FILIPINOS have been fond of being rewarded since they were kids. Looking back on our younger selves earning stars on our hands, the expectation to perform well continues as we grow older.

This may have become the root of competitive personalities in this generation and the primary reason for the pursuit of “academic validation.”

Academic validation pertains to how students rely heavily on their academic status as a measure of their individuality. On a positive note, academic validation can serve as a motivation to excel academically, leading to good grades and better opportunities.

However, there is also a significant amount of pressure associated with maintaining performance in one’s field, often resulting in denying the possibility of failure and mistakes.

In an interview with republicasia, several Gen Zs shared their thoughts about why they seek academic validation.

Rinoa Kate dela Cruz, a 20-year-old BA Broadcasting student, said that she grew up being the “golden child.”

“Bata pa lang pinupuri na, bata pa lang may expectations na kaagad na need i-meet, and bata pa lang siya na yung pinapatawag para ipagyabang sa mga bibisitang relatives,” she said.

“Nakakatakot magpahinga kasi baka pag nag-rest lang ako saglit, mawala na yung streak of achievements na iniingatan ko. Palaging may pressure,” dela Cruz said.

She said that this helps remind her that all her hard work will be worth it and will pay off. She established the mindset that this effort is for securing a good future after college.

Similarly, Lady Franz Marcelo, a 15-year-old STEM student, gave her reasons for seeking academic validation: “I seek academic validation in order to satisfy expectations from family, feel better about myself, and have my efforts and abilities validated.”

She also said that this type of validation serves as a reminder that she is heading in the right direction. It boosts self-assurance and inspires her to continue aiming high.

18-year-old student Hyang Mi Muring said that since childhood, her sense of worth has been tied to her achievements. She said this was the only way for her to feel satisfaction from other people.

“Pakiramdam ko kailangan lang ako ng mundo kapag magaling ako,” she said.

“Ayaw ko man gustuhin, nagiging overly competitive ako. Nasasakal ako sa sarili ko. Although, okay naman na nappressure ako, since nakakapagproduce ako ng good quality work. Kaso, hindi ako makahinga kapag sumosobra na,” said Muring.

“Nakakapagod siya, nakaka-burnout,” she said, explaining how she became driven by the fear of failure.

Indeed, academic validation has positive and negative aspects. Zoomers have recognized these and are openly discussing the factors contributing to academic validation and its negative connotations.

Sahanie Gasa, a 21-year-old student pursuing AB English Language Studies, once viewed academic validation as a form of motivation until she stopped seeking it because it was detrimental to her mental health.

“I remember always studying just so I could make sure that I would remain on top of the class. [But] I would not downplay academic validation that much since it really helped in honing my skills,” she said.

“But of course, it has more negative impacts than positive. One is the mental and emotional health wrecker which I would say has the worst impact of seeking academic validation,” Gasa said.

She said it often brings unrealistic expectations, leading to doubt and disappointment, and ultimately results in an unhealthy relationship with oneself.

Barricade to personal development

Academic validation might initially seem like a positive attitude because it can drive people to excel in the academic realm. However, Gen Z individuals have realized its negative effects, especially on mental health, revealing how it can obstruct personal development.

An excessive focus on academic status may distract from other important aspects of life, including personal growth.

Focusing solely on test scores, GPAs, and comments about academic status can lead to overwhelming stress and pressure, potentially resulting in burnout.

Students who become overly concerned with pleasing others through academic achievements may find themselves hindered not only in personal development but also in intellectual growth.

As Dela Cruz said, “Don’t use your academic achievements as your identity kasi you are beyond those medals and certificates.”

Receiving rewards for doing one’s best is satisfying and fulfilling, but pushing too hard to the point where validation becomes a source of negative pressure is concerning.

Gasa elaborated on the unhealthy aspects of excessive academic validation, noting the high risk of developing poor mental health.

“There are better ways to be excellent in school such as focusing on your strengths and trying to work on your weaknesses — find your true passion in life through school and by creating genuine connections,” she said.

Muring added, “Kaya mong maging magaling nang hindi natatakot makakuha ng 95 below na grades. At kaya mo makakuha ng mga achievements habang nag-eenjoy dahil ang rason mo ay eagerness na matuto at hindi lang basta grades o certificate. Kapag iyon ang panghuhugutan mo, malulunod ka.”

Being in a healthy environment and cherishing life genuinely is another form of validating individuality.

People should start to realize that, among all the validation received from others, what matters most is the validation that comes from oneself. This is a testament to how much one believes in their own abilities.

Certainly, being recognized by others through words, certificates, or medals is satisfying. But isn’t it better to know that you did well even if no one has told you that?

“Ang pagkatuto, hindi lang yan nakukuha sa apat na sulok ng classroom. Ngayon, sinasabi ko sa sarili na huwag magpatali sa mga quantitative na standard na sinet ng lipunan bilang matalino,” Muring said.

As cliché as it sounds, numbers are just numbers, and they will never define you.

What truly matters is how much you validate yourself after going through the process of achieving what you have right now.

Now, give yourself a gentle pat on the shoulder.

With reports from Alexis Fei Caceres