March 19, 2025 – In celebration of this year’s week-long CASU Week, the Counseling and Assessment Services Unit (CASU), with the initiative and efforts of the 3rd Year BS Psychology students Block 601P, a seminar titled “Fostering a Growth Mindset: Embracing Challenges and Learning from Academic Struggles” was held at the RTU Plenary Hall, Estolas Building.

With the theme, “Solidifying Awareness and Celebrating Strengths: Enhancing Mental Health, Career Empowerment, Inclusion, and Diversity,” the seminar aimed to help students develop perseverance by embracing academic struggles as part of the learning process. Students coming from different colleges and year levels attended and were able to identify effective studying techniques and strategies that will help them enhance their academic performance. Additionally, the seminar was also organized to build an environment where students feel safe to take academic risks and seek help without fear of judgement.

Ms. Monica Cielo U. Manansala, RPm, CHRA, CMHFR, served as the guest speaker who passionately delivered an informative talk filled with insightful ideas and practical suggestions on how students with academic challenges will be able to succeed and overcome struggles. Another highlight of the said seminar was a powerful testimony of Katherine Crystal Belzunce, a 4th Year BS Psychology student and a former president of the Psychology Students Association, whose inspiring story gave all the attendees a reminder that failures should not define student’s worth but instead be a stepping stone to success.

Pandayang Rizalia believes that failures are just stepping stones to progress and eventual success. Instilling a persistent mindset to Rizalianos will prove to be an invaluable lesson in helping students achieve their best selves. Through efforts like this, RTU ensures a path of growth and prosperity for every Rizaliano.