PSYSC 2010/NYSTESC 2010

MY PSYSC CAMP EXPERIENCE

Life is a series of heyday and misfortune. Its true value is not measured in the amount of years to live through, but rather, in the use we make of them. To find satisfaction is not based on the tale of years we weave, but on our will to dream, our will to live, and our will to make the most of it by going beyond the boundaries of the possible and the ordinary.

It is amazing on how within 4 days in the outskirts of civilization and urbanity, we learn new things, form strong bonds of friendship, get to try first-hand experiences, face our fears, get an amazing 360 degrees view of a scenic panorama, and actually conjure self-actualizations and realizations. It normally would take some sort of miracle to wield these opportunities to an individual, but this camp defies the impossibility of certain things. However, I know deep inside, I was brought to attend the 2010 PSYSC camp by fate and by a driven-purpose; so were the rest who converged for the camp. I felt that we simply heeded Mother Nature’s call to reconstruct the strong foundations of our interconnection with nature and with each other, a universal truth we cannot deny.

When I was first introduced to my co-subcamp members, I found it difficult to interact and socialize. I rarely get out of my circle and I basically stick to my cliché routines. In four days, we formed a strong friendship. And though at times there may be friction in ideas and paradigms, we were able to survive each workshop simply because of our teamwork and unity, collective collaboration and intellectual contributions, and because we were given the opportunity to harness our skills. I then realized that together, our subcamp (Rescue Rangerz 22) can work wonders on any endeavor. We worked as a group in the different activities such as the Science of Mass Wasting. Group mathematicians sought ways to get the accurate angles of the prototype mountains while the group scientists dealt with answering the phenomena of mass wasting and soil runoff using scientific reasoning and approaches. Clash of the Thunders is more on physical competency and strategic tactics, yet it still requires the full cooperation of the members. Moreover, we got to have the best subcamp facilitator ever (Kuya Ace) to oversee us from time to time. We all enjoyed his company because of his witty sense of humor.

The lectures were probably the most important activities in the camp though some students obliviously neglect this. These lectures equip us, the stewards of the environment, with information, knowledge, and awareness especially when our environment has been transformed into a killing field wherein we face the wrath of nature and the consequences of our actions. I admit, I learned a lot of things though sometimes I just wish time would hasten up a bit. At least I wasn’t able to doze off in the middle of the sessions. I was also able to participate in the forums, which boosted my self-confidence.

Fun. I wouldn’t want to miss out mentioning the fun. Though I was stressed and strained like modulus because of extensive pre-camp preparations (which I thought was necessary), it was quickly averted by the fun I’ve experienced throughout the duration of the camp. Every

night is something to actually look forward to. Opening Night, Socials Night, Entertainment Night, Closing and Awarding Ceremonies. They’re what I call time dashers. Time Dashers? You must think I’m out of my mind. Well, I hate to break it up to you but I’m not insane, thank you. It’s just that even though we end up at almost midnight, everyone seems to be wanting for more and for additional time extensions. Everyone insatiably craves for more of every evening’s affairs. I also would never forget taking a picture with the giant python at the ParadiZoo.

I admit, I had a hard time socializing at first. While everyone was starting to form small cliques, I felt lost at sea with feelings of awkwardness. Those thoughts faded away because as time passed, I found myself slowly starting to blend in like everybody else; no longer a sore thumb which stood out from the rest because she couldn’t fit in.

Probably the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies was the most memorable night during the camp. We had our last laughs, last hugs, and shed our last tears. The atmosphere was a mixture of different emotions. People may think it’s funny to immensely emanate strong emotions towards our new circle of friendship which was only built up in four days. But the truth is, those four days seemed like wheeling years. Winning didn’t matter anymore. There’s something greater than winning which we found. An eternal flame of friendship burning and a linen of experience. These made our stay in Tagaytay worthwhile.

