The Greatest Feeling

      I have always lived by the principle ‘Hard work brings Satisfaction’. Hard work does not necessarily bring achievement. But with hard work, I have gained the knowledge that I’ve tried my very best, and that my very best was good enough.

    During my first year of high school, I went through a dilemma wherein it felt like it was fit enough to be a mid-life crisis. I had a realization, no matter how hard I try; it will never be good enough. No matter how hard I study for exams and how much I exert effort into my projects, the result will not be as nearly as good as others’. It takes an inborn skill to be an expert or to create praise-worthy products. I tried to rationalize myself. I thought that I was being unreasonable, that the solution to my problem was inevitable through hard work. But as the years flew by, I saw no progress. It made my mental distress worse, when I thought that not being able to develop or hone my talents will affect my social life and future work life.

    In order to get over the emotional and mental stress, I talked to someone I hold very close to my heart. During our conversation, I was at my most vulnerable state. I said everything I felt. How I will carry this burden with me to my grave, and possibly after. I knew no one could help. There was no point in wasting my words to gain sympathy. But I was grateful that someone listened to me. I had to let everything out. Little did I know, I was given the most impactful advice. It became the foundation, my motivation, to still continue to give my best and to still work hard. He said, “Nothing will ever be as good and pure as the work of the person who has worked sweat and tears.  It may not turn out as great, but people will appreciate an output full of effort than an effortless achievement. There is something you gain out of hard work compared to people who put less effort into their work; and that is pure satisfaction. It gives you the knowledge that you’ve done your very best, and your very best is good enough.”

    It made me come to realize that my previous realization was not as a big of deal as I thought it was. Yes, I accept my work might not be as perfect or as creative. But through hard work I have learned to appreciate the effort I put; and that through hard work, I gained the greatest feeling; satisfaction.

~ChubbyBunnyCarrot486_NB1

Automobiles or AutoNObiles?

Automobiles have impacted the world at full speed. From the time Henry Ford sponsored the development of assembling affordable automobile at mass production, the world has really been revolutionized by cars. Overtime, it has directly affected different aspects of the society such as human life, economy, and even the environment.

The invention of cars paved way for the convenience and increased mobility of humans. They are able to go to work faster, migrate to another place, or travel, regardless of the distance. Some people also make money out of cars by turning it into cabs or taxis, or by driving it for someone for a fee. Aside from this, the transportation of goods has been made easier as well. This must be the reason why more cars are being produced each year, to meet the demand of the mass. In fact, the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) reported that in the Philippines alone, a total of 234,747 units of automobile were sold in 2014. Nielsen Global Survey of Automotive Demand also stated that 46% of Filipinos intend to acquire a car within the next two years, which is quite high for a country comprising mostly of the lower class. The increased production is also good news for rubber and gas manufacturers, as well as labor workers, for this means income.

Though there are benefits brought about by this invention, there are also consequences which we now pay for. Automobiles have made life quicker and more efficient, but it also resulted to the increased rate of road accidents and fatality. In the Philippines, as of 2014, there are 227 accidents on the road every day, and 1 of which is fatal. Apart from this, transportation is actually slower now because of heavy traffic. Vehicles are also responsible for a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, because of the use of non-renewable fuels. Cars don’t just pollute the air, it also creates noise pollution from the sound of its horn and engine.

Automobiles have truly become a fundamental part of our society today. Its invention has influenced, shaped and changed the world enormously. While it advanced human life, it also puts their life at risk due to unforeseen accidents on the road. Nevertheless, automobiles are certainly here to stay. Automobiles have responded to the need of humans for transportation and independence, but now, humans have to find solutions to the need of the environment, due to the effects of cars.

-CHERIFERnando Poe Jr_ID1

Unfolding A New Phase In Life

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings –Lao Tzu”. Truth be told, some people don’t like new beginnings. Fear of the unknown, as we say. They are scared of losing something that they’ve been used to seeing or doing; and I myself think that I’m part of these kind of people.

The quote somehow summarizes what happened 4 years ago when my parents wanted me to transfer to another school. I was so attached to my previous school because it is where I spent 9 years of studying and almost all of my friends are there. That school was a big part of my childhood that it was so hard for me to let go. Knowing my parents had plans of transferring me, I felt so sad and scared. I was sad because I wouldn’t be going to school with my friends anymore, it was just so hard to think that they’d all still be going to the same school without me, and knowing this; I got jealous and can’t help but feel out of place in my new school. I was scared because I’m anxious as to what my new school would be and what kind of people I would meet. St. Paul College Pasig (SPCP) is really big compared to my previous school; the school environment is one big factor. My previous school, Taytay United Methodist Christian School (TUMCS) is a just a small school in Taytay, Rizal. It is like a small community wherein each level would only have about 3 sections as compared to SPCP; The latter has 8-9 classrooms per grade level. Just thinking about this school set-up, was overwhelming and it really scared me.

