Rio D.
Almirol
BSSW – 1st Year
WHAT MAKES YOU, YOU?
Instruction: Write a 2-paragraph reflective essay on your own self-concept and
positive outlook of life, using CERA format.
My self-concept is shaped by how I understand my strengths, values, and the
way I respond to life’s challenges. I have learned through my experiences that I grow
the most when I acknowledge both my abilities and my flaws. These moments,
whether I succeed in a task or recover from a failure, help me see myself more
clearly and accept who I am becoming. As I reflect on these experiences, I realize
that my identity is not based only on what I achieve but also on how I choose to learn,
improve, and treat the people around me. Because of this understanding, I now
apply a more compassionate view of myself by allowing space for mistakes,
celebrating small progress, and staying committed to becoming a better version of
who I was yesterday.
Having a positive outlook in life means choosing hope and purpose even when
things feel uncertain. I have encountered difficult days when stress, pressure, and
self-doubt made me question my worth. However, overcoming these struggles has
taught me to stay grounded and appreciate the good that still exists around me. As I
reflect on these challenges, I understand that positivity is not pretending everything
is fine. Instead, it involves deciding to face hardships with courage and gratitude.
With this understanding, I apply positivity in my daily life by focusing on solutions
rather than problems, surrounding myself with supportive people, and reminding
myself that every struggle is temporary and can be transformed into an opportunity
for growth.
Rio D. Almirol
BSSW – 1st Year
REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Instruction: Write a short reflection essay with the following guided question: A time
when you witnessed or practiced pagkamaka-Diyos in your lives; and The impact
that it had made influenced you and to others.
There was a time in my senior high school years when I witnessed pagkamaka-
Diyos during one of our outreach activities, and it left a deep mark on me. Our class
visited a small community to distribute school supplies and prepare simple meals for
children. Before we started, one of my classmates quietly gathered the children in a
circle and led a short prayer. It was not something planned, yet everyone joined with
sincerity. In that moment, I saw pagkamaka-Diyos expressed not only through prayer but
also through the willingness to serve, to share what we had, and to recognize God’s
presence in the act of helping others. The atmosphere felt peaceful, and it reminded me
that faith becomes more meaningful when it is lived out through kindness and
compassion.
The impact of that experience stayed with me as I moved into college, especially now
that I am taking NSTP under the Civic Welfare Training Service. I realized that
pagkamaka-Diyos is not limited to religious rituals. Instead, it is shown when we treat
people with respect, when we use our abilities to uplift others, and when we choose to
act with integrity even when no one is watching. This insight influenced me to be more
mindful in my actions, particularly when teaching or assisting younger learners. I now
approach my responsibilities with patience, humility, and a desire to serve with a sincere
heart. I also noticed that when I practice these values, others around me become more
inspired to do the same. In this way, pagkamaka-Diyos creates a ripple effect,
encouraging a community where faith is seen through genuine service. This experience
continues to shape how I view my role as a student and as a future servant of the
community.
Rio D. Almirol
BSSW – 1st Year
As Social Work students, we are trained to value service, compassion, and
responsibility. This activity helped us put these values into action. It made me
understand that community service does not always need to be big or grand. Even a
simple clean-up drive can create a meaningful impact, especially when it is done with
sincerity and cooperation. Through this experience, I learned the importance of
caring not only for people but also for the environment that surrounds us. Clean
surroundings reflect discipline, order, and respect for others who use the same
space. On the same day, we also attended a bombing drill held within the university.
The activity was brief but informative, and it reminded us about the importance of
safety and preparedness during emergencies.
As a Bachelor of Science in Social Work student, I have always believed that serving
others is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a student. Choosing the Literacy
Training Service as my component in the National Service Training Program has
allowed me to experience how education and service can work hand in hand. One of
the memorable activities we had was the clean-up activity conducted on September
27, 2025, in front of the Eco Hall at Caraga State University. It was a simple task, yet
it taught us lessons that go beyond the classroom.
In these photos, my classmates and I are seen cleaning the area by picking up
garbage, removing dry grass, and collecting waste materials to make the
surroundings look more organized. We worked together as one team, sharing
responsibilities and helping one another finish the task. The morning sun was warm,
and the work was quite tiring, but the spirit of teamwork and unity kept us going.
Each of us played an important role in maintaining cleanliness, and it made me
realize how small acts can contribute to a cleaner and more pleasant environment
for everyone.
It made me aware that being a responsible student also means being ready to
respond calmly and wisely in unexpected situations. This entire day taught me that
service comes in many forms. Cleaning, participating in drills, and working with
classmates all help in shaping us to become more disciplined and community-
oriented individuals. I realized that NSTP- CWTS is not only about literacy or
teaching but also about building character and awareness among students. It
encourages us to take action and be part of something that benefits others. Overall,
this experience made me proud to be an CWTS student under the Social Work
program. It strengthened my sense of duty and love for service. The lessons I
learned from this activity will surely guide me as I continue my journey toward
becoming a future social worker who values both people and the environment