But for me, the best thing about this camp is the determination I’ve gained to help make a difference in our world. We are now in the era of consequences wherein we anticipate the possible disasters yet to storm us, bringing devastation of unknown proportions. I am one of the many Filipino youths who have been awakened to the new wave of consequences existing in our world. Because of this camp, I have been motivated to act in order to slowly avert the menace storming us. A spark of a promising fire in my journalistic spirit has been enkindled, allowing me to wield my pen, along with the thousand others, in order to persuade people to significantly lessen, if not decisively eradicate the factors causing the degradation of our environment. I’m very privileged to be part of this year’s camp. Even though I wasn’t able to attend the Super Junior concert (which was one of the main reasons I joined the camp because I assumed I could just pull through), I am happy to have been part of every activity.

At the end of the day, it’s not winning that matters, but the values that permeate within our being. Because every second of our lives should be compromised, not only basing on the successes attainable, but also for the failures that help build up our characters.

pictures:

Caption: Our banner! Rescue Rangerz 22!

Living My Life [Speeding Through the Roads of Life]

Speeding Though The Roads Of Life

written by: Hyacinth S. Faune [SJSaranghae]

Life is a series of heyday and misfortune. Its true value is not measured in the amount of years to live through, but rather, in the use we make of them. To find satisfaction is not based on the tale of years we weave, but on our will to dream, our will to live, and our will to make the most of it by going beyond the boundaries of the possible. Every second of our lives should be compromised, not only basing on the successes attainable but also for the failures that help build up our characters.

At a young age, I discovered my potentials and interests, which serve as the foundations of my dreams and goals. I will forever be proud to say that I’m a bookworm. I am convinced that Literature is the field of my potencies and the field where most of my dreams and goals in life rely upon. My favorite books are fantasy fiction and self-help books. Specifically, the titles are Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Six Most Important Decisions You’ll Ever Make and the Inkheart Trilogy. I discovered my great thirst for an expanding vocabulary, which is why I consider the dictionary as my best friend.

I also discovered my interest in writing at 9 years old. I consider writing as my passion and my ardent desire. For me, writing is like breathing. Stop and I’d die. It’s my vice of choice, my sanity, and my stress release from a bad day or bad week. Writing is something I insatiably do every time a crazy idea pops out of my head. It all started when some of my teachers complimented me that I have “the potential to be a good writer.” It really boosted out my ego and self-confidence that I can walk the extra mile. I’m currently writing a novel with fantasy-fiction as the genre. The reality of my dreams, such as traveling in foreign places and being recognized as one of the youngest and greatest authors depends on the progress of my novel.

Being book-oriented, I realized that the roots of success always start out with prioritizing your studies. In my kindergarten life, I was enrolled at Enfant Cheri Study Centre Inc. I did fairly well, but the problem I had was consistency. When I become the first honors, I just seem to dive down to lower ranks in the succeeding grading periods. In Grades 1 and 2, I still studied at Enfant Cheri. Being in a private school, I never learned to appreciate interaction with other people outside my circle. I was the timid, unassuming student who seldom participates in class. In Grade 3, I took the test for the Science and Technology Education Center in Butuan Central. Receiving satisfactory results, my parents transferred me to the public school. This turning point of my life turned out to be my transition stage. I learned to speak Visayan, socialize with other people from different walks of life, learned to participate well in class, discovered my skills in writing, and my interests in Literature and History. Because of my sudden adaptability to an environment I’ve never been to before, I became the 2^nd honors in class. In Grade 4, I had to make minor adjustments once more, because I have been transferred to Butuan City Special Education Center together with my cousin, Jaynee D. Sacote. At first, the only person I’ve interacted with was my cousin, seeing that the other SPEDers were contented socializing within their own little cliques. But as time passed, I’ve eventually outgrown my being reluctant, making me rise up to the rank of 5^th honors around a bunch on sharp minds. In Grade 5, I made up my mind in compelling myself to soar higher. Because of that, I settled down as the class’s 3^rd honors. I strongly believe that Grade 6 marked one of the biggest mistakes in my life. I became complacent, blithe, and carefree. I did not struggle hard to compete with others, and I know I didn’t do my best then. Because of that, my rank deteriorated to 8^th honors. I supposed it was out of sheer luck that I was even able to be part of the Banner Roll. However, during those crucial times, my skills in writing improved a great deal. I was able to make it to writing contests and press conferences, having been trained in Journalism as the News Writer of our school paper, The Manaol.

