Points of Authority

You know what’s the difference between a student and a teacher? It’s the authority. Both have the capacities to teach. Both also learns. But a teacher is someone who is paid to educate people, most especially the youth, or persons who decided to learn through schooling. It is a prerequisite that teachers should be professionals; that is, these people must have a bachelor's degree in college, but not neccessarily taking B.S. Education. Of course, anyone could teach! But expertise in the teaching field is a requirement to ensure the students quality education.

The bottomline is: teachers have the authority over the students.

But what happens when students are given the chance to take over the job of the teachers? In short, students are given the power to teach their fellow classmates.

If I remember correctly, UP High just held a Know Your School Day or KYSD activity on the last week of January. That is, teachers can have their rest days! Even though it’s just a two-day event, it was to be remembered. Just like what I said earlier, prospective student-teachers were given the chance to educate their fellow classmates, and luckily, our beloved teachers did have a break!

KYSD is an annual event here in UP High. This school activity is alloted for students who will be given a chance to educate their classmates. Subject teachers will assign the topics to be discussed by their respective wannabe's in the class. But not only that. Students can also apply for a position in the faculty, either they wanted to be a principal for a day or two, or the faculty clerk.

More often than not, aspiring students, who want to become teachers or one of the school's faculty staff, doesn't have to be that brilliant or experienced. Students actually apply for a position because of willpower and passion. It is also a very great opportunity for students to know what is it like to be a teacher. So, you see. An effective teacher has to have the DRIVE to spread knowledge to the people.

Honestly, I never wanted to teach. I even dreaded the thought of speaking in front of the class. I also hate class reporting. And so, I haven’t got the guts to apply for a position in the faculty. But I am glad that some of my friends took the chance.

But looking at them, who stood in front of the class to discuss the assigned topics from the teachers, made me think that teaching is not that easy! They were, shall I say, tough enough to continue lecturing and lecturing even if we were very unattentive and apathetic! Thank goodness, they were really tolerant towards our behavior in class. Maybe because we were much comfortable to them rather than to our real mentors. And so, we were relentlessly abusive! But anyway, we appreciated their efforts and for enduring the situation.

But just like other ordinary students felt, I was at ease with the student-teachers. I'm sure that most of us were not afraid of asking questions to the student-teachers or responding to their queries. They also take into consideration our intellectual capacities.

Although it was a 2-day event, we enjoyed and made the most of it. After the struggles in the part of the student-teachers and even our real professors, we, the ordinary students, paid tribute for all their efforts and their great deal of understanding towards us. I guess every year level had their chances to thank their dearly loved mentors. The freshies gave memorabilias to the teachers. The sophomores accoladed them by showcasing their talents in playing the flute. Singing, with matching choreography, was the Juniors' way of thanking their mentors. And lastly, the Seniors paid tribute to the teachers by means of giving them stuff worth to be remembered, and at the same time, sang a song piece composed by one of the musically-inclined seniors in honor with our beloved professors.

The world really needs teachers... They teach us the concepts in almost everything from Language to Mathematics. They make us understand why things happen and why did it happen. They have been part of our lives since they have an influence over us. And most of all, teachers shape our minds. If not for them, a bigger part of us would be empty. Aside from providing us with the knowledge that we once don't know, they encourage us to develop our potentials through their promising wisdom. KYSD is UP High's way of making us students realize that we should be grateful to these people who sacrificed all day to make lesson plans, tolerated our unruly manners in class, and even accepting the worst criticisms from us in order to improve their teaching strategies. A regular laborer is paid according to the number of hours that he/she spent working. Teachers are also laborers. But, teachers aren't well paid. They do not only work for 8 hours, but more since they have to prepare their syllabus. But they weren't totally complaining, even though they were striving to give us students the best education they could give. And I think it's unfair if we don't express our gratitude towards them.

We salute our teachers for understanding and giving us wisdom and intellect as we enter the four walls in our classrooms. We salute them for helping us grow.

We also hope that our mentors will be successful in directing their major purpose, to educate more and more people. And as we walk past the tough times in life, we will cherish them in our hearts and remember that they have been with us in lighting the roads we have passed.

Robots V.S. Barbies ( A Prequel of the War of Roses)

Although I haven’t seen this, “War of Roses” is a 1989 motion picture starred by Danny de Vito (Batman Returns). “War of Roses” is a violent comedy flick, and it’s all about a bitter dispute between a husband and wife.

But long before there was “War of Roses”, there was already a prologue… and it’s not even a motion picture! It’s a phenomenon. It’s a natural occurrence since the time of Adam and Eve. And as long as the generations in the world exist, there’s always this: a discreet war between the two opposite sexes, the male and the female. Little wonder what women would think about men, and vice versa. What I ponder is that girls have a lot to complain about the boy species! Well, I don’t know about the males out there… hahaha! But don’t worry guys, I’m also giving out some criticisms regarding our OWN breed (the girls) afterwards.

One of the most annoying things about guys is that they tend to virtually brag about almost anything! From their girls, basketball games, PS2, cars,… you name it! Ever noticed how a group of guys talk with each other? Sorry guys, I’d rather call it trash-talking.

It’s always been said that girls mature faster than guys. As a matter of fact, it has been proven by various studies. In other words, guys are immature until they have reached the age of 18-21??! Can we blame them for being childish? Irresponsible? Here’s a proof: Notice the rooms/things of your teen brothers or cousins… isn’t it messy? If you’ll ask me, I have a brother who knows how to get wild and messy in his room but who doesn’t know how to arrange or clean it afterwards! Well, I don’t know about some other guys if they are an exception. Another thing is that they dread serious commitments (so girls, look more closely to your suitors)! But tell you what, they have a strong passion to change, but definitely have weak will power.

Who tease gays a lot? Answer: the boys, of course! I have a guy friend who really hate gays. Some boys say that it’s an insult to their species (duh!). Maybe they think that gays are weaklings (but if only they would look closely, gays are not THAT weak). Well, that may be true, but not always. Guys also tend to generalize about girls. They’re so “physical” (boys, don’t you dare lie!). If a girl is pretty and sexy, especially if she struts her long legs and shows-off her “fergalicious” curves, then she’s lucky because she’s going to be noticed by guys. But if she’s not, especially if she wears ordinary clothes, then it’s 50:50… harsh!

Want another one? Nah, maybe afterwards…

How about the girls? Hmmm…

Red-blooded females will always have this: the shopping-gene. Men may despise our being so-into-fashion-and-beauty attitude, but what can we do? Men don’t really hate us, girls, for going on shopping and makeovers… they just can’t be patient enough to wait for us to choose the right shade of lipstick or the perfect dress.

And when we (girls) have lain our eyes on that gorgeous pink purse, oh we can’t really help but filch our savings! When girls love what they see in stalls, most of the time they wanted to have those things. And then afterwards, they (or we!) realize that “oh, the lipstick just won’t match my skin color!” or “I’m not comfortable wearing this dress, it’s very tight”. Guilty? Fret not. Look meticulously at this paradox: Girls are more impulsive than guys, but are the best in terms of budgeting.

Ok, so I’ve come up with a somehow-unique realization…

Both sexes, male and female, are both EMOTIONAL beings! Guys, don’t ever deny, ok? I’m going to start with the guys first…

We all have insecurities. Am I right, or AM I RIGHT?? And that includes the males… absolutely. When you see a guy who is so happy and smiling, don’t be fooled; they may wear a mask that hides what they deeply and truly feel, either pleasant or awful. Oops! Does that mean that they are plastic? Think twice. Let’s just say that’s a defense mechanism.

A lot of ladies complain a lot about men. It’s usually in three words: dense, rude, and insensitive! Amen to that… What’s so “defensive” about that anyway? Guys, as much as possible, don’t want to wind up as an assuming person. When a girl wants something said, she doesn’t really say it straight. Instead, she does all sorts of things in order for a guy to comprehend what she’s trying to tell him. But of course, guys take it into consideration that they won’t read TOO MUCH on it, because they might make a fool of themselves by reading something which isn’t really there. And according to them, it’s safer to act dense or insensitive. Guys act dumb, or maybe they’re just plain dumb (sorry!). So now you know… guys just want to protect their sense of selves after all! Better call it PRIDE, anyway…

Speaking of pride! I would say that the most INFURIATING thing about men is that they have this superiority-complex attitude, especially towards women. They have this mindset that they are always “right” and therefore they should be followed (or worshipped, perhaps…). A lot of circumstances, I have been cheesed off by a guy who had the nerve to swank, from looks to intelligence (or whatsoever!). What is this? Overwhelming self-esteem? I prefer the term SELF-DOUBT.

When a person is unsure (or insecure!), he/she will either do two things: engage in self-absorption, or blame other people for his/her misery. I would say that boys would do the second option and then the first, afterwards.

But you know what? Guys are more rational than women in handling problems, despite of their hidden vulnerabilities and emotional incapacity. And that is what is missing in the girl’s gene: rationality.

On the worse flip side, girls care too much, either on other people or themselves. In three words: sensitive, moody, and fickle-minded! Girls are most of the time ruled by their hearts over their minds. Maybe it has something to do with the PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), or maybe not. When we usually follow what and how we feel, we narrow our minds. And that is what I call IRRATIONALITY. And the consequence? Girls change decisions according to how and what they feel (fickle-mindedness). Girls frequently feel guilt, resentment, and regrets after making a bad decision.

But in the face of irrationality, one good thing about girls is that they (or we!) don’t withhold emotions for a long time. They ventilate. How? By crying, as often as not. Girls hold lesser grudges than men, because they don’t keep their feeling to themselves. They try to express it. Because they want to be heard and understood.

Guys = “insensitive” = ROBOTS!

Girls = “vain/irrational” = BARBIES!

I could say that robots are always robots, and barbies are always barbies. In full honesty, boys will be boys… and girls will be girls. But nevertheless, both share the same rights. Both have faults, but both have good aspects. Both have edges on one another. No competition, please. Because if there is, no one will win in God’s eyes. The key is great understanding, in order for both sexes to get along well and relationships to work out. Well, is it so hard to ask? You decide.

Close the Gap, Win a Heart

I was raised by my parents to become a responsible and sensible person. When I was young, I was trained to become the best I could be. And because of that, I always garnered good grades in the past. I guess my dad (most especially) molded me to be always on top. I was a consistent honor student… until high school.

School has become my top priority aside from the obligations I have to carry out as a daughter and an eldest sister. Before, I was used to sleeping late nights just to write visual aids for the next day’s class reporting. During my spare time, I always made sure to refresh my mind and contemplate if I understood the lesson clearly. I had to ensure myself if I totally comprehended what the teachers discussed. I’m also thankful that I could grasp the lessons easily, and because of that I seldom went over my notes. That is to say, I never bothered to study at all! It’s just that I’m confident about everything, because even though I didn’t engage in too much studying (the term is “naning” in Visayan), I still got high grades.

But when I got low scores, I got worried and hysterical. And to think, a low score for me meant ‘not getting the highest possible score’. Truthfully, it was so important for me to be the ‘highest possible scorer’ in the class, though I’m not the class genius or whatsoever. My parents frequently monitor my grades. When I got a ‘bad’ score, they always gave me that familiar look on their faces: disappointment. Out of desperation, I had to convince them that it happened just because of carelessness (or some other stupid excuses that I HAD to formulate).

Then after all the nagging and lecturing, and when they cooled down, that’s the time I would cry in silence… questioning my abilities.

I really hate it when my parents are not satisfied with what I do. But even if they are like that, I still try so hard to understand them… though I know it’s painful. It lashed my pride, of course.

Passing the HSAT has always been one of my greatest achievements. I thought that maybe in UP, I will shine more than in my elementary years… I was determined that I will never disappoint them.

But to my dismay, I found out that there were kids who were smarter than I am. I realized that I was competing with valedictorians from other schools ,or extremely brilliant people… I found out that I wasn’t THAT smart as they were.

But what I am scared of is not because of personal reasons, but of my parents’ reaction.

I can instantaneously remember the time my father was awfully upset when I got a line of 7 in the card grade. It was in first year… I almost failed in Math. Do you know what he did to me? Better not ask.

It was all clear to me. I wasn’t good enough in their eyes.

In spite of the growing pains, I could still say that I DID my best.

Slowly, as time passed by, I was no longer included in the honor roll. Maybe because I got low scores in algebra & geometry in second year, physics and trigonometry in my junior year, and calculus in my last year here in UP.

