christal-angel

[christal-angel]

DISTANCE LEARNING

Gone are the days where we set our alarms, wake up and dress up early, sometimes skipping breakfast, beating up traffic jams, and tapping ID's, all for face-to-face classes. I miss waiting for our instructor to enter the room, I miss chatting and being noisy in class, I miss hanging out with friends, eating together with them, learning and being personally and physically present inside the four walled classroom, and how I miss rushing home to lay and relax on my bed. All because of this global health crisis, schools turned into "video call and zoom universities". Distance gets more difficult when it comes to learning than on love. This is one of the effects that this COVID-19 has brought to the Education industry. It is so ironic how our teachers or instructors deprive us from using mobile phones and any gadget in class, yet today, it is on gadgets that we attend classes. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this Online Distance Learning I came up basing in my observations.

Benefits and Downsides

It is considerable that everything has a bright side, and that one must take time to realize and look further in order to see it. This Online Distance Learning somehow has given me positive realizations as a student. I learned how important time management is, this ODL is so difficult to take accordingly since the mode for us is asynchronous where we can do any task for a longer time even when the class hour is over. It has been a challenge for me to discipline myself, