Written by: 

Ricalyn Ramos

“Falling in love can feel exciting and comforting, especially for young people still discovering themselves.”

For some, a relationship becomes a source of happiness and emotional support. A simple “How was your day?” or “How are you?” from someone special can make a person feel loved and cared for. However, it can also pose challenges, especially when emotional turmoil begins to affect a student's goals.

Cherlyn, 17, a senior high school student at Batasan Hills National High School, experienced this firsthand. She met her boyfriend through their church. At first, they paid little attention to each other, but as they began talking online more often, their bond deepened into a relationship. Because they feared their parents would not approve, they decided to keep everything secret.

As their relationship grew stronger, Cherlyn’s behavior began to change noticeably. She often stayed up late just to talk to her boyfriend online, and sometimes left the house at night without telling her parents the real reason. She also skipped classes to spend time with him. Over time, her grades began to drop, and she gradually stopped attending church and pursuing other important milestones.

Eventually, her parents learned about the relationship and decided to separate the two. At first, Cherlyn struggled to accept their decision and was reluctant to let go, but she later realized how much the relationship had negatively affected her focus and priorities as a student.

A study published on ScienceDirect found that romantic relationships can have both positive and negative effects on students. While relationships may provide emotional support and motivation, they can also become a distraction that affects academic performance, depending on the student’s personal situation and environment. Ultimately, it depends on how individuals choose to navigate their lives: will they let a relationship destroy their academic performance, or will they use it as a means of improvement?

Cherlyn’s story reminds us that love alone is not enough to sustain a successful relationship, especially when a person is still emotionally and financially unready. For many students, balancing emotions, academics, family, and personal growth remains one of the biggest challenges of growing up. Still, your choices matter and will shape your future, so choose carefully.