At last, another chapter of life flipped its pages. I became eligible to enter high school. Many people say that high school is one of the most memorable stages in a person’s life. I wasn’t so sure of that either. But indeed, before officially being a high school freshman, I have experienced lots of insomnia cases. I wasn’t sure of what kind of life lies ahead of me. I wasn’t sure of what was at stake and how to leave marks of legacies on a school where the sharpest of minds met. In my first year, I belonged to section Archimedes. My adaptability hasn’t reached to the maximum, and I was adjusting a great deal, being around the smartest freshmen in Butuan City and CARGA region. I wasn’t very much indulging myself into participation in class discussions and as result, I was only the 9^th honors in the banner roll. I wasn’t contented of only being the 9^th honors, and I believed I could do better when I put the whole of my efforts in my studies. Second year held a lot of unexpected surprises and promises for me. I was in section Darwin, and I was immediately accepted as the News Editor in The Narra. I joined a lot of contests no matter how stupid and embarrassing I may appear to be, in order to gain higher grades. I put a lot of effort in my studies and participated a great deal. I took my studies seriously and as a result, I was awarded as the 1^st honors in the banner roll. Because of all those achievements, I was situated at section Avogadro this school year. I am determined to stay consistent at all cost and continue doing my very best no matter how the tables may have turned. I know that life is full of uncertainty, but I assure myself to stay strong while facing the tough challenges that I may be facing this school year. I try to hold on to that thought and truth for the sake of my goals and ambitions.

Even though I’m a fan of Japanese manga and anime, I’m fonder of literary pieces and classical books. Being an anime fan is like a whole new side of my interests. I’m also a fan of reality shows especially Pinoy Big Brother. The show gives the audience an outlook of the different perceptions, opinions, and paradigm of people with different stands and points of view.

I also highly use the internet for my own purposes. I usually go to Yahoo! Answers to ask questions, answer other people’s questions and make different polls and surveys regarding various topics. It is amusing on how different people see a particular thing differently. Aside from that, I keep in touch with my friends in Friendster. I also use YouTube quite a lot compared to Friendster. Here, I can upload the videos I have edited, music videos, and movie trailers. By means of YouTube, I have met many friends from all over the world, with different nationalities and characteristics. Because of this website, I have met my online best friend, Ashley, from California. We shared a lot of things in common, and she often asks me for advices whenever school and peer pressures were much of a problem to her. I basically had to research how to deal with bullies, mean students, and popularity rates to advice her on how to deal with them. Aside from Ashley, I have met a bunch of other interesting people which I have befriended. Jodie from Peru, Angela from USA, and Anne from Sweden are some of the people I usually chat with. Another friend from Chicago, Monica is a potential “online close friend.” I am aware of the risks of being in the internet, but of course, I am careful of the people I am dealing with at all times. Now I'm totally in Plurk, Facebook, and Twitter. haha

Compared to other teenyboppers, I am proud of being unique and not settling for things which I consider cliché. Although, I at times may be headstrong and stubborn, I try to be optimistic, so that it may eclipse my pessimistic thinking. I have a firm stand on my dignity, reputation, and my beliefs. Unless I can relate and have an authority to do so, I’m a person who does not stereotype. And unless provoked, I do not go around looking for fights and troubles.

I’m a person who is very ambitious and who dreams big. I have lots of goals I want to accomplish and lots of dreams I want to pursue. As much as possible, I don’t want to settle for an average life, because I know my abilities are capable of making my life extraordinary in one way or another. I tend to find inspiration in the movies I see, the books I read and in the scenic panorama of unspoiled nature. The strong inspiration and motivating force keeps me pumped up in writing my novel. With the freedom of thoughts and the continuous flow of ideas, my brain delta waves make my high ambitions closer to grasp. Writing a best-selling novel at such a young age is an ambition I share with my fellow classmate, Marion Therese Geolingo.

