By JoRene Perez
Pulse Staff Reporter
Time and time again, life will push our buttons until we are stopped in the middle of it like a lost dog wandering the night streets.
The phrase “Life is not set in stone” is more often true than people want to believe. Fear of the unknown is a small bump in the road to prepare you for the long journey of ups and downs ahead of you.
For Janice Brown, an ex-pharmacist and high school teacher who is now a Palo Alto College librarian, her past experiences shaped her.
Overcoming hard times in life–having to make critical decisions that came in between her education, career and family–helped her set goals to evolve and adapt around the situations and keep pushing forward.
“A goal to help develop themselves, not just acquire stuff. A goal will give you a purpose and to stay focused, determined and persevere because life happens,” said Brown.
Overthinking certain situations in life will lead to focusing on the negative and allowing ourselves to be consumed by it, leaving us stuck in our own tracks.
“Priorities will shift from time to time. Know what you want, and let nothing stop you from getting it. If school stuff is getting to you, find an outlet and push through it. Also, having a little faith goes a long way,” added Brown.
Nathan Michael Hoofard, Philosophy and Logic professor at Palo Alto, encourages students to develop a hobby and turn it into a skill.
“Hobbies that one enjoys to take part in will turn into skills without realizing it. Aside from education, an employer will also be interested in the skill sets that a candidate possesses,” said Hoofard.
Over time, a person’s mindset can change after taking on different skills and encountering different situations. That’s helping to build a stronger you.
“Make the best of everything happening to you,” said Javier Aguirre, Palo Alto History professor.
During his fireman career and while he was going to school and majoring in Sociology, Aguirre developed a philosophy that he uses for guidance.
“It’s a waste of time to dwell on the negative. No matter how bad things are for you, look on the good of it. What did you learn? Nothing good? Forget it and move on,” said Aguirre. “What makes you happy?”
For Palo Alto students who are feeling the pressure of life, the S.H.A.R.E. Center offers different resources to lend a helping hand.
They are located in the Student Center, Room 101. Their hours of operation are Monday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Their support for students goes beyond more than just what the eye can see. Inside, a food pantry and a Goodwill closet provide donations for students to use as needed.
For that next step in life, Natalie Riojas helps students prepare and explore future career opportunities.
If you are in need of talking with someone, Andy Flores and Rhonda O’Cana, licensed professional counselors, help students with personal issues.
Life will always have its mysterious ways of testing us to our limits. Stan Lee, a legend who lived an extraordinary life, said, “Life is never completely without its challenges.”
PAC Student Media 