LIFE SKILLS: UNLOCKING ONE’S POTENTIAL IN A CHANGING WORLD

By: Noah R. Lobitaña

Recently, while scrolling my Tiktok feed, I stumbled across a video discussing the possible role of
AI (artificial intelligence) in the future. The speaker confidently claimed that AI will take over most of the
job opportunities and positions from humans in almost all aspects of industries such as in Food,
Agriculture, BPO, Finance, Marketing, Medicine, and etc. Our world is changing at an unprecedented
rate, with automation and new technology transforming the job market. It is projected that 85% of jobs
that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet, making it imperative that you must possess the
necessary LIFE SKILLS to adapt in the new market.

My dear friends let me ask you these questions:

1. Should we be hesitant of Change?

My answer is NO, simply because change is inevitable. Whether you like it or not, change is the only
constant in this world. Change can either have positive or negative effects, so it's important to weigh the
potential risks and benefits before making a decision. However, being overly hesitant and resistant to
change can also lead to missed opportunities for growth and improvement.

2. Should we be frightened of what the future holds?

Again, my answer is NO, we must not be frightened of the future instead we must embrace it
because it is the only way forward. It is natural to feel some fear about the unknown and uncertain
future. However, it's important to avoid letting fear paralyze us from taking action. Instead, we should
focus on preparing for and adapting to potential changes, while also working towards creating a better
future not only for ourselves but for the future generations as a whole.

In this fast-paced and ever-changing world, it is imperative to have the necessary skills that can help
you succeed in whatever career path you choose. With all the advancements in technology, the
increasing societal demands, plus you will not only compete with humans alone just like before but with
AI this time, academic intelligence alone cannot guarantee your success.

Today, I want to talk to you about life skills and how important they are in shaping your future. Life
skills are the abilities that allow you to adapt and communicate effectively in different situations, both
personally and professionally. These skills are essential for nurturing your creativity, becoming more
resilient, and expanding your opportunities in life

Our education system has realized the criticality of these skills and has made them an integral part
of the curriculum through the K to 12 TLE program. By including courses on Entrepreneurship, ICT, Home
Economics, and Agriculture, you are learning how to be resourceful, creative, and productive in different
areas of your life.

Learning life skills is not just limited to what you acquire from your textbooks or in the four corners
of the classroom. It also involves observing and learning from real-life experiences around you. Learning
how to budget your finances, cooking yourself a nutritious meal, doing laundry, learning new languages,
and adapting to different cultures are some of the essential life skills you need to learn. However, it is
equally important to realize that there are many other life skills that are equally important too in
expanding your opportunities and making you more valuable in the workforce in the future. I have listed
some of the important life skills that TLE students like you need to unlock to be future-proof in a rapidly
changing world.

1. Problem-solving skills: As TLE students you can improve your problem-solving skills by
developing your ability to analyze situations, identify potential solutions, and choose the best
course of action. TLE subjects like computer programming, electronics, and automotive
technology involve identifying and solving problems to create a functional product or system.
2. Communication skills: Effective communication skills are essential in the modern workplace. As
TLE students you should learn to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally
and in writing. This can be achieved through activities like debates, presentations, and report
writing.
3. Time management: With modern technology making our lives increasingly fast-paced, as TLE
students you need to develop strong time management skills to ensure that you can balance
your academic, personal and career responsibilities. TLE classes can teach time management
techniques and strategies to students.
4. Adaptability: As TLE students you need to be adaptable to keep up with the fast-paced changes
in technology and industry. TLE courses is structured to teach you how to stay open-minded and
flexible, to cope with change.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration: Many TLE careers require workers to work cooperatively and
collaboratively in teams to meet project goals. In TLE classes, you can learn teamwork skills by
working on group projects, participating in class discussions, and sharing ideas.
6. Entrepreneurial skills: As TLE students you can develop your entrepreneurial skills like
innovation, leadership, and risk management essential for future entrepreneurs. They can utilize
TLE courses to develop technical skills relating to business and management

To develop these skills, you need to start by identifying your strengths and areas of weakness, then
focus on improving them. You can also consider taking online courses, attending TESDA courses, or
participating in workshops to expand your knowledge and skills. Remember, developing life skills isn't
just about making yourself valuable to an employer; it's also about improving yourself as a person.
These skills will help you build confidence and self-awareness, become more independent, and develop
interpersonal relationships.

Having strong life skills means you are better equipped to handle any situation with grace and
professionalism, whether in your personal or professional life in the future. Moreover, these skills will
enable you to explore diverse industries and thrive in any setting or challenges you find yourself.

In conclusion, the world expects more than academic qualifications. Therefore, be proactive in
developing your Life Skills, identify your strengths, and nurture them to unlock your potential. As TLE
students, you have already taken the first step towards unlocking your potential, and it's upon you to
keep developing these skills continually. Keep learning, keep practicing, and never forget that you have
the ability to succeed and make an impact.