This is the story of my life so far. A portal of uncertain expectations. A book with surprising chapters written by God’s own hands. A life not ought be wasted, but lived to the fullest without further regrets. Because as Mother Teresa pus it, “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”

P.S.: This was my assignment last 3rd year for English. I just re-posted it as a blog. haha

Breaking the Walls of Negative Cultural Diversity

Breaking the Walls of Negative Cultural Diversity

by: Hyacinth S. Faune [SJSaranghae]

Culture is a word embellished by a million definitions, a million truths, and a million lives. It is a word that keeps humanity in constant balance. It is a word rooting from the ancient civilizations, to the declining empires, to the hierarchy of the medieval and renaissance time phases, to the present world. Culture conveys the whole of history summed up in a single word. It brings out people’s beliefs, traditions, norms, lifestyle, and a race’s legitimate jurisdiction. Culture unravels the visionary illusions and the truth about a group of people. It separates fact from fiction, reality from conjecture, in a pursuit to trace back a thousand years of ancestry and inheritance that we all practice today in our modern customs. Culture is a medium to make all of us feel the pulse of history in our veins. At the same time, culture describes the many ways human beings express themselves for the purpose of uniting with others, defining an identity, and distinguishing one’s self as unique.

As cultures interact and intermix, cultural identities change. This process can be enriching, but disorienting. The current insecurity of cultural identity reflects fundamental changes in how we define and express who we are today. These times are most crucial; cultural divergence and racial discrimination. Racism is the systematic practice of denying people’s access to rights, representation, or resources based on racial differences. These situations sharpen the long-standing dilemma that eventually leads to discrimination and exploitation. How can universal human rights exist in a culturally diverse world? As the international community becomes increasingly integrated, how can cultural diversity and integrity be respected? Is a global culture inevitable? If so, is the world ready for it? How could a global culture emerge based on and guided by human dignity and tolerance?

If we think about it, we all have one goal: to make this world a better place. Each of us wants to make a difference and create an impact the world will never forget. But what barricades us from this goal and the reality to achieve it is diversity. Our different stands and mindsets diminish our search for that specific answer and truth on how to eliminate the global crises we face today. We see the world in a different pair of paradigm. Our own perceptions are actually for an individual’s benefit, something most of us are unaware of. Instead of finding ways to mitigate the problems by unity, joint forces and intelligence, and interweaving cultures, we want to make the difference ourselves. It then does not matter how the others struggle for their own survival and how to lift up their lives. In my opinion, the reason why these major problems couldn’t be ceased is because of the contributing factor of “cultural diversity.” There are positive outcomes of cultural diversity, as well as the negatives that result from it. When we are divided, there is no real communication. There is no real peace. There is no real respect. Oftentimes, we think that alone, we can make a stand for this generation by letting ourselves unlock alone the doors of uncertainty. But that’s just ridiculous. One person cannot change the whole world. It takes the cooperation of a billion others to do that. But being culturally diverse, we go on separate ways, forgetting that once aimed goal of rebuilding the earth into a majestic paradise. Now, that goal seems to be out of our grasp. Man’s continuous thirst for superiority runs deep in his psyche.

Wars are everywhere. The recent of which is the attack of the Giza Strip between Israel and the Arab Muslims. It takes more than one person to trigger the said conflict. Because of ideology, territory and cultural diversity [Muslims and Jews have different cultures], the world has turned its face on the two nations set at war in between a narrow boarder. Dawn until dusk all that could be heard were cannons, and riffles, and temporary ceasefires. There would be total chaos if these two races were to be together. It is just like the ancient wars in history. Pointless conflicts because of differences; trying to prove which race is greater, which culture is far more absolute, and enslaving the races who are different by labeling them as community outcasts. It reminds me of our lesson in 2^nd year Asian History. When Mrs. Vidal taught us about the Caste System, the order of society in the ancient civilizations of Indus, Mohenjo Daro and Harappa. It was when the Dravidians were treated as a low form of life. They were the “untouchables”, marked as slaves for eternity. The Caste System was a total imbalance, which is why Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi was against it. All these enigmatic disasters are brought about by cultural diversity. If we still see racial discrimination and racial struggle for supremacy, making one better than the other, then REAL peace can not be obtained.

