Overcoming My Fears

I dreaded reciting and making a speech in front of the class. I would always think that if I make a mistake, my classmates might tease and make fun of me so I was a very quiet and shy girl in class. It came to a point that I make absences every time I had a presentation in front of the class.

This fear started when I was in 5th grade because some of my classmates were very judgmental and they would make fun of you even if you just make a small mistake so I try not to recite. This was probably the reason why I dreaded reciting and making speeches because I know very well that people might judge me. This fear actually became very serious because every time my teacher would make me recite or have a presentation in front of the class, I would get anxious and my heart would beat very fast. I had anxiety for more than 4 years and it was actually a problem because it affected my grades and my confidence to the point I didn't want to go out of my house. When I started 10th grade, I told myself that I have to overcome this fear because if I wont do anything about it, I would have to carry this for the rest of my life. The first step I did to overcome this fear is to recite in class and I was very happy because I was able to do this without feeling anxious so it boosted my confidence. There was a certain instance were in I was able to present in front of the class and some teachers, the product that we are endorsing that requires making a business proposal and encouraging everyone to choose our product.

Finally, I realized that constant exposure to public speaking helped me overcome my fear and it changed my thinking that if I make a mistake, everyone would judge me. I learned that I shouldn't get affected with what other people are thinking about me because it would just make me lose my confidence. Reciting and making speeches in front of the class was not so bad after all because I was able to prove to myself that I can manage to do this as long as I believe in myself. Now I can proudly say that believing in oneself is the key to overcoming fears and improving myself as a person.

-HeartOfSteel_NA1

Facing Our Fears

               There are many things we are afraid of. There are times that we give up easily without even trying. Like my own experience of being scared in riding a roller coaster, I didn't enjoy fairs/amusement parks that time. Sometimes, our fears can make us stronger if we try to be brave. We can also prove that simple things like that wont make us give up or show that we are weak. Trying new things are fun actually. We may learn things when we put bravery first. My second fear is, having to  go to the hospital when I'm sick. Injections are one of my fears ever since I was small. Most of the time when I get injected, I try to run away and hide somewhere they won't find me but at then end, I have no choice but to have myself injected. My third experience is being a part of the class chairman. Being an officer is hard. From my first experience last year, I was excited because I get to experience it but after how many months, I felt the pressure because most of the students weren't listening and participating and of course, one of my fears there is scolding them to keep quiet because I was scared that they'd talk behind my back but I guess, it isn't a right thing to think of because, I was chosen to be a class officer because they know that I'm responsible enough to do my responsibilities being an officer and with that, I chose to face my fears because I know that in the end of the school year, it will be a big success and a good feeling as well.

              Facing one's fear takes a lot of courage. Some people, when they face their fears, it causes their knees to shake and their heart starts to beat fast and others feel/get light headed and have cold sweats. We try to show that we are strong to face those fears but sometimes, we feel like crying inside. With all these fears we have, sometimes, we don't have any choice but to face it. Sometimes we act like we are tough but inside, we aren't really that tough looking. Having to face these fears, we can be successful because it is something we need to overcome someday and be proud that we made it and that is because of all the effort we put into our lives that shows our toughest side.

-K.charlotte
NARRATIVE : PROMPT # 1 

Success is a journey, not a destination

No pain no gain. It is a quote we hear and see quite often. To get to the point, it means that nothing is achieved without struggle and sacrifice. If a person does not undergo pain or bear pains, they will have no gain/s. Great deeds cannot be accomplished if there is no action done.

A very good example of people who go through extreme pain and receive great success are the people are under sports. I am an athlete and what people have said about us encountering a large painful course is true.

I am telling one real small story - I once was trying out for a varsity team and unfortunately, did not pass. But that did not stop me from doing what I love. In fact, it gave me more motivation to do better and move on to focus on other aspects which are important. As time passes, I have been pushing myself beyond my limit(s) and discovered how much progress I created. Now, it was a new beginning of a whole new season. I, yet again, auditioned for this team. With great effort, motivation and passion, I was qualified for the varsity team. My dream has been fulfilled and that was the first time I appreciated my hard work of blood and tears. In life, there really isn't an easy way or a shortcut to success. To become successful, one must work his or her way to the top.