I still remember that painful feeling I had during my Grade School Graduation day in TUMCS. I thought I’m going to lose my friends already and that I wouldn’t be able to perform well in academics because I’d be too uncomfortable with the new environment. The moment wherein you have to let go of something that’s been a part of you since you started learning your ABCs and 123s. But then, thoughts suddenly came clear. Painful feelings became feelings of excitement. What seemed to be a painful ending became a start of a new chapter of my life- a new beginning. My first year in St. Paul got me new friends, new environment, and new memories. It felt like looking at a video tape of my school life; the feeling is no longer unfamiliar. I felt so relieved having not to think of the unpleasant memories before. As if I was given a second chance to actually do better than my previous school years. When I was experiencing this so-called “new beginning”; it wasn’t that easy at first because apparently I would have to adjust and be comfortable to my new environment. Over the process, I was able to make new friends which I consider a big part of my new beginning. It was really nice to think that you’d be making new and fun memories with these people and that they’d actually help you to become a better person. It has affected me in ways that it has encouraged me to become a better version of myself.




ElementND1

Book called Life: Beginnings a new chapter

       Each one of us have our own understanding of beginnings. Some may not consider what others see as beginnings but it will all depend on our perspectives. It could be when you first met a person, a time that changed you or encountering an experience you'll never forget. For me, it all happened during school year 2015.

      I always had a goal of being an academic awardee for the entire school year. It was my goal that always felt so hard to attain. It was always so close yet so far every year but school year 2015 was different. It was also the school year that had opened me to new possibilities like being an officer in class as I balance my studies and extra- curricular activities or being a student-athlete. It was the year when I met new friends who I'd never expect that I'd be so close to. A year I'd always want to look back to no matter how hard it was. I could say that those were what I consider my "new beginnings". 

     I had never been a leader in a class. I guess it was the lack of self- confidence that always made me believe that leadership wasn't meant for me. But as school year 2015 goes, I finally had the courage to go out of my comfort zone. It helped and is helping so much in everything that I am tasked to do. It gave me hope that I should be optimistic and always take the opportunities given to me. I would forever be thankful for the people who believed in me and saw my capabilities even if I, at one time, thought that I wasn't capable. 

        Another experience is being a student-teacher. I had never imagined myself standing in front of the class and teaching. There, I had realized how difficult it was to teach. I realized that a teacher can't only teach for the sake of it but one must have the passion to inspire. It is something that I will always admire in every passionate and patient teacher that I will encounter or had encountered. 

       Also, another unforgettable experience is having to meet people who I'd want to share my life with. People who I could trust. They are the people who saw me in my worst and meanest side yet still chooses to stay. I couldn't say that they're just my best friends because for me, they are also family. They helped me through my rough beginnings and also opened and guided me to

 new ones.

   Those were the new beginnings I'd always treasure. That school year didn't go easy but it was really worth it considering all the experiences that had opened me to greater things. I'm looking forward to continue learning and growing with all the experiences I will be bringing with me as my high school journey goes on and is nearing to an end. And as it does, I would be opened to another new beginning which is hopefully entering the college of my dreams. I hope that people will realize how new beginnings could come in many ways depending on how you look at it and that it may be unexpected and endless.

Bella Con La Papaya_ND1

The Glittered Dress

I know that almost all of us had a time in our life where we had to wear something we don’t like. The feeling was the worst thing ever.

Last February, my brother had a family graduation picture. They said that we have to wear formal attire during the picture taking. My mom said that my sister and I have to wear heels, put on make-up, and of course wear a dress. My sister was so happy when she heard that we'll be wearing heels, dresses, and make-up. She loves all this stuff. I got so pissed because I had to wear a dress full of glitter. I mean, the dress is nice, but I don't like wearing dresses and heels.

The next day, after she told us the big announcement, we went to the mall to shop for dresses. Since I didn’t like the idea of wearing a dress, I was scowling the whole time.
 During the day of the photoshoot, my mom, sister, and I were doing our make-up inside the car since we were running late because all of us woke up late. When it was our turn to be photographed, my mom told me to wear heels already. She let me wear a 4 inches high heels. When we were on our way to the venue, my grandmother had to hold me to keep me balanced. When we were going up the stairs, I almost slipped because it was sort of slippery and the heels were really high, and the dress was a little itchy. Plus, I felt so fat wearing that dress because my arms are so big. And since it’s a seminary school, it was very awkward for me to see guys everywhere while wearing a dress full of glitters, heels, and make-up. Another thing is that when I was entering the place, they were playing Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. As we neared the venue, I got a little excited because in my head, I was thinking that the faster we finish, the faster I remove the dress.