Now, I’m mighty glad that after all, my parents DO understand me. It seemed that they were just terribly taken aback when I got 79 in Math I, and I think it’s because I always got grades higher than 85 in my elementary years. I understood that they have great expectations from me because they knew that I have what it takes to become successful someday… that I have potentials. Maybe they were not used to hearing me that I ‘failed’. Nevertheless, I’m grateful that they understood me, especially right now that I am a graduating student. They know that I am a not that good at math or physics. They know that everyday in UP is a test day. But in return, I’ll see through it that I won’t get a failing score in a major test, and I will pass homeworks and projects on time.

You know sometimes in life, your parents get disappointed at you. You think that they always see the faults in you and you never remembered that your mom or dad told you how good you were. Well, that is true… But you can do something to make them realize that YOU are just human! You may not be as good as the dean’s listers, or as great as your elder brother. Talk to them, as much as possible. All you have to do is understand them, even though it’s hard for you. You know why? I’m one of the living proofs! I was struggling in my high school years just because I that. But eventually, I SUCCEEDED in making them understand me because instead of rebelling, I focused on telling them about my doings and my whereabouts. I began to make them put their trusts on me.

Mothers and fathers always want what’s good for their children. They may be upset in a couple of minutes, but they will just cool off afterwards. I always remember this every time they get mad at me when I do something wrong: I keep in mind that my dad works hard in order to send me to school and my mom wakes up early to prepare food and clothes for me (and as well as for my siblings). Some parents may be showy in terms of affection, but some aren’t just demonstrative. But I’m cool with it! Now, I’m glad that my parents and I are much closer than before. Again, the key is UNDERSTANDING, in order for relationships to work out.

I may not be an honor student again. But I can boast to all of you that I closed the gap between me and my parents… I won their trusts, and most importantly their hearts.

hApPinEss NoW!!

(ok... pls dont sue me for plagiarism, pls.. i just recently read a book entitled "Happiness Now" by Andrew Matthews. and i know ur thinkin y i'm postin these. isnt it obvious that i find that book fantastic? i wouldnt even bother if i posted about these.
ok, the modern society is one heck of a mess. no offense, but its true. anyways, i'm going to share what i read. i hope it's going to inspire u)

this is taken from http://www.success-and-happiness.net/tough-life.html

WHEN LIFE GETS
TOUGHHow do you survive when life gets tough?How do you hang on when you are grieving, lonely or broke?
You can only tackle your problems as you would climb a mountain ...
If you go rock climbing - and you get stuck on a precipice - you suddenly focus on the present moment! All your effort goes into your next step. Then your next step. Inch by inch.
Eventually you find that the worst is over.
The same strategy works for everyday life.
When things seem desperate, you can only focus on the present moment. One problem at a time. You take a step. You get a little confidence ... and take another step, and another.
Eventually you find that the worst is over.
If you were to worry about a) everything you need to do in the next year, or b) everything that could go wrong in the next year, you might go bananas!
But you can handle one day at a time.
And whenever 24 hours is too scary, bite off five minutes at a time.
In a Nutshell
All you can do is give your best effort until bedtime. Let tomorrow take care of itself.


Why Think Positive?
When things go wrong, remember:
It's not WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU that matters most.
It's how YOU THINK ABOUT what happens to you …
EXAMPLE:Let's say that you are at the airport, waiting to catch a flight, and the airline tells you, "Sorry! Mechanical trouble. You won't be leaving for three hours!"
You get very angry. You tell yourself: "This is terrible! This is a disaster!"
While you remain stressed, things will get worse!People will trip over you, spill coffee in your lap and lose your baggage.
When you fight life, life always wins!
Then finally you cool down.You tell yourself: "There's nothing I can do about it. I am probably where I am meant to be. I'll make the most of it."
Suddenly, everything changes! From nowhere an old friend appears, or you make a new friend, or you stumble on a fresh opportunity - and life begins to support you.
Once we change our thoughts about "a bad situation", we can take advantage of it. You already know this!
Life's great opportunities mostly arrive disguised as misfortune and disaster.
EXAMPLE:Imagine two women, Mary and Jane. Both get divorced. Mary says, "I've failed. My life is over." Jane says, "My life has just begun!" Who will blossom?
In a Nutshell
Every "disaster" in your life is not so much a disaster, as a situation waiting for you to change your mind about it.


