JH CERILLES STATE COLLEGE

Guidance Counselors Corner

The Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO) is most concerned about you,
graduating student. We wish to give you more about employment strategies and
coaching but we are all in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic where social
distancing is required. Nevertheless, we continue to serve and reach out to you
before you go and enter the world of employment. Hence, we are encouraging you
to answer the following self-care assessment and exit interview questions:
1. How are you? /Kumusta ka?

Despite of having this pandemic i’m doing good so far.

2. As a graduating student, please write your lived experiences or short story

amidst COVID-19 Pandemic including your problems, worries, thoughts,
feelings and behaviors.

As a graduating student, my experience during this pandemic is not so really

good because there are a lot of changes happens especially going outside
and I have limitations when and where to go.

3. What are your coping strategies or ways in overcoming difficulties amidst

COVID-19 pandemic?

I just making myself busy for my requirements and watching movies with
my siblings.

4. What are your significant learnings about yourself while being confronted
by the situation?

I learned that obeying government is much better to avoid any problems.

5. What three things/situations/ persons you are grateful about during the
pandemic?
 I was so very grateful for all the frontliners all over the world for their
sacrifices to us.

6. Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your career
plans?

I can see myself having a successful life and teaching students who really
need learnings.

7. This time, think about important values/skills/abilities you have acquired

and developed during your stay in the campus that you can use in your
career plans or aspiration after graduation?

I will teach my students that obeying rules and regulations are very
important for us people and helping others is also needed especially for
those people who really need our help.

8. Are you satisfied about your stay in your department or in this college?
(Yes/No) Why?

Yes, staying for 4 years in my department and in college was the most
memorable and enjoyable days i’ve encountered in my life.

9. What can you suggest to help improve our services in the college and
studentry?

All I can suggest is to improve more the rules and regulations in every
programs especially when it comes to the attendance I suggest the fastest
and easiest way.

Thank you for answering the self-help questions. This will guide you in navigating
your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as you continue your life journey. Practice
daily reflection and make use of Gratitude Journal. These tools will help you
become mindful about yourself, the people around you, and your goals in life.
Brace yourself with growth-mindset instead of fixed-mindset.
We hope that you will continue to connect with us through the following
TeleCareline:
0916-617-7143
0912-176-4706
0907-870-8154
Email address:
gco@jhcsc.edu.ph

Please don’t forget to like and communicate with us through this Facebook
page/messenger (Note: This is compulsory as job/career opportunities will be
posted in this page):
JH Cerilles State College Guidance and Counseling Office

Should you wish to access job opportunities in advance, please visit Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) site:
1. http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/index.php/more/182-www-philjobnet-gov-ph-is-new-home-of-gov
ernment-s-official-job-portal
2. https://www.philjobnet.gov.ph/

To assess your ​psychological strengths​

, access
https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register

Your Guidance Counselors:

MOIBE F. OLITRES, RGC
JULIET M. BONTUYAN, RGC
CATHERINE D. CABAL, Rpm
Strengths in the Time of Coronavirus
BY MARY JUDD
Retrieved from: ​https://www.viacharacter.org/topics/articles/strengths-in-the-time-of-coronavirus

At ​SongwritingWith:Soldiers​ we use collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and

strengths. Why? Because writing songs can change lives, and being creative, feeling connected and
using our strengths is good for us.

● Creativity broadens our view of what is possible (builds hope)

● Connections build community (strengthen bonds, combat loneliness)
● Strengths build confidence and resilience (allow us to grow, inspire and support others)

Each of these items are critically important during challenging times, like now, as we deal with the
coronavirus. And, one in particular, ​strengths​, can feed the others. Research shows that when we use
our strengths we boost positive emotions – and when we do that, we feel more energy, more inspired,
more favorably about life. In other words, strengths fuel us forward.

So, let’s zero in on ways we can intentionally use our strengths to help ourselves and those around
us. Here are some ideas, framed around the 24 VIA Strengths. Take a look at the list below. Try any
of the suggestions for yourself. Share the list with family and friends. We have much to gain by
combating this challenge with an infusion of our strengths. (And, read to the end to see what
coincidence occurred when I finished writing this piece!)

24 Ways to Use Your Strengths

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence​: Go on a beauty hunt wherever you are. Look at or think of
your favorite masterpiece – a painting, a building, a song, a garden, a flower, your dog’s eyes, your
clean bathroom. Revel in the beauty and excellence! Whenever you need a boost, look around, or
look within. Discover the awe.

Bravery​: Bravery comes in many forms. Sometimes it is summoned like a warrior. Other times, like
a shy child it needs a nudge from within. Look for ways that you, or those around you, are leaving a
personal comfort zone, pushing boundaries for a purpose you believe in.

