DAILY ESSENTIALS

By: Lian Maye S. Tan

Hey there! So, I have a confession to make: I’m a total overpacker. I tend to bring way more than I actually need, and honestly, it’s starting to weigh me down—literally! I once ripped the strap of my school bag because it was just too heavy. You should’ve seen me trying to carry it home; I felt like I was lugging around a small boulder!

Then, one rainy afternoon, disaster struck. I was caught in a downpour, and all my things ended up soaked. That was my wake-up call! I swore to myself that from that day on, I would only bring the essentials I actually use. Now, a month later, let me share what I’ve learned to pack.

Courtesy: Google Images

1) Makeup Pouch

As someone who’s a bit makeup-conscious, I absolutely need my retouching essentials. I always say, “Dibale ng stress basta naka-lipstick!” Just kidding! My makeup pouch is filled with the basics—foundation, lip balm, and mascara. You know those moments when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and think, “Yikes!”? That’s when I dash to the restroom for a quick fix. Just last week, after a long class, I did a little touch-up, and a classmate complimented me, saying I looked “fresh.” That totally made my day!

Courtesy: Google Images

2) Umbrella

Let me tell you, the heat in Davao is something else! It’s intense, so I always carry my trusty umbrella to shield myself from the sun. There was this one day when I was walking home, and it suddenly started pouring. I had my umbrella, of course, and I felt like a hero while others scrambled for cover. It’s my little way of being prepared for anything!

Courtesy: Google Images

3) Mini Fan

Seriously, I can’t live without my mini fan. Being a bit of a “pawisin” girl, it’s a must-have. I remember sitting in class during a particularly hot day, and I turned on my fan. My professor looked over and jokingly asked if I brought my own personal air conditioner! It was hilarious, but honestly, it saved me from melting into my seat.

Courtesy: Google Images

4) Binder

It’s not just about looking good, right? We need to nurture our brains, too! My binder holds all my important notes and assignments. It’s my trusty sidekick during exam season. I remember one day flipping through it, panicking because I thought I lost a crucial page, but then I found it tucked away. That feeling of relief? Priceless!

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5) Books

You know I can’t go anywhere without my reading material. Whenever I head back to my hometown, Compostela, I pack a ton of books to make the most of my time there. I have this constant fear of missing out on a good story. Just last week, I took a novel home, and I ended up finishing it in just two days. I curled up in my favorite spot and got lost in the pages—it was bliss!

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6) Highlighter Pen

This one goes hand in hand with my books. I love making my notes colorful! I remember sitting in the library with friends, and they were amazed at how vibrant my notes looked. Highlighting important parts makes studying so much more enjoyable. It’s like turning a chore into a creative activity, right?

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7) Ballpen and Correction Tape

I always have a ballpen handy for jotting down quick notes. There was this one time during a group project meeting when I realized I had written the wrong date for our presentation. Total panic! But thanks to my trusty correction tape, I fixed it on the spot. Now my friends joke that my correction tape is my “savior” during chaotic moments.

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8) Yellow Paper

I keep yellow paper for all my random thoughts or reminders. One day, I had this amazing idea for a short story during class, so I quickly jotted it down and tucked it into my binder. A week later, I turned that little note into a complete narrative for a writing competition! It just goes to show that inspiration can strike at any moment.

9) Tumbler

Staying hydrated is so important, especially with the Davao heat. I carry my tumbler filled with cold water everywhere. There was one school event where I forgot my tumbler at home. By the end of the day, I was parched and regretted not having it. Now, I always double-check before I head out—it’s a little habit that keeps me feeling good.

Courtesy: Google Images

10) Wallet/Coin Purse

Lastly, I keep my wallet and coin purse for all my essentials. I once lost my wallet at a café, and the panic that set in was unreal. Thankfully, the barista found it and returned it to me, which was such a relief! Since then, I’ve made it a habit to keep my wallet zipped and secure. I even started carrying a little emergency fund for those unexpected expenses—trust me, it’s come in handy!

Courtesy: Google Images

11) Calculator

As an accountancy student, my calculator is absolutely essential. I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved me during complex calculations! Just the other day, I was working on an assignment, and my trusty calculator helped me catch a mistake in my figures before I submitted it. Phew!

Courtesy: Google Images

12) Glasses

Since I have unclear vision, my eyeglasses are a must. I remember one time forgetting them and spending the whole day squinting at my notes—it was such a struggle! Now, I always keep them in a designated spot in my bag to avoid that chaos again. If you have problems with your eyes, get it checked immediately.

So, that’s a peek into my packing journey! It’s been a wild ride, but I’m learning to simplify and only carry what truly matters. What about you? Do you have any packing tips or must-haves? Let’s swap stories!

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