The Power of Thoughts
How often do you ...* bump into old friends in unlikely places?* learn a new word, and suddenly you see it everywhere?* hum an old tune, and then hear it on the radio?
How often do you think about someone - and seconds later they phone you?
Coincidence? Not really.Your mind is a magnet.
Happy people attract other happy people.Positive thinkers attract opportunities.Crooks attract crooks.
Thoughts might be invisible but they are REAL THINGS - just like electricity or gravity. And thought energy obeys natural laws.
If radio waves and TV signals can travel huge distances - through bricks and concrete - why not thoughts? Your brain is at least as amazing as any TV transmitter.
A thousand books have been written on the power of thought. How many "coincidences" do we need to get the message?
If you sweat enough about going broke, it will happen.If you worry enough about getting sick, it will happen.
Picture yourself surrounded by true friends - and you'll find them.Picture success, and work toward it, and you are on your way.
Your life is not a lottery. YOU ATTRACT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT.
In a Nutshell
What you think about, you become.

jUsT mY LuCk... thE mOviE

(oohhh... this feel-good flick is really amazing! u gotta watch this)

Summary:

Manhattan socialite, Ashley Albright (Lindsay Lohan) never dreamt of having all the luck in the world; from being promoted as Vice President of a huge record label to dating the son of a famous sports icon. Her fate changes in a masquerade party, when she met the coy but boyishly cute Jake Hardin (Chris Pine), who is exactly her opposite! Jake is probably the worst when it comes to luck. His misfortune ranges from getting into jail to falling from a decrepit chair. When the two strangers kissed, their fortune interchanges: Ashley now experiencing disasters and Jake undergoing a healthier life through good luck! In the end, the two people fell in love and decided to give their luck to a little girl…

What I love about this movie, aside from the cute leading man, is the message behind it. It taught me how to accept life as it has to be! You know, sometimes there are just things that we have no control of. So, what’s the use of worrying and whining? Nothing… it just adds to the stresses you encounter. I also realized after watching this that optimism is in fact a need. Being optimistic is not a characteristic, it’s a choice. We have choices: to be happy or not. It doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to have a passive outlook in life. Actually, it implies that being happy is also being content with what you have. And being happy is a choice. In this movie, Jake always suffers bad luck. But you know what? He learned to accept it. And on the contrary, Ashley, who experiences good fortune, has always been humble and down-to-earth.

I was used to worrying… worrying about what’s going to happen next or what happened in the past. But I am grateful that I already understood a heck about it, or life as well. Life may be a fortune or a disaster. But what can we do? Of course, we try so hard to escape misery by getting away with it or even faking it. Or maybe we do all crucial steps in order to progress and succeed. But if all else fails, why bother? Maybe it isn’t really meant for you. Or let’s put it this way: God may have another plans for you. And if we continue find faults about some things, we neglect the good things in life!

Thank goodness I already learned how to appreciate little things and figure out why bad things come (and go!). The bottom line is again, UNDERSTANDING. It is unfortunate that most people want things to happen on their own way, even if it’s unhealthy. So, they try so hard and just end up getting worn out because it became a failure. Then insecurity shows up. But it’s not the end of the world! Before, I envy happy people. But now I realized that we can also become happy people, if we learn to accept things as it has to be.

“Just My Luck” is really a great movie for me. I recommend you to watch it. The love story is also great. And most importantly, the message was of more impact: just be happy, whether you’re in bad luck or good luck!

Walk Away...

(this is the song that's playing on my mind right now...this is sung by Paula Deanda)