Later on, we will appreciate the hard work with the success we (will) have. The phrase "no pain no gain" continue to inspire not only me, but definitely everyone. Pain is the greatest teacher because it shows the importance of success and gives us the joy of doing so. If something requires going through some pain, it doesnt matter, for if you work hard enough, you'll certainly get some gain after it!

-Kath_NB1

Choices are Bridges

                There is a big difference between “growing old” and “growing up”. Growing old is simply aging. On the other hand, growing up involves maturity, responsibility and making rational decisions.  Independence is also a key factor.

                Everything felt so rushed. It seemed like time passed by so quickly. I was already in 10^th grade and the K to 12 system is being implemented by the Department of Education here in the Philippines. The government officials believe that six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School will contribute an adequate duration for the formation of the students, furthermore the development of the necessary skills in order to compete in this progressive world and economy. The batch went through numerous orientations and tests facilitated by the Guidance Area of the school so that we may be able to adjust and perceive which academic strand to take for Grades 11 and 12. The options were Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

                Last school year, things emerged to be overwhelming; I felt pressured. There was a mountain of school work, topped with loads of decision-making yet to be accomplished. The constant conversation on the new curriculum whether in school or at home was somehow aggravating. I was afraid of selecting an academic strand that may not be meant for me. The results coming from different assessments show that Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) is the track that I would excel in. However, I, to a certain extent was hesitant. Both my friends and family have distinct views and opinions.

                At the age of 15, it felt as if it was too early to make a choice that would greatly affect my future. Despite this, it is necessary to understand that it is inevitable to start and make decisions for oneself. Being self-reliant as a person gets older is an important characteristic. Evaluating and assessing my interests contributed in producing a final preference. It is my decision to undertake ABM in Senior High. I am contented and I do not regret this conclusion. The contrasting perspectives of people who are important to me were heard but I am my own person.

                Growing up entails decision-making, the act of picking or deciding between possibilities bridges a person to destiny. Just like how the popular quote goes: “You are the author of your own story”. The choice I had made was for me and is for my tomorrow; for the next few pages and chapters of my story.

-purpleink_NC1

                

Balancing my Passion with Great Responsibility

As time passes by, we eventually grow up and face different challenges. This is where decision making knocks on our doors, comes in, enters our lives, and becomes important for us. Life is full of options, options gives you choices, and choices require wise decisions. Choosing the right thing to do is an act of responsible decision making that would lead you to the path where you can reach your goals.

As a past student athlete, my future has been always my concern. I used to manage my time in training and doing my school works. Being part of the varsity team gives me the confidence and inspiration to strive better for my future in light of the fact that my sports could be the door to more opportunities for college. Just by making one big mistake in decision making, you will lose every hard work you gained. In my case, I have been hanging out with the wrong people in school and got influenced with their silliness which made me lose interest in my sport. After realizing my foolish acts, I have decided to regain my strength and tried to get back what I used to have. Although, I did not get in for this school year's varsity team but this doesn't mean the end. I have chosen to focus more on my academics since college is fast approaching. But hopefully, I will be able to get back on my track and follow my dreams. Choosing the wrong decisions gave me the life I would regret. 

Decision making is a big part of growing up. In order to be successful in the future, we would make the right choices before it is too late. Avoiding all the things that can harm our future is a good start. Therefore, choosing right decisions would lead us to a great result which means that all the sacrifices we have to make will be all worth it. The future depends upon the choices we made in the beginning. While growing up, we should be wise and choose the right things in order to have a better and brighter future. 

F.Smoak_NB1

In the World Today

In the world today, as society constantly changes, its needs simultaneously change with it. Many problems arise and many are solved. People’s views of different matters and issues may cause them to either deteriorate or gradually dissolve. As these issues start to build up, more people are needed to help give a solution to these problems. The world needs more man power in the work force in all its different branches. Every aspect of the world has its issues that are ever-changing. It affects the demand for people for certain jobs that need to be filled. For instance, in the Philippines, once the K-12 program has been implemented, the demand for teachers has significantly risen in schools all over the country. Some time at the end of 2013, Typhoon Yolanda struck Tacloban, leaving massive damage in its wake. Houses, schools, and etc. have been dismantled, agricultural lands were destroyed, and as a result of that, many have died, lost their jobs, and the supply of natural resources significantly dropped. Thus, the demand for a better work force to mitigate the natural disaster increased to help fix the damage caused by the typhoon.

