On November 02, 2024, the 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Office Administration students at Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy gathered for an enlightening seminar entitled “Building Self-Esteem for Students.” The resource speaker, Engr. Bai Zam Zam C. Datumanong, delivered an impactful session themed “Enlighten and Empower Your Inner Voice for Our Personal Growth.” This seminar was designed not just as a lecture but as an interactive conversation aimed at fostering self-esteem among students.
Following the opening formalities, we began with a brief physical stretching session to prepare mentally and physically for the day’s discussion. This energizing activity helped set a positive tone, allowing participants to relax and focus. Before diving into the main topics, Ms. Datumanong provided each participant with a piece of paper to write down our feelings and thoughts for the day. She collected these papers in a box, intending to randomly select three questions for discussion later in the seminar. This exercise set a reflective tone for the day.
The main discussion started with an exploration of self-talk, categorized into positive and negative self-talk, and why it matters. Ms. Datumanong explained how self-talk significantly impacts our performance, influences our emotional health, and shapes our beliefs. We learned that negative self-talk often stems from past experiences, comparisons to others, and cognitive distortions. She emphasized that recognizing these causes is essential to breaking free from limiting thoughts.
Moving to the benefits of positive self-talk, she highlighted how it boosts confidence, reduces stress, and enhances performance. She explained that positive self- talk is a foundational skill for building resilience and improving how we respond to challenges. Ms. Datumanong also shared common causes of negative self-talk, such as past experiences, comparisons to others, and cognitive distortions. Recognizing these causes, she noted, is the first step to shifting towards a more positive and empowering mindset.
An activity followed, dividing us into three groups where everyone had the opportunity to share personal stories of pain and challenges. Each group selected one presenter to share the group’s collective stories with everyone. As students opened up, Ms. Datumanong also shared her own inspiring story about navigating her early days with independence and competitiveness. She described how these experiences shaped her resilience and self-confidence today.
This activity allowed us to confront our negative thoughts, discussing how we handle difficult times without letting them undermine our confidence and also it encouraged us to confront our negative thoughts during difficult times while reinforcing that we can still socialize and connect with others despite our struggles.
Ms. Datumanong also introduced practical techniques for maintaining positive self-talk. These included daily affirmations, journaling, visualization, and surrounding ourselves with positivity. She emphasized that practicing positive self- talk is an intentional process, one that begins by being mindful of our inner dialogue.
The seminar concluded with the reminder of how important self-talk is to personal well-being and growth. It highlighted the value of acknowledging our efforts and celebrating small victories.
Ms. Datumanong’s powerful closing message, “Positive Input = Positive Output,” left us with a simple yet profound takeaway: what we tell ourselves matters, and a positive inner dialogue can profoundly shape our lives.
This seminar was not only informative but transformative, equipping us with practical skills to strengthen our self-esteem and approach life’s challenges with a more empowered mindset. The experience has left a lasting impact, and each of us walked away with new insights into building a more positive, self-confident outlook on life.
