Dear Mind,
Shut up. KTHNXBY.
Sincerely Yours,
Erica.
November 2010
72 posts
We won’t say our goodbyes
You know it’s better that way
We won’t break, we won’t die
It’s just a moment of change
- One Republic, All We Are
When should I give up my virginity?
I cannot decide that for you.
But personally, pre-marital sex because of lust is a BIG NO for me. Parang walang meaning yung ginawa nyo; you did it to fulfill desires lang ee.
But if it’s because of love (char!), well, maybe, yes. haha. I really don’t know.
4 hours of reading articles about the SUC budget cut, and I’m starting to believe that we might be overreacting about it.
Standing Up For Your Ideals
UP students are often stereotyped as activists, rallyists, students with raging hormones, etc. With the issue of the SUC budget cut getting hotter this past few days, UP and other SUC students brought it out to the streets, marching and shouting with their red shirts on.
Staying for three years in UP now, I came to know that this is not a rare event, but more of an expectation, a norm in the entire university system. They used to tell me, “You can’t graduate from UP without joining a rally even once.” Well, I haven’t joined one, honestly.
When I was in high school, I never really believed in the capacity of rallies to bring about change, with the exception of Edsa I. I often see rallyists screaming, storming the gates of government and private offices, and even engaging in “mini wars” with the barricading policemen. What good does that do if the government officials won’t even open their gates, watch, and listen to your grievances?
Somehow, this thinking was a little altered upon studying in the university. I began to believe in the power and success of activism when people gather as one, not as dispersed rallyists. Still, I can’t imagine myself joining these activities.
More than the dangers you have to face, the heat you have to bear, and the courage you have to have, understanding the issue and standing up for your ideals remain my biggest concerns.
“Words and thoughts concerning compassionate action that are not put into practice are like beautiful flowers that are colorful but have no fragrance.” (Thich Naht Hanh)
Idealism vs Realism. I might condemn these things now, but later find myself working for the same evils I fought against earlier. That is such a shameful thing to do: saying something, but doing something else.
I do not want to act like a righteous one, because I might not live up to my expectations, and that of others. Being a true activist requires great courage, a strong conviction, and an unshakable faith to your principles and stance. For these things, I salute leftists who endured every storm that came their way.
As Ellis Tan, a schoolmate, puts it, “This is where most of us stumble. We can be so passionate telling others what they should be doing when we, in the first place, are not doing what we ought to do. We can see with all clarity the obligations not carried out by those who must do such, yet we cannot see our own duties which we have left undone.”
“Choose your battles,” were wise words from Sir Chong, our professor, which I’d like to heed. With this situation we have, I believe everyone is playing a role based on the decisions they make. And these, we have to respect. There are activists who voice out their opinions. There are teachers who teach us the reality of the world. There are the students who prioritize their studies. There are the religious ones who trust everything to God. There are those who don’t give a damn to such issues.
Since politics, economics, law and government is never of great interest to me, I’d rather fight a different war. I’d like to fulfill the duty I have in my hands right now: being a student. I choose to prioritize my studies and future career. This does not mean that I don’t care or don’t even share the sentiments of my fellow schoolmates, because believe me, I do. Right now, the best thing I think I can offer this country is being a responsible student; so that someday, when all the hard work pays off, I may give back to my alma mater, and my country, the quality education they gave to me.
This, for now, is the principle I believe I can stand up for.
Don't gain the world and lose your soul,wisdom is better than silver and gold.
Wise words from Bob Marley.
"Tertiary education is really the responsibility of the private sector, with the state coming in to give support at certain colleges that are centers of excellence in the regions."
(Butch Abad)
“Tertiary education is really the responsibility of private sectors”? What private sectors?
Yes, I know, we should not oblige the government to provide everything for its citizens, but what would you do with those who wanted to finish college but could only afford the education given by SUCs (State Universities and Colleges)? Could you tell them, “Sorry, hanggang high school ka na lang muna.”
Section 1 of the Constitution of the Philippines states that:
“The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”
With the statement of Mr. Abad, isn’t he compromising the provision of the National Constitution? It’s a competitive world out there. Some college graduates don’t even get a job, what more if the student graduated only from high school? Although I am not ignoring the fact that high school graduates can also be successful in their lives, the issue still remains: the government must not down-play their responsibility nor pass its weight to other sectors, but instead, “take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all.”
thing about yourself that you like the most?
OPTIMISM. I just believe that what you see is what you get. andami ng bad news sa tv, bakit di mo naman hanapan ng positive side ang mundo?
Optimism inspires you, makes you feel better, and moves you to act rather than complain.