Do you remember the 2003 or 2004 song of the Black Eyed Peas entitled, “Where is the Love?” I like how the song puts up these lines:

1. “But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate”

2. “If love and peace so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don’t belong
Nations dropping bombs
Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones
With ongoing suffering
As the youth die young
So ask yourself is the loving really strong?
So I can ask myself really what is going wrong
With this world that we living in
People keep on giving in
Makin wrong decisions
Only visions of them livin and
Not respecting each other
Deny thy brother
The wars’ going on but the reasons’ undercover”

The song has a real prowess meaning about our world today. And all these problems are attributes to cultural diversity. Most of us are so pre-occupied making wrong decisions that we end up disrespecting and denying others. Disrespect then turns to aggravation, then to hate.

Instead of letting anger reign over, be the cycle breaker! Each of us can break the cycles of negative cultural diversity so that we can truly unite to help solve all the crises we are currently experiencing. Together we can all take a stand on planet Earth. Together, we can make a global culture of peace, love and freedom, with our cultures interweaving beneath the linen of fulfillment. Breaking the walls of negative cultural diversity may be difficult, as this has been going on for thousands of years. History has made some of its mark through cultural diversity. But it is not impossible. In order for humans to improve better, we must all cooperate saving the earth and stopping all conflicts. If one person could make a small difference, imagine how a billion populations can cause a global change.

It’s just a matter of respect and change of perspective. It’s just a matter of a “Paradigm Shift.”

High School Life

High School Life

Written by: Hyacinth S. Faune [SJSaranghae]

High School. Freshmen are likely to be more interested in what lies beyond the walls of a secondary school. The night before classes start, they get extreme insomnia. The adrenaline is fast pumping, full of enthusiasm. Time seems to have gone slower, as if it’s taking forever to reach the hourly strike at six. Hearsays are everywhere, that high school is definitely one of the most exciting events in one’s life. It’s all about the fun, the freedom and the drama, everyone hears. But what about the perils of high school? Like competition and taking your studies to the maximum level?

Personally, I think that high school life is a wheel of struggle. You never know where the odds will take you. Many times, it’s all about the stress. I’ve asked some people online on what major factors contribute to their levels of stress. Here’s what they’ve told me:

“A Tsunami of homework”

“ASSIGNMENTS ENDLESS OF THEM

I PREFER EXAMS… they’re less stress.”

“Parent expectations, and the possible repercussions in the future.”

“The drama, the number of assignments and tests, and the ridiculous grading system my school seems to think is fixing all their problems.”

High school is a world of uncertainty that all of us have to undergo. It is inevitable for a good future. Everyone has his or her own fair share of problems. I myself have problems on understanding some subjects. Unless of course, you want to live your life living on government hand-outs and be poor for the rest of your life, then you have no other choice.

As a junior high school student, I feel as if the weight of the world is upon my shoulders. Sometimes I wish time would go slower. It’s pretty ironic, especially when before I wanted time to speed up so that I could immediately step into high school. Who knew how things would change. Who knew that the rising adrenaline would suddenly drop down like an airplane crash? Being in a special science class puts survival to the test. It’s all about doing well consistently and putting your studies in your TOP priorities. There are times when I’d fret and cry buckets whenever I get a low score. I’d cry for half an hour because I think that one mistake is equivalent to a hundred others. My bag is draping down to the ground from the weight of all the books I carry everyday. My brain feels as if it would blow up anytime. Now, I’m currently seizing every opportunity that pops out of nowhere. Aside from the fact that it counts as additional points, I want to gain experiences that would make me remember High School.

Nostalgia. I remember those days in elementary when everything was simple and uncomplicated. It makes me crave for those past years. The times when I’d sit in the so-called “Tower of Doom” in the open field at the back of our school to watch the infatuating sunset. The sunset, spectrum of colors weaved into threads of gold and caramel. I’d stay until the first few stars appear. Now, I rarely go out to see the stars at night. When before I used to sit at the back trunk of our car to watch in marvel the stars in the ink black sky, now, I’d just be busily answering a heap of homework and cramming for the tests for the following day. Things aren’t the same anymore today. However, everything has its own time and phase. Going through high school may be tough; it’s a box of all problems imaginable: grades, expectations, addictions, relationships, peer pressure, self-esteem, and the drama. But these students are better off than drop-outs. [excerpt] Do high school drop-outs do well? A few do. But it’s like playing the lottery. The odds are stacked against you. Why take the chance?

