Lessons behind the Brown Paper

Last time, our English teacher gave a list of some errors; some of us did in our blog entries. I had a nervous feeling when a sheet of brown paper was given to us. I was hoping that I do not owe any errors listed. Well, thank God I do not. Truth is, almost all of us found the errors quite funny. Many people have problems with grammar and grammar, struggling to use the correct words when writing. This applies to people of all ages, nationalities and prestige. Most errors were misused of some words, troublesome in using the tenses and many other more. But knowing the errors would be a great help! I would be able to distinguish what is correct from not. So, it would not be embarrassing to present my article next time I write. Knowing the correct grammar is really important not only in speaking but also in writing. There are some ways to improve grammar skills. English as a second language can be picked up for its' grammar by making a list of all the common contractions. It is better to have and use a dictionary and write in a notebook all the forms and study it daily. Internet is not only about facebook, twitter, myspace, tumblr etc. There are also lots of sites that would be a great help in improving one’s grammar skills and vocabulary. For example on this site, http://www.chompchomp.com; included in this site are interactive activities, grammar rules and hand-outs for students and teachers. It is called Grammar Bytes and is for late primary and intermediate classrooms. So when bored on facebook, why not try checking out this site!

Many people have a basic grasp of writing concepts, but want to learn to be better writers. To be a good writer, I think one must also be a good reader. There are lots of things we could learn from reading books. Reading authors that I love and learning from them encourage me to read and learn more. Understanding what I like to read will help me to understand what I like to write, and writing about what I love will usually be creating my best work. When done writing any article for the school newspaper, I let my uncle or an older trustworthy friend to evaluate my work. I always ask them to be honest in their opinions. Criticism may be the best way to open a room for improvement. I listen carefully to their suggestions. Listening does not mean I have to take every piece of their advice and change entirely my whole work. It means, keeping in mind and heart their opinion. I also watch American movies instead of watching the “Tagalog” ones. It helps improve my vocabulary.

Another thing is some experts suggest that habitual writing is the best way to improve writing skills and make a person a better writer. This is so true! Practice makes perfect.

BRING IT ON!

Last February 14, TUMCS started celebrating its 26^th founding anniversary. Foundation week is one of the most awaited events in TUMCS. There was this “Joint to Worship” wherein selected 3^rd and 4^th year students gathered in the chapel. Students and teachers were blessed by the Pastor’s message about God’s love. On the second day, a contest called “Mr. and Ms. INTRAMS” held. The contestants ramped wearing their sports attires. Top 10 candidates were given each question to be answered. By the end of the competition, Ms. Delgado and Mr. Francisco of III- Leah got the title. TUMCSians also showed off their skills in dancing. Students competed in ballroom, cheer dance and modern dance. It was a tough decision for the judges because everyone did their best. The juniors got the 1^st place in cheer dance and ballroom while the seniors, got the 1^st place in modern dance. On February 16, the ballgames started. The crowd was cheering on different teams. I could really say that the excitement was in the air whenever the team scores. I also observed that some players were greedy when it comes in handling the ball. Some were aggressive that causes other players to be injured. But other than that, I haven’t observed anything else more. Being sport is very important. In every competition, someone will always win. But what is important, you did your best for "God's Glory!!!"

The Olympic Games must not be an end in itself, they must be a means of creating a vast programme of physical education and sports competitions for all young people. Avery Brundage

FEARLESS!

Discrimination. Yes. Since the American Civil War the term 'discrimination' generally evolved in American English usage as an understanding of prejudicial treatment of an individual based solely on their race, later generalized as membership in a certain socially undesirable group or social category. An act or conduct for or against an individual based on preconceived personal biases. It can be positive or negative, through the promotion or the abuse of the person, respectively. Until now, discriminations are very much observed.

There are a million and one ways that one can be discriminated. Sexual discrimination and racial discrimination are the two main ones that I can think of. In the Philippine history, Spanish colony has made a big change in the country and has made contributed positive things and negative things. They were the first ones to discriminate Filipinos and called us, “Indio.” Now at the present times, the effects of those traumas have occurred from the cause. Some Filipino workers are being abused by the other races. We are all the same - therefore we should treat each other in the same way.

I have been discriminated before. But not totally, just being compared with other people and it sucks. I really do not want to be compared with anyone because I am unique. I am not them. Yes, it hurts to be discriminated. But it does not mean that one should not try to make a change. What did I do after being discriminated? Before I confronted the person, I thought carefully about what I am going to say. It is essential to stay calm and rational and remain in control of the situation. As you need to convey how their actions have made me feel, and explain that I want such conduct to stop. I chose not to keep quiet. I think not taking an action is the worst thing to do. Any kind of discrimination or bullying can rapidly diminish one’s self-esteem and ability to seek help. But one must take control of the situation. What does the bible say about discrimination?

Matthew 5:44

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

SPEAK UP. BE HEARD. If you don’t say a word, everything will stay the same way.

“PICTURES OF MY LIFE"

My Best Friend


My 'Epic Fail' family

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.

Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts.

And we are never, ever the same.

-- Anonymous

I find writing an interesting activity. That is why; I always contribute articles in the school newspaper. But still, I do not find myself really good at it. When my last year’s article was chosen and published in the school newspaper, I was really happy. There was this joy in my heart. Aside from writing, I also express my thoughts and feelings through creating doodles. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning.

My sister, Laura inspired me to try creating doodles. I admire my sister because she does excel in arts. I tried making one, and I enjoyed it. Hoping I also has talent in this field.

I love my friends. I can always count on them. They are somehow my family outside our home. I have Hydie as my smart adviser. I also have “Chups,” Doralyn as my sweet sister. Ken as my cool dad and many others that I can’t name all. I thank God for these people in my life. But what is a best friend? Google defined “best friend” as a person you know well and regard with affection and trust.

Like any other people, I also have a best friend. I am glad that this project would serve as an opportunity to tell the world, how much I love my best friend, Jess. Sometimes, we have misunderstandings but each trial serves as a challenge to make our relationship stronger. I thank God for including him, in His plans for my life. I treasure these people so much.

I can say that I was raised in a Christian family. My Lola Nina is a missionary in Tokyo Baptist Church. She preaches the word of God to those people who do not yet know God. She usually visits jails and introduces God there. Because of her ministry, author of a Christian book, narrated some scenes in my Lola’s ministry in his book. The book is in a Japanese version. Luckily, my Lola got the English translation of the book. People think that when someone is working in abroad, life is a piece of cake. But it does not. My Lola spends most of her time, WORKING, WORKING, and WORKING!!! And on Sundays, doing her ministry, trying to save souls. Imagine at the age of 60, she still works just for us to have a better future. As a Christian, I put an effort to show how much I love God. I love being a member of Praise and Worship Team at school. I wanted to repay my Lola for being a heroine in our family. That is why in everything I do; I do it first for God and second to my Lola. She is my inspiration why little by little, I am learning to love Math. It would be an advantage to achieve my dreams. I am trying to be the best I could be to repay her kindness. The quote above explains it all. I will be meeting people that could make a big change in my life. But I try to show them how much they are important to me, because nothing lasts forever. Yes, life is a matter of making decisions. It is my choice to not finish my autobiography. It is my choice if I will repeat my parents’ pasts. It is my choice if I will be a wayward teen. But I choose to be a God-fearing “Sophia. “

With all the colorful and gloomy pictures of my life, I always remember this verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

We sometimes congratulate ourselves at the moment of waking from a troubled dream; it may be so the moment after death. Life is too short to be unhappy. Knowing God is the highest happiness anyone could feel.