thoughts.
Never take other people’s words to heart when they say, “Bobo ka!” They have no right to define you if you know your worth. Though we may fear what others think of us, we must find the courage to ignore them. As Lao Tzu once said, “Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner.”
By redefining success beyond academic achievements and embracing the diverse talents within us, we can build a resilient and compassionate community where every individual lives a fulfilling life. Let us pray and believe that we are destined to become better people—wiser than before and stronger than we ever expected.