[Intro:]
I'm gonna remember you
You gonna remember me
(I'm gon remember you
You gon remember me)
I'm gonna remember you
You gonna remember me
(Yeah, i'm gon remember you
You gon remember me)
(The DEY)
Yeah, you gon remember me boo
I'm gonna remember you too
I can't forget all the crazy sh*t we used to do
You was doin' too much
I wasn't doin' enough
That's what your friends'd say
You got a man anyway
I can't explain it niether I ain't never wanna leave ya
Hell yeah it's hard to walk away when I see you
When I see you I remember the day
you put your shoes on and moved on before I could say..
[Verse 1:]
I saw you wit your new girl just yesterday
And I feel that I must confess
Even though it kills me to have to say
I'll admit that I was impressed
Physically just short of perfection
Gotta commend you on your selection
Though I know I shouldn't be concerned
In the back of my mind
I can't help but question..
Does she rub your feet
(When you've had a long day?)
And Scratch your scalp
(When you take out your braids?)
Does she know that you
(Like to play PS2 'till 6 in the mornin' like I do?)
[Chorus:]
I can't exlpain this feelin' (yeah)
I think about it everyday
And even though we've moved on (uh huh)
It gets so hard to walk away
(I'm gon remember you
You gon remember me)
Walk Away
(Forever you will live in my memory)
Walk Away
I'm gonna remember you
You gonna remember me
Walk Away
I can't forget how we used to be
[Verse 2:]
Guess I gotta live my life from day to day
Hoping maybe you'll come back
And though I tell myself not to be afriad
To move on but it seems I can't
Though a new man has given me attention
It ain't the same as your affection
Though I know I should be content
In the back of my mind I can't help but question...
Does he kiss me on the forehead
(Before we play?)
Show up on my doorstep
(with a bouquet?)
Does he call in the middle of the day
(just to say)
Baby I Love You
(Like you use to)
[Chorus:]
I can't exlpain this feelin' (yeah)
I think about it everyday
And even though we've moved on (uh huh)
It gets so hard to walk away
(I'm gonna remember you
You gon remember me)
Walk Away
(Forever you will live in my memory)
Walk Away
I'm gonna remember you
You gonna remember me
Walk Away
I can't forget how we used to be
[Verse 3 with The DEY]
I'm gonna remember you
You gonna remember me
The things we did, the way we shared our fantasies
Just you and me
My friend, My love, My family
How did we lose a love that seemed meant to be?
Sometimes I kiss her
And wish that it was you I'm kissing
Sometimes I miss him
And wish that it was you i'm missing
Sometimes I hug her
And wish that it was you I was huggin'
And I realize how much i'm buggin'
(I MISS YOU)
[Bridge]
so hard to express this feeling
cause nobody compares to you (to you)
and you know she'll never love you like i do
[chorus 2x]
i cant explain this feeling
i think about it everyday
and even though we've moved on
it gets so hard to walk away
(I'm gonna remember you, you gonna remember me)
walk away, walk away
(I'm gonna remember you, you gonna remember me)
walk away
[outro]
I'm gonna remember you
you gonna remember me
I'm gonna remember you
you gonna remember me

Me, myself, and God

I’m not going to talk about theology this time. It’s just that I’m curious about people’s different belief systems (or religion, perhaps). Does it really matter if a person is religious? No offense, but I’d rather stick to being faithful (or close to God) than religious.
I’d rather read the Daily reflections of the Bible than go to church. I’d rather stay in a peaceful corner (like the Adoration Chapel in Sto. Rosario, where my bestfriend and I occasionally hang out) to pray or reflect than kneel in front of the altar for rosary praying. Most importantly, I’d prefer to treat God as my bestfriend, not some authoritative figure in-charge of my life (because we are the captain of our ships, not He). I’m not really into worshipping, or something, though I know it’s important.
My relationship with Him is something sacred and intimate. I could just turn to Him to be my personal coach whenever I feel so down and out, even if we don’t converse with each other. He could be my makeshift diary in an instant! If something good happens to me, like getting a high score in a Calculus pop quiz, I always make sure that I thank Him for guidance and wisdom. And if I am furious, I think about Him and about how Lord Jesus Christ dealt with anger. It would take minutes for me to recover my mood! God is Someone who I can trust. I can confide my secrets to Him. He’s my unbiased referee. He’s my lifetime friend. He’s like my dad, my brother, or my cousin… He’s more than that, too.
In this fast-paced world, sometimes I forget to acknowledge His presence. And I feel guilty. It’s like ignoring your food, seriously. So now, I’m making it a habit of talking to Him, rather than talking to myself (that’s what I do in the past).
I may not be that religious, like a real Maria Clara should (that’s not my style, actually), but I know how to establish a no-holds relationship with Him. If not for Him, my life would be so messed up right at this moment and maybe onwards. Or maybe ‘till the day I die… It gives me satisfaction to know that if I find that no one understands me, there’s one Mighty Being who cares even a single damn thing about me… that’s none other than Him!