After the photoshoot, when we were on our way home, my mom complimented my look. I got a little shy because I don’t get compliments everyday. I was a little happy because I know my mom was really looking forward to that day. After a month, we got our picture. And when I saw myself, I smiled. I went to my mom and said thank you for buying the dress because I thought I looked ugly.

I learned that all of us should always listen and appreciate our mother because she will always be there for you. And ever since that day, I started believing in the saying “Mother knows best”.

-IamGremlin_NB1

Just Appreciate

They always blame me for running late in any occasion. It's not my fault that I couldn't pick just the right top to match my black, skin tight jeans. Leather boots, rubber shoes, or sneakers? Perfume wise, Victoria's Secret Bombshell or One by Calvin Klein? Which bag do I use today?
"We're going to be late! What's taking you so long, Kate? You've been in there for hours!!"
"Seriously? I thought we'd be leaving an hour later! I'll be down really soon, just wait!"
Okay, I don't have enough time, I'll just wear this maroon top from Old Navy, and the boots. It sucks not having time to rummage through my cabinet, match this with that, and rate my appearance through the mirror for around 3 to 5 times. But set the mishaps aside, we're going to the mall and that is always an excuse to go shopping for more decent clothing.
My family and I would arrive in the mall almost an hour later than as planned. Hear mass, eat lunch in a Chinese restaurant, do the groceries, run some more errands, and.. "Oh hey! There's a half price sale in River Island and a 65% discount for selected items in Bershka and Topshop!"

"Kate, wait! Where are you going? We have to leave soon to visit your cousins in Antipolo!"
"Uhm, I was just going to the Mega Fashion Hall to check some shops out, and maybe buy a better top for the party later... If that's cool with you guys."
"Anak, masyado ka nang magastos. Your outfit is totally fine! You don't need to go shopping right now. Kaartehan na lang yan. I promise I'll go with you next weekend, the sale's not over by then. Okay?"
"Eeehhhhhh, please, isa lang ma, promise!"
"Kate, no. Not now, we are leaving and that's final. Stop being so hard headed, I'm telling you, your entire outfit is PERFECTLY fine. Let's go."
We get in our car and my grandmother starts comforting me and of course, I activate that sassy teenage-girl mode on and shut everyone out by putting earphones on and blasting the music volume. As we get to the party, I completely dropped the issue of the undesirable article of clothing I had on because of the absolute fun I had from bonding with my cousins. We took pictures with the family and I tell myself "Hey, your clothes really aren't that bad! You're lookin' pretty damn fine."

Being a teenager requires such hard work. You only start to notice every single error in everything and start to get conscious from head to toe at pubescence. But at the end of the day, mother knows best. I've learned that too much of the things that we already have enough of is wrong and unjust to the more unfortunate souls out there. Need and want are two very different concepts and now, I finally get to balance my expenses and enhance my monetary efficiency, simply by appreciating my possessions.

-Mellow Rives_NE1

Digging Behind the Facade: Cars

An invention is a discovery of new products, a new system, a new benefit or new use for a material that’s already been made, or any advancement of any of these. Inventors invent things because they have a variety of reasons to. They are motivated by their curiosity, interest, creativity and imagination, a desire to be known, and a desire to earn money from their inventions. Some inventions that have had changed the world are the light bulb, the computer, the telephone, and for the means of transportation, the car. 

Before, horses, oxen and donkeys became the means of transportation of people. The travois, a sled that was used to carry goods that had two poles dragged by a dog or horse, was developed. There was also a development on animal-drawn wheeled vehicles, which we still have, until now. Roads were constructed for better transportation. In the 17^th century, Nikolaus Otto and Etienne Lenoir invented the internal combustion engine or what we call the “car engine”. In 1768, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the first auto-mobile. Today, horse-drawn vehicles, bicycles, auto-mobiles, motor cars and trucks, and electric vehicles have developed. 

Because the car engine was invented and cars were built, it made people’s lives easier and convenient. In regions without railroads, the automobile made regular medium-distance travel a lot more accessible and affordable. Because cars can be used anytime and they didn’t require rest, they had more speed than horse-drawn vehicles. Over time, the car has developed beyond being a means of transportation or a possession that we are proud of and into a matter of interest and something that is treated as a hobby among many people in the world, who appreciate cars for their craftsmanship or art, their performance and conduct, as well as the boundless arrays of activities one can take part in with his or her car, although, there are a lot of bad effects of cars to the society and these are: Soil pollution. Exposure to excessive mercury in soil may damage the kidney or liver; Air pollution. It can cause heart disease and lung cancer. Premature death and lower life expectancy have been relatively linked with short- and long-term exposures; Car accidents increase death rates; Water pollution. It kills life that depends on these water bodies and it also breaks apart the natural food chain; Traffic; and climate change. Severe heat waves could be life threatening.

Automobiles have become such a big part of our lives that we rarely stop to consider in how many ways they affect and mold the world in which we live in.

-Troy Wanne_ID1