FOR many college students, achieving Latin honors – such as magna cum laude, summa cum laude, or cum laude — is a symbol of academic excellence, a testament to years of hard work, and a gateway for future opportunities.
However, the pressure to meet high standards for these honors can be immense.
When students fall short of these goals, the disappointment can feel like a profound loss. This emotional burden is often referred to as “academic grief.”
Understanding academic grief
The term “academic grief” refers to the emotional and psychological distress that follows when students do not meet their own or others’ expectations of academic success.
For many, the goal of Latin honors is deeply tied to their sense of self and personal value. When they don’t achieve this, it can feel like an intensely personal failure.
Krizzia Mae Cundangan, 21, a 4th-year journalism student, experienced this firsthand.
As a consistent honor student throughout high school, Cundangan entered college with the firm goal of graduating with Latin honors.
“From the start, I had my mind set on it,” she said. “Since then kasi noong high school, walang mintis na with honor ako kaya have become part of my identity, and I wanted to carry that through college as well.”
However, one grade in a minor subject during her freshman year derailed her chances.
Cundayngan recalled: “I worked hard, attended all my classes, submitted my requirements on time, and was active in class. Kaya I was so shocked kasi tres [a grade of 3.0] ang nakuha kong grade.”
Despite her efforts to contest the grade, the professor did not change it, and her dream of Latin honors was lost. “It felt so unfair. That one grade took away everything I had worked for.”
The weight of expectations
Cundangan’s story highlights a common struggle faced by many students: balancing their expectations with the realities of academic life. The pressure to maintain high grades is not just about personal ambition but also about meeting the expectations of family, peers, and even society.
Many students, like Cundangan, feel that their academic performance is not just a reflection of their intelligence but of their character and hard work.
The sense of loss is compounded when students view Latin honors as a final validation of their academic efforts.
As Cundangan put it: “Having Latin honors was proof that my hard work meant something. It was supposed to be a gift for my parents, a way to make them proud na after everything that we have gone through, may bunga.”
When this goal is not achieved, the disappointment can feel overwhelming. Students may feel like they’ve let themselves — and others — down, leading to feelings of guilt, frustration, and even shame.
As Cundangan explained, “I did compare myself to others so many times. Like buti pa sila, sobrang smooth ng college life nila, may latin honour sila, habang ako parang pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa. Merely surviving nalang talaga ako pag-aaral ko sa college. Nawalan ako ng hope na magiging maaayos pa ang lahat.’”
Does having a Latin honor really matter?
One of the most significant questions students face after the disappointment of missing out on Latin honors is whether it truly matters in the grand scheme of life.
While Latin honors can open doors to scholarships, competitive job opportunities, and academic recognition, they are not the only determinants of success.
Krizzia Mae Cundangan initially felt that not receiving Latin honors was a personal failure.
“For me, having Latin honors was proof that my hard work meant something,” she said. However, as she reflected on her experience, she began to see a bigger picture.
“Yes, it was heartbreaking to miss out on the title, but I realized that Latin honors don’t define my potential or my future.”
Research and anecdotes suggest that while academic distinctions can provide an initial boost in early career stages, employers and graduate schools tend to place greater emphasis on practical skills, experiences, and interpersonal qualities over time.
Cundangan, for example, found that her involvement in her school’s radio organization provided her with valuable experience in journalism that would be more useful in her career than an academic title.
While Latin honors can certainly help with a résumé, many students and professionals alike discover that personal growth, professional development, and real-world experience are equally, if not more, critical to long-term success.
Cundangan’s realization echoes this: “At the end of the day, ‘yong passion, skills, and how you carry yourself that will matter most, not just the academic titles you have.”
Coping with academic grief
Losing something you have always wanted, Latin honors in this case can put a load of an emotional toll on a person, leaving them feeling isolated and struggling to cope.
However, there are effective strategies that can help students manage their grief while maintaining their academic performance.
Here are the approaches that Cundangan outlined, along with strategies from egan Pietrucha, Psy.D., in her article on coping with grief that could help you navigate this academic loss:
- Acknowledge your feelings
The first step in coping with academic grief is acknowledging and validating your emotions.
Understand that grief is a personal journey, and it’s normal to experience a wide range of feelings, from sadness and anger to confusion. Allowing yourself to feel these emotions without judgment can be the foundation for healing.
- Seek support
Reaching out for support can significantly lighten the burden of grief. Whether it’s confiding in friends, family, or campus resources, connecting with others can provide emotional relief.
- Engage in self-care
Self-care is crucial when coping with grief. Engaging in activities that nurture your physical and emotional health—such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep—can help you manage stress.
Taking time for yourself to relax and recharge can enhance your resilience during this difficult period.
Additionally, consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, which can help center your thoughts and reduce stress.
- Set new goals
Setting new academic or personal goals can help shift the focus from the past to the future. By concentrating on what’s still possible, students can regain a sense of purpose and direction.
- Allow yourself to grieve
It’s essential to allow yourself to grieve without rushing the process. Understand that grief is not linear and can manifest in various ways over time.
Give yourself permission to take breaks, reflect on your feelings, and express your emotions creatively or through journaling.
Engaging in these practices can facilitate healing and help you find meaning in your experience.
It gets better
Cundangan soon found solace in her involvement with her school’s radio organization.
“That’s where I found my self-worth again,” she shared.
“I have other affiliations kasi sa school, it is a radio organization, there I find my self-worth at doon ako nag-cope. Hindi man ako pinalad sa pagkakaroon ng Latin honour, I gained experiences naman to show off my skills, na hindi lang nagrerely sa academic awards.”
Latin honors are just one part of the college experience. By focusing on personal growth, meaningful experiences, and resilience, students can find fulfillment and success beyond the titles and awards.
Academic grief may be painful, but it can also be an opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and new beginnings.
With reports from Mayen Medroso
