VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #10

• Cite one experience wherein you have experienced negative peer pressure

- When I was in 4th year high school, I had experienced negative peer pressure. I had been pressured by one of my friends to drink an alcoholic beverage during a certain occasion. I admit that I drink alcoholic beverages but during that time, I really don't want to because I've made a promise to myself, that is not to drink anymore until I graduated high school.

• How did you react to it? Why?

- I really don't want to drink during that time but my friend insisted. I did not have any choice but to do it. I did it not because I want to but only to satisfy what my friend wanted. And to clear things up, I only took a shot of it.

• How did you feel about your reaction/decision?

- I felt disappointed on myself because I have let them take control over my decision for myself.

• What have you learned/realized from your experience?

- I have realized that I should have stand on my decision of not to drink and that I must not be affected by peer pressure easily.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #9

• How do you describe a responsible person?

- For me, a responsible person is someone who always takes charge or takes action for things that must be done. Being responsible enough requires a person to do and finish his duties and obligations within a given time. Also, a responsible person has the ability to manage the tasks assigned to him and has a systematized way of doing things. And with that systematized way, he was able to accomplish things.

• What are your responsibilities

1. at home

- My responsibilities at home include my responsibilities as a member of our family. Those responsibilities were: to obey my parents, show respect, love, and care, and give help to each member of the family, do the household chores or other tasks that are assigned to me, and most importantly, to be the best daughter to my parents and be the best sister to my siblings.

2. in school

- In school, it is my responsibility to study hard and persevere in every subject/course, to obey the rules and regulations implemented in our school, to show respect not only to the professors but also to other staffs of the school, and lastly, to set goals and take my obligations and duties seriously that a student should prioritize.

3. in your community

- In our community, I am responsible in improving my capabilities and abilities as part of it, doing my best in every task that is assigned to me, to participate in our community activities, and most importantly, to be a productive and contributing part of our community. I must make sure that I will not fail in taking my responsibilities and in meeting what others are expecting of me.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #8

• Choose a challenge:

a. Tell the truth
b. Return recovered things (personal items, money, etc)
c. Admit mistake
d. Return excess change
e. Avoid cheating

• What challenge did you take?

- From those challenges, what I chose was to tell the truth and admit my mistake.

• Were you able to do the challenge? How do you feel about it?

- Yes, I am proud to say that I am able to do those challenges. The first challenge was telling the truth. I told my friend that his suitor has not only a girlfriend, but also another girl which he was courting too. I did not just invented that information, in fact, that guy (my friend's suitor) had admitted and confessed that to me. And after telling that to my friend, I talked to the guy and admitted my mistake that I already told my friend about it even if it was really his responsibility to tell it and make things right. I also explained that I care so much about my friend and that I don't want her to get hurt.

At first, I felt confused if I did the right thing. But then, I have realized that as a true friend, I should and must really do that and tell her what she was supposed to know. And when she knew about it, I felt relieved because everything turned out well for both of them with what happened.

• What have you realized/learned from your experience?

- "It is better to tell the truth to make someone cry, than to tell a lie to make someone smile", as one of the quotation goes, was the lesson that I have realized and learned from that experience. I have realized that a person should really decide upon telling someone the truth whether that truth will hurt another person. Some truth hurts, but that is a part of reality and we should learn how to accept it.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #7

Realizations and Plans about My Health

Actually, I am really not that concerned about my health before. I am much concerned about my studies that I don't always have enough time to sleep or take a rest, sacrificing my health. I always finish first those things that must be done before I go to sleep. And in the morning, I still wake up early to do or finish other things which I am not able to finish. Because of that, I am not able to have at least 8 hours of sleep which is the enough time of sleeping. Laziness, headache, and stress were the effects of these which are not really good for me.

My parents were starting to worry about my health condition, and because of that, I have realized that I should and must take time to have enough rest despite of my busy schedule so that I can gain enough strength for everyday. I will make sure that I will be much concerned about my health from now on because I have realized that to have a healthy mind, I must also have healthy body.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #6

1. For one week, challenge yourself to:

• Get high score in a quiz or seatwork,
• To recite in class at least once in any courses;
• To submit a quality assignment or requirement

• What challenge did you take?

- The challenge that I took was getting a high score in a quiz or seatwork.

• Were you able to beat the challenge? How do you feel about it?

- I am glad to say that I am able to beat the challenge. In fact, I got a perfect score in our quiz in HUM011 and also a high score in our surprise quiz in SS016 although I didn't have much time to study. I really felt satisfied and proud of myself with the scores that I got.

• What have you realized/learned from your experience?

- What I have realized from my experience is that I can really achieve or get what I want if I will do my best and give my best shot in everything. I have learned that I can achieve excellence If I am really focused and determined to achieve it. Doing the best that I can in everything, with full effort and dedication will surely help me achieve my goals.




