Overcoming Research Fears
1. Looking back at your own research journey, what was one moment when you felt the most
overwhelmed – and how did you overcome that fear or doubt?
Podcast Answer:
Alam mo, pinaka-overwhelming moment ko talaga was after my pre-oral presentation, when I got my
comments and suggestions from the pannelist —punong-puno ng red marks at comments. Parang
feeling ko, “Kaya ko pa ba ‘to?” Sobrang nakakakain ng confidence. Pero after a day of drama, I
reminded myself: this is part of the process. Hindi siya sign na hindi ako magaling, hindi siya atake sakin
personally—it’s a sign na may room to grow. Those comments are given para gumanda pa lalo ang
paper ko. So ang ginawa ko, sinimulan ko isa-isa ‘yung revisions, and every time I finished one, I gave
myself credit. I realized, hindi mo kailangang maging confident agad—minsan, action muna bago
bumalik ‘yung tiwala sa sarili.
2. Many graduate students fear making mistakes in their research. What advice would you give
them about embracing errors as part of the learning process?
Podcast Answer:
Sobrang gets ko ‘yung fear of making mistakes—lalo na sa research, parang ang bigat ng expectation
(syempre gumastos ka na eh hehe). Pero sa totoo lang, ang lagi kong pinanghahawakan is: “It’s better
to fail trying than not try at all.” Kasi kung hindi ka susubok, walang progress. Walang learning. Pero
‘pag sinubukan mo and nagcontinue ka ng research—even if you fail—you gain experience, you get
feedback, and most of all, you grow. Research is not about being perfect. It’s about being brave enough
to explore something unknown. So embrace the mess. ‘Yun ‘yung proof na you're really doing the work.
3. Time pressure and deadlines often cause anxiety. What strategies have helped you manage
time effectively without sacrificing the quality of your research?
Podcast Answer:
Ako, I treat research like fitness training. Hindi ka pwedeng magbuhat ng sobrang bigat agad. You train
your focus little by little. This is called “two-hour anchor”—two hours a day lang na solid ( I learned this
by attending the research forum last year), focused work, walang distractions. Surprisingly, ‘pag
consistent ka, it works perfectly. Mas okay ‘yung steady , little by little, kaysa todo hataw pag malapit na
deadline tapos burnout.
4. In your experience, what are some common myths or misconceptions about research that
contribute to unnecessary fear – and what truths would you like students to understand instead?
Podcast Answer:
One myth na gusto kong i-burst: na ang research ay para lang sa “intellectual elite.” Hindi totoo ‘yan.
Research isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. You don't need to be
a genius, but you do need to be Brave and confident—matapang ka dpat humarap sa uncertainty
(biglaan), and be humble, willing dapat ang isang researcher makinig kapag may mas marunong. The
best researchers I know are humble learners.
5. If you could give just one piece of advice to help graduate students turn their research anxiety
into excitement and curiosity, what would it be?
Podcast Answer:
Tanungin mo sarili mo: “Paano kaya ‘to magiging masaya?” Kasi madalas, kaya tayo nae-stress sa
research, kasi ang tingin natin sobrang bigat—parang laging may malaking nakataya (syempre
gumastos kna eh (realktalk), nakakahiya din hindi grumaduate agad). Often times we also look at
research as a requirement than a personal journey. Pero what if we shifted the mindset? Instead of
pressure, bring in play and curiosity. Mag-eksperimento kahit hindi sigurado ang ending. Ituloy mo na
yung pagsugal sa sarili mo. You might just surprise yourself. Research is not just about solving
problems—it’s about discovering possibilities. Hindi mo kailangan laging seryoso. Minsan, kailangan
mo ring mag-enjoy, para bumalik ‘yung spark na nagdala sa’yo sa journey na ‘to in the first place.