Living Life as a Youth: “My Religious and Student Nurse Life”

“Kapoy ba nga nursing ka ug youth pod?”

This is a question I often hear when sharing a cup of coffee with a youth member or parent. Truthfully, yes, it is tiring. I don’t want to sound hypocritical—balancing nursing school and youth ministry is a challenge that demands genuine commitment.

Imagine this: I am both a youth leader in our chapel and a group leader in one of my major subjects. From Monday to Wednesday, I wake up at 3:30 AM because classes start at 5 AM and end at 2 PM. Some days, classes begin at 2 PM and run until 10 PM, meaning I get home by 11 PM or midnight. Wednesdays are particularly hectic with long quizzes to tackle.

From Thursday to Saturday, I focus on manuscripts, case analysis reviews, minor subjects, and completing performance tasks. Sundays, my supposed rest days, are spent finalizing outputs and preparing for the week ahead.

As the Zone Youth Coordinator for four chapels, Saturdays are typically reserved for youth activities. However, due to my academic workload, I sometimes have to miss these events. Sundays, my designated Prayer and Worship Day, also come with responsibilities—I must balance time with youth, friends, and family while ensuring all my schoolwork is completed by 4 PM to meet submission deadlines by 6 PM.

Of course, my life isn’t just about school and chapel. I also ask my parents’ permission to take myself out on “dates” because, as I joke, no one else will. Thankfully, they allow me to, as long as I’m home by 8 PM—an understanding gesture since late-night outings aren’t sustainable for me.

Every minute of my day feels like a jigsaw puzzle, with each piece representing a responsibility that must seamlessly connect to the next. How do I manage it all? My childlike faith keeps me grounded, and my discipline—my “maintenance medication”—keeps me going. I rely on alarms to organize my day and ensure that every hour is accounted for.

Despite my efforts, I’m far from perfect. There are times I can’t meet with friends or family, fail to manage my group effectively, or neglect my own well-being. It often feels like running an obstacle course while juggling multiple schedules.

Being a nursing student and a youth leader in San Pablo is no small feat, but the joy and laughter shared with the youth make it worthwhile. Amidst the responsibilities, I’m constantly reminded of God’s immense love. Even during my most challenging moments—crying on the floor, hugging my review papers in fear of failing—He has never forsaken me.

“Kapoy ba nga nursing ka ug youth pod?” Yes, it is. This path tests my commitment, consumes my time, and demands that I triple my efforts. Doubling my efforts would only accomplish a portion of my dreams, not the entirety of what I aspire to achieve. Yet one thing remains certain: God is with me. He strengthens me, helps me, and upholds me in all that I do.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

(By Sophia Beatrice V. Sison | San Pablo Youth Apostolate)