2. “An Inconvenient Truth” staring Al Gore, directed by Davis Guggenheim.

• The most striking scene in the movie

- For me, the most striking scene in the movie was the possibility of the collapse of the major ice sheets in some parts of the world which in result, could raise global sea levels producing flood to the areas along the coast, which in turn could produce millions of refugees.

• Your feelings and emotions while watching the movie

- When I watched the movie "An Inconvenient Truth", I really felt shocked with the consequences and effects that are happening in the world today, which are also possible to occur in the future. I felt pity for those people who have been much affected by the global warming, the destruction of the nature. Some of them were homeless, while some died.

• Your realization after watching the movie

- After watching the movie, I have realized that we, as persons living in this world, should be responsible and should take charge with what is happening in our entire planet today. We are the cause of the nature's destruction and that is why we are now paying for what we have done. We are suffering as a result of our irresponsibility to our nature. What our world had become today was merely because of us. But we, being responsible for our planet's condition, should also be responsible for making big steps and ways in taking care of the environment. Based from the information that I have read, it is impossible to stop global warming. But we could always make a way to lessen its effects and dangers.

• The specific actions you can commit to take care of the environment

- I can take care of the environment with my own little ways. I will put the garbage in the trash can. I will recycle and reuse things as much as possible. I will use environmental-friendly products. I will turn off electrically operated things or appliances when they're not in use. I can also join in an environmental organization in our community, if there is any. I'm sure that if only everyone of us practice these "little" but very helpful ways to help in preserving and taking care of the environment then, we could all contribute to lessen the effects of the global warming.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #5

“The Most Challenging Thing I have ever Accomplished”

The most challenging thing I have ever accomplished, so far, was being the valedictorian when I was in grade 6 and 4th year high school. I also consider them as the greatest accomplishments I have ever made. That was really a big and challenging responsibility for me as a student.

First, I have to take my responsibilities not only as a student, but also as a daughter, and as a friend. As a student, I have to study hard, do my assignments and projects, review for my quizzes, recitations, and exams, and participate in the class. At the same time, as a daughter of my parents, I also have to do the tasks that are assigned to me in the house like for example, doing the household chores. But, despite of having those responsibilities, I still make it a point to relax, have fun and quality time with my friends, and enjoy my life as a youth. Well I guess it's just a matter of time management. :]

Aside from that, my emotional feelings had also been a factor that made my way in reaching my goal a challenging one. During my high school days was when I started to experience much peer and heart-related problems. [hehe..] There was a time that I felt bored in going to school because there was nobody talking to me and I felt that they didn't liked me at all. Also during this time was when I first experienced to get hurt. That instance had caused destruction in my studies. I admit that those problems had almost caused me to give up and breakdown. But then, I came to realize that I have learned enough from those experiences which only made me stronger and wiser. And after all, those were parts of life. :]

There had been competitions, problems and trials, and many more factors that seemed to destruct me along the way, but I never gave up on making and reaching my way to the top. Hard work, perseverance, discipline, peace of mind, commitment and dedication to my studies, knowledge, positive attitude, determination, a balanced life, and having the "will" or "eagerness" towards success drove me to what I have dreamed of.

I am proud of myself and I know that the people around me, especially my parents were very proud of me, too, because of what I have accomplished. Everything that I have achieved, I owe it to them and to God, because without them, I will not be what I am now. :]

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #4

• Looking back at the list of your positive characteristics and qualities, what do you feel and realize about it?

- It was nice looking back at that list because I felt glad and amazed of having such positive characteristics and qualities which could help me on becoming a better person and being the best of what I am. Those characteristics and qualities serve as foundations of success. I have realized that if I could practice those qualities and characteristics most of the time, I will be able to achieve my goals, reach my dreams, and finally, live a good life that I have dreamed of. :))

• The Golden Rule says “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
  a. Given the following situations, how would you like to be treated by your teachers and schoolmates:
  

1. when you have given wrong answers to the questions during recitation:

- In this situation, the people around me, particularly my teachers and classmates/schoolmates, should not laugh at me just because I have given a wrong answer. Instead, they should correct my mistake.

2. when you are expressing your opinion during class or group discussion:

- In this situation, they should listen to me, or whoever the speaker is. In this way, they could show their respect to the one who is talking in front of them. They must pay attention to what the speaker says. It will be nonsense to stand right there in front of them if nobody will listen to what you are saying.

3. when you are giving suggestions during group work or presentation:

- Everyone should listen and consider each of the group member's opinions. All of us have our own opinions and therefore, we should respect and value them.

4. when you commit mistake:

- Nobody's perfect and everyone commits mistakes. One should not degrade a person when he/she commits mistakes by teasing or mocking him/her. We should respect each others feelings.