To conclude this post, I would like to share to everyone “The SEVEN Secrets of getting Good Grades”:

Secret 1: BELIEVE YOU CAN

Secret 2: SHOW UP (show up in class. Don’t be absent if unnecessary)

Secret 3: DO EXTRA-CREDIT

Secret 4: GET ON YOUR TEACHER’S GOOD SIDE

Secret 5: BE STRONG IN TH RED ZONE

Secret 6: GATHER YOUR RESOURCES

Secret 7: DEVELOP SMART STUDY HABITS

The solution? Deal with your problems. Problems are only temporarily there to distract you from your goals. Once you overcome these problems, you just might survive high school life.

Operation: Marshmallow Assassination!

I have a question for you.

Seriously…..

Nah….I’m not joking around….

Have you ever executed an innocent, fluffy marshmallow around a camp fire?

Verdict: Guilty or not?

…

……..

…………..

I’m guessing you’re guilty!!!! Don’t worry, you’re conscience won’t eat you alive.

I just want to admit that yeah! I’ve assassinated and executed an innocent, fluffy marshmallow. And it was an excruciating experience. I felt bad for the mallows. You can hear them scream….or sizzle rather. I just chucked it in the flames and it was totally wicked cool! The truth is, I have sent many marshmallows to their deaths. I mean, I didn’t seriously mean it. I just wanted them brownish, but they caught fire like a witch. Yeah, I’m a terrible killer. I’ve slaughtered many marshmallows to death. I’ve incinerated them. It was like a death camp for the marshmallows. Sometimes, when my evil nerves go up, and I’m too lazy to build a camp fire [where the heck would I build one though?] I just order them “To the Oven!”

LOL.

Poor things. I almost felt sorry for them though. They’re innocent, unaware of the perils of my presence. But I’m not really that bad! Since I’m a horrible murderer of chocolate and crackers too, I just let them die together. But to tell you the truth, I always give them a fair trial and almost always find them guilty of tasting best when roasted on the end of a stick.

But when the final judgment arrives, I’m spared.

You know why?

‘coz THEY [the marshmallows] started it!

[crap why do they have to taste so good!?]

The word "Freakin'" is freakin' awesome!

"Freakin'" is a word we usually attach to another word to convey the extreme expression suited for the specific sentence. I don’t personally think it’s bad to say “freakin’ cool”, “freakin’ weird”, “freakin‘ awesome“

We use that as a “fun statement” in Twitter. Twitter has been kinda fun and it works as an IM and shout-out. In Twitter, I learned to minimize the use of too much words since each post contains 140 characters.

By the way, a COOL person replied to my post in twitter. Unusual and unexpected. I didn’t see that one coming. haha. Some celebrities just NEVER reply. I don’t know why the heck is that but who cares? My number of followers is fluctuating…super. I just want to hit up the high numbers. It's kinda difficult though. I know that there are LOTS of Beliebers (Justin Bieber fans) on Twitter...but for goodness' sake I don't want to pretend that I'm obsessed with Justin Bieber just to gain more followers. Probably I could rant all I can about ELF, Super Junior, 4jib, and Bonamana. They always deserve the first place in the Trending Topics list for me.

Anyway, congratulate me! haha. I've just recently tweeted my 3000th tweet. That's probably some improvement. I've been dormant in Twitter for weeks.

It’s not that I rally care having many followers though. It’s just for fun.

And we have to congratulate ourselves ELFs! Bonamana has been a trending topic for days now! :) That got to mark history in the lives of ELFs :)

Again, I love the word "freakin’ "

It’s just like FREAKY-y+ing-g+‘= FREAKIN’

So, I end this post by saying that, BLogging is freakin’ awesome!