There are so many job opportunities and a good number of them are high in demand. To be able to effectively, sufficiently, and productively attend to the society’s needs, one must have a good skill set, interest, and adequate knowledge on the job that is most needed. But it doesn’t mean that the choices are limited. It’s merely a more important occupation/career to pursue, based on the state of the society the person lives in.

First and foremost job seekers must possess the basic skills—reading, writing, listening, speaking, and arithmetic skills. A person must know how to read and analyze different types of texts; from documents, reports, graphs, and the like. At the same time, they should have the skills in solving mathematical problems accurately. Also, job seekers should be adept in expressing reports, documentaries, or any text necessary for the job. They should be good listeners and speakers simultaneously for the sake of being able to work proficiently.  Almost every occupation requires a literate person. If these skills aren’t present in a job seeker, their acceptance rate deems to become low.

They should also be skilled at decision making, thinking creatively, problem-solving, visualizing (organizing thoughts and processing symbols), reasoning, and learning new things. All of these skills are crucial in landing a job, especially if someone wants to reign triumphant and successful in serving society’s needs. These people must learn how to adapt to new environments, be a critical thinker, easily understand a concept, organize ideas and justify them masterfully. In our world today, technology is supreme, so it is fairly essential to know how to control them and use them productively.

When the time comes where no one is present to instruct and supervise, it is crucial to know how to effectively work independently. Having these skills are highly essential to everyone, regardless of the job/career they plan to pursue. If a person lacks one of these skills, they will experience a higher level of difficulty in getting a job that suits their interests. People must learn what they don’t possess, as long as it contributes to their development, in context. There are reasons why employers look for these skill sets in a job seeker; for them to be able to serve what the world needs and patch up the holes that make it regress.

iampunyunicorn_IA1

references: 
Skills and Competencies Needed to Succeed in Today's Workplace. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2015, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/assment/as7scans.htm

 Enna, N. (2014, July 29). 10 Skills The Workforce of the Future Will Need. Retrieved July 17, 2015. edited

Don't miss out on something that could be great. Just because it could also be difficult

  
   Don't miss out on something that could be great. Just because it could also be difficult.

                Oftentimes throughout life, people feel afraid to do certain things because of fear. It is something that holds us back but eventually will overcome it if willing. I also have my own fears, I remember when I was little Probably 5 to 6 years old. I used to be terrified of mostly  everything. I could even recall numerous ones, like when we simply went to an amusement park with the family and I was afraid of mostly all the rides. Just watching my cousins enjoy and have a great time while  I was just waiting for them outside, It wasn't very fun honestly. but I  knew I wasn't as adventurous and outgoing  enough as them but I wished to be, I admitted sadly. And another one is that I always avoided going to cinemas, watching movies  because I always hated the dark entrance. I was always curious so much when I was a kid,  like what would happen when people walk  in and disappear in the dark cinema. What happens to them? That's a question I always asked my self. What's in a cinema? And there was one time I tried but it ended up being a Fail because right before the movie starts there was a horror trailer unexpectedly that made it even more memorable for me. 

But I'm very glad that's gone now. I'm very much more different then before. Because I thought I would still be the same person. The girl who isn't good with amusement park rides, the girl who is  scared of lots of things. But then I learned that life is full of unexpected moments, and we should just go with it. I started to not fear, but to stand up to the things I wasn’t comfortable with, and go out of my safety zone. I ended up loving them. One time I was taken completely off guard when I did a ride that I didn’t want to do, but ended up enjoying it. 

The people who are able to get past their fears are the ones who turn into better persons.

Fear doesn't shut you down it wakes you up. and it did awaken me to reality, that From my whole child hood I had missed out on so much great  things that I should have shared with my family and friends and I regret every thing that I did. I waisted so much time entertaining my fears, rather than looking at the positive side in things. and should have enjoyed my life as a kid. Everyone has a negative mind about something. We all do. We have fear, anxiety, and struggle towards things. That’s what makes us human. But we have to learn how to take that fear and turn it into something we are brave about facing

By: Anoel_NP1