5. when you don’t like doing what they ask you to do:

- They should respect the things that I like as well as those that I do not like. They should not force me to do things that I did not prefer to.

6. when they want to give you their comments or suggestions:

- I will listen to them with understanding. I will consider their comments and suggestions about me because I know that it would be a great help for me in improving my personality. But, they should consider my feelings too. They should think first before they say something about me that might hurt my feelings.

b. Considering the given ideas on how to treat others with respect, what can you commit to yourself in terms of dealing with the MCL community: teachers, students, employees, security, maintenance/janitors and canteen personnel?

- I will treat all of them with respect. I will listen to them when they speak or when they are talking to me. I will treat them as my role models in doing good things and in applying excellence and virtue in everything. I will respect them always in all ways and anywhere.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #3

• Challenge

*date/time of experience
- July 4, 2009 at about 12-12:45 pm

*values that I have practiced
- fun and friendship


- I arrived earlier than my usual time of going to school. While waiting for those who were my closest among my blockmates, my other blockmates who were the most "makulit" in the class arrived. And from that, I had a chance to have a bonding with them which had been very funny. :)) I really felt happy during that experience and what I learned from it is to have time to get to know other people surrounding me , particularly my blockmates, and establish a good and memorable friendship with them. :))

• If you will have one outstanding virtue, what would you want it to be? Why?

- If I will have one outstanding virtue, that will be calmness, or simply to have a peace of mind. I believe that accomplishment and success will surely follow if I would first feel the inner peace within me. Having a peace of mind lets you think of the positive side and perspective of things, without anything to worry about, and therefore, developing a positive attitude for every person. Having a positive thinking and attitude lets a person develop perseverance and hard work in every thing that he does, thus, resulting to accomplishment and success.

VE011- B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #2

• How was your first week of stay at MCL?

- I would describe my first week of stay at MCL as the "coping and adjustment period" as I stepped into my college life. I can still remember the feeling that I felt during my first day in college- nervous, and on the other hand, excited. Nervous because I didn't know anyone yet and there were many groups of people there, and everywhere. I felt afraid that I might do something wrong or embarrassing because I thought that they were all looking at me. On the other hand, I also felt excited because I wondered how is it going to be in college, who my classmates would be, and if I'm going to be friends with all of them.

And now, I felt glad that I had already met new friends and we were able to have a bonding in that short span of time.

• Describe your professors. What are the traits do you find positive in each one?

- The first professor that we've met was Prof. Henry L. Paz, our DRAW021W professor. I find him strict at first, but then I realized that what he does is what's best for us. He wanted us to achieve that heart of perfection, to possess patience and perseverance, and to bear in our minds the word "speed" so that we could be skillful in engineering drawing, and that factor would help us to become productive and sought-after engineers of the future by the industry as what one of the MCL's mission is about.

The next professor that we've met was Ma'am Gargasin, our first professor in SS016. I find her as one of the liveliest professors at MCL that I've met. I did not felt bored on her SS016 because she has her own unique way of teaching which made the course enjoyable.

And now, 16 students of our class [including me] had been transferred into another section of SS016 which is handled by Ma'am Bobiles. I would say that I'm still coping and making some adjustments with her way of teaching and as well as our new section with SS016, but I'm sure that I will be able to deal with it soon.

Third was our MATH011 professor, Engr. Ria Grace Abdon. When I saw her entered the room during our first meeting, I felt amazed because this was the first time that I had a female teacher in math. Ma'am Abdon was really good in mathematics. I would say that I was inspired by her, that's why I told myself that someday, I'm gonna be like her.. an ENGINEER! :))

Then, we've met Prof. Mondez, our VE011 professor. She is also one of the liveliest professors that I've met at MCL. Because of her way of teaching, I now find Values Education as one of the most enjoyable course at MCL. Not only does it improves ourselves individually but also gives us opportunity to get to know our blockmates better.

Next was I think the most liveliest professor that I've met not only at MCL but also aside from my previous schools, Ma'am Rowena dela Cruz or simply Ma'am DC. I think that not only me, but also everyone in the class enjoys her subject as well as her way of teaching. Very lively, enjoyable, and what's most important is that we are learning.

And then next was our IT001L professor, Mr. Leonnel D. de Mesa. Well. all I can say about Prof. Nel is that he is kind.

Next on the list was Ma'am Sudaprasert, our ENG011 professor. I think she's not that "masungit" type of professor. I was also amazed by her when I knew that she had worked in Thailand and that her husband was a Thai.

The last professor that we've met was our PE021 professor, Prof. Mendel. At first, I thought that he is very serious and "masungit". But when the orientation with our first meeting with him started, I realized that I was wrong. He's also one of the liveliest professors at MCL, and he has a very good sense of humor indeed.

So far, we do not have a "terror" professor yet. :))

• Describe your blockmates/section. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of your section?