Love​: Think about someone you care about. If possible, let them know you love them, now! Take
time to write a note, give details about why you love this person and care about them. Deliver it to
them, or read it to them. In return, when others are giving you love, kindness, accept it with an open
heart — as you would want them to do with you!

Creativity​: Make something by hand today. Whether it is a meal or a birthday card, create something
new. If ideas come easily to you, push yourself in a new direction. Right before you are about to do
something, consider if there is a different way it can be done. Have fun with this approach. Filled
with ideas? Consider this list of strengths and come up with more applications for yourself and
others. Share them.

Curiosity​: What is something you have always wondered about? Make a list of your questions and
then dive in! Search for answers online, or better yet, ASK SOMEONE who might know the answer.
Watch a documentary about something new to you. Feed your curious mind!
Fairness​: Do you have a cause that speaks to your heart? Write about why it matters to you. How
can you help bring more awareness to this cause? Need inspiration? Read a biography of one of your
activist role models, or watch an old courtroom drama like “Perry Mason” with short, compelling
legal trials.

Forgiveness​: Take some time and think about this. Is there someone you are ready to forgive? If so,
send them a note. If YOU are the one who needs self-forgiveness, this is a good time to give yourself
props for the things you have done well, for trying hard to do what is right, for all the things you have
done for others. It is important to give ourselves genuine love and care, too.

Gratitude​: What/Who are you SO grateful for today? What would you really miss if it were not
around? Make a list – in writing or in your mind. Think about all of the people involved in getting
you what you need. Take time to appreciate how many things we have that have been created and
cared for by so many people working hard. Think about your body and all it does for you – how hard
it works for you.

Honesty​: Try saying only what you really mean. Is it easy? Difficult? Watch a movie about one of
your heroes. Look for ways that they are true to themselves. Or watch a movie like Being There
about a man who is 100% honest, yet others only hear what they want to hear from him.

Hope​: What makes life worth living? This is one of the great questions of the ages. What examples
do you see around you? In history? Literature? Music? Find examples of how things have gotten
better after tough times? What books, movies, songs inspire you? Make a list. Share it with others.
Ask others for their list. Keep it handy!

Humility​: Act for the action’s sake, not accolades. You work behind the scenes, keeping things
running smoothly. What do you see that needs tending? Someone needing help who is afraid to ask?
Find ways to help them get what they need with minimal exposure.

Humor​: People need to laugh and lighten up, even in heavy times! If humor and playfulness come
naturally to you, you have a lot to offer others to help find some release. Share jokes, ask your
friends or others in the community about their favorite comedies. Watch them. Play games, like
Charades, that get you moving. One of the benefits of learning to not take ourselves TOO seriously is
laughter, which is GOOD for our bodies and our souls.

Judgment​: Facing an issue, a challenge? What’s the first answer that comes to mind? What’s the
next? What might be missing in your assumption? Find another way to view the situation. Need
inspiration? Watch a movie like “Sliding Doors” that takes multiple viewpoints.

Kindness​: Is there someone in your house or neighborhood who could use a little help? What can
you do for them? Large or small. If no one comes to mind, try an anonymous gesture like allowing
someone to go ahead of you in line at the gas station.

Leadership​: Is it time for you to step up and take the lead? Are you good at guiding others to step
out and take part? Whether at home, at work or in a public setting that calls for action (or calm)
leaders are needed. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” said Gandhi. If you are in a
position to lead, you can help others do what they need in these challenging times. Organize
volunteer chains, facilitate open discussions, help others set and achieve goals. Share your tips with
others. Celebrate team victories.

Love of Learning​: Do a deep dive into something you are passionate about. Learn more! (This is
different than curiosity, which can jump from one thing to the next without judgement; this is diving
into one topic and learning much more about it.)

Perseverance​: Is there a project or something else you have been meaning to finish? This is the time
to devote to it! Set the timer and finish one of your items on your To-Do list. Or, if diligence is a
natural strength of yours, combine this strength with kindness and help someone else finish their
task!

Perspective​: Is there an area that you know well and feel confident sharing? Do you have insights or
resources that might help others? Is there a forum where you can share your perspective with others?
Find a place to share this experience and expertise with others who may benefit. You might also find
some new people to share this interest with!

Prudence​: Aha! In this time of coronavirus, it is extremely valuable to use the strength of prudence
and caution. What are those extra steps you need to protect yourself and others? Read guidelines
from global experts. Share what you learn. If these strengths come naturally to you, find ways to
make it super easy to be clean and careful. Help others be mindful, too. Think of the long-term
reasons why caution pays. Share your insights.

Self-Regulation​: This strength is one of the most challenging for many of us. Set reminders on your
phone so you remember to do what is good for you like washing your hands, drinking plenty of
water, meditating for stress relief. Be sure to add time for the things that feed your mind/body/soul to
keep your entire being in good shape. Share your ideas and tools with others.

Social Intelligence​: Read the situation. Who is around you? How are they doing? Are things running
OK? Is there anything you can do to assist if help or changes are needed? If all is smooth, feed this
strength of yours with a novel or movie with complex characters. Harriet the Spy is a young adult
novel with a heroine who misreads many of the people around her. Juno is a movie about a
16-year-old female who reads those around her with astute maturity.

Spirituality​: Take time to look at the bigger picture. Think about how we are all part of something
bigger than ourselves. What gives you comfort? Religious texts? Meditation? A nature walk? Find
time to connect with your soul and whatever makes you feel connected to others, to life and/or God.

Teamwork​: Pitch in. Share. Encourage those around you— or far away – who are needing support.
This is a time for connecting and working together to build strength and hope. Enjoy being part of a
team working for the greater good.

Zest​: Put your energy to use! Combine your pleasures. Choose a few of your favorite songs, play
them, dance! Ask others around you to do the same and have a happy dance party — gather together
on a video sharing platform like FaceTime or Zoom. (Thank you for this idea, Josh Geartz!) Always
take time to DO something that makes you feel good – that good feeling is contagious!
Remember, we each possess all of these strengths. We use some more naturally than others. These
are considered our signature strengths and when we intentionally use them, we feel more energized.
Now, there’s a win/win.

We need all the energy and positive action we can get these days. If you would like to learn more
about strengths and identify your own Signature Strengths, ​take the free VIA Survey​ and get a list
of your 24 strengths in order, based on your personal values and responses. Then, get busy putting
them to work!

A Letter from the Founder and Chairman ​ VIA Institute of Character

March 24, 2020

United in Strengths

At a time like this I am reminded more than ever how connected the world is, and I
am encouraged by our capacity as individuals and a community to support one
another. So first let me ask, ​how are you doing​
? I hope you will take a moment to
reflect on this with honesty.

Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone. In this time of great uncertainty, your
character strengths—the positive parts of your personality that impact how you
think, feel and behave—are also here to help guide you. All you need to do is tap
into these strengths. ​(Want to learn your strengths? The ​VIA Survey​ is available
for free, worldwide, so adults and youth can discover what is best in them.)

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY

Without your usual routines, you may be wondering what to do while social
distancing or quarantining. Your unique ​strengths​are a great tool to help! Below
are a few research-backed tips to activate your character strengths to uplift you and
those around you.

● Create Social Connection​ . We are social beings at our core, so social

isolation runs the risk of leading to meaningful psychological distress. While
these physical measures are necessary for our health, we still have the
opportunity to stay connected. Try applying your strengths
of ​love​and ​kindness​to stay in touch—and keep in mind that hearing a
voice and seeing a face can enhance connectedness above and beyond
texting.
 ● Maintain Healthy Relationships​ . The flip side of social isolation is that
many people will be isolated together, creating a forced physical closeness
that can cause distress. For healthy relationships, we all need to regulate our
closeness and distance from each other. Before reacting to someone’s
request for “personal space,” try applying your strength of ​social
intelligence​to consider their needs and emotions. Now, more than ever, we
can be more generous in offering each other allowances for time out from
one another.

● Try New Hobbies​ . Many recreational activities such as going to restaurants,

movies, gyms, concerts, etc. are currently restricted and not options for
managing our stress via relaxation. Your strength of ​creativity​can help you
think of alternate ways to continue to find enjoyment, exercise, and calm
your mind and body. Or use your strength of ​curiosity​to learn new things or
try a new hobby. ​Research has shown​that learning something new is an
effective way to manage stress.

● Find the Silver Lining​ . Now is a time for ​hope​that the virus will become
reasonably contained, and effective treatment for the illness and
immunization against it will come sooner than later. Character strengths are
forged in the cauldron of stress and challenge, and help us get through
difficult times. As we await better news, we can broaden our focus beyond
the virus without diminishing its impact. Turn to your strengths
of ​perseverance​and ​love of learning​to work on projects you may now
have time to attend to. Don’t set aspirations aside. Try to keep forward
progress when you can.

I hope these words have provided some encouragement and comfort. On behalf of
all of us at the VIA Institute on Character, we are here for you. Let’s be kind to
ourselves and one another.

Neal Mayerson, Ph.D., Chairman of the VIA Institute

Retrieved from: ​https://www.viacharacter.org/covidletter