- At first, I thought that my blockmates were snobbish types of people. But after my two weeks of stay at MCL, I realized that what I think of them was actually wrong.

There's this group of guys who were the noisiest in the class. [haha.. :))] They were so "makulit", and sometimes I can't help but to laugh because of them. :))

On the other hand, there were also serious types of people and loners in the class. I'm not quite sure if that's because of their shyness, I really don't know.

There were also types of people that you might think the "bad ones" at first until you realize that what you think of them was actually their opposites.

I think the strength of the section would be the help we give to one another in terms of those difficult assignments that we could not solve. Our section's weakness, on the other hand, can be obviously seen before and after the class- groups of people here and there. In short, we were not united as one. I'm not quite sure if why it is like that, but maybe it's because of our different interests in life.

• How do you find your courses? Which ones do you think are easy and which ones do you think are a little bit challenging? Why?

- I find all my courses challenging, but the most challenging course for me was DRAW021W and MATH011 because I'm in an engineering coure. DRAW021W was very challenging because it requires a long patience, perseverance, speed, neatness, and a skillful hand in every drawing excercise. MATH011 was also a very challenging course because it requires a critical thinking ability in every equations and problem solving, and you must analyze them first in order for you to solve it.

• Do you have any adjustment you feel you are going through or must go through? What are they? Cite examples in terms in your academics, emotions, and social environment.

- Well, since I'm in my first year of college, it is only a natural feeling to go through adjustments for it is merely a part of it.

In terms of my academics, I would say that I'm in the adjustment period of coping with "pressure". I feel worried whenever I think about the long exams as well as the final exams. I can't help but to think if I will be able to pass on those examinations. I don't want to get a failing grade in any course and that's the reason why I study hard.

In terms of my emotions, I would say that sometimes, I feel like I'm starting to doubt myself. But I'm trying to work things out, to develop a positive attitude and perspective in everything. Whenever I start to doubt myself, I just tell myself never to give up and "kaya ko 'to"!

And lastly, in terms of social environment. I'm thankful because I'm still in a block section, that I don't have to meet new people all the time or every after one course. I have already adjusted with my blockmates now, with their different attitudes, behavior, and their way of socializing with one another. But I know that when the second term/sem comes, there must be another adjustment that should be done, and I'm praparing myself for that.

VE011 - B02 JOURNAL ENTRY #1

• How does Values Education work to your advantage?

- Every person has their own values but it is according to them on how will they apply it on their everyday lives. Values should be applied rightfully because it is a one big factor where the success or failure of a person relies upon. And that's what Values Education's goal is - to teach every person the right values they should possess.

Values Education works to my advantage in a way that it teaches the students on how to develop positive attitude in college and to enjoy college life. It also helps us students to develop into a better person which can lead us to success and become a well-mannered and righteous citizen of the country.

• After you have processed your first few experiences at MCL, in what way this will help you achieve successful adjustment in college?

- My first week of stay at MCL has been tough because of those assignments, requirements, and a quiz on a particular subject. Although it has been tough, I can say that it has also been an enjoyable experience meeting new friends and knowing that our professors can make the discussion interesting and not boring, and enjoyable but at the same time, we are learning. And that's what matters most. Those few experiences that I've mentioned are the factors that I think will help me achieve successful adjustment in college because they gave me not only the ideas, but most especially the reality, the realistic point of view on becoming a college student. Those few experiences also helped me develop a positive and responsible attitude in college which will help and bring me to success.

• Analyze your readiness for college using the checklist "Making Transition from High School to College".

- I am now in my first year of college but i still ask myself, "How ready am I for this new kind of challenge?". Then I realized that there should be a serious and major change in order for me to adapt and cope with this new kind of environment. All of us undergo this kind of transitional period wherein we must be able to face the next stage of our lives. And that's the first challenge a college freshman student, like me faces.

First, making transition from high school to college is not that easy. I've spent four years of my life in high school doing some kiddie and crazy stuffs, having some gimmicks, and sometimes having that happy-go-lucky attitude but always knowing my limitations, and most importantly learning new things.

And now, it comes to a point that almost all of the things that I used to do when I was in high school had to change. That "easygoing" type of attitude must be taken away. You should be responsible enough to copy the lesson, do the seat works and assignments and most especially, to study.

During high school, students usually exchange notes or works copying each other's assignments but this should not be implied in college. You must learn to do things on your own. Yes, you may be friends with your classmates but you will not be able to get along with them all the time because of your different schedules. This only means that as a college student, you must be able to do things independently for what your future will be is in your hands.

Being mature is also a part of the list. I have committed a lot of mistakes and imperfections during my high school days and until now, I still do. But what's important is that I've learned from it. Those experiences only made me stronger and gave me the courage to go on, serving as my guide as I face these new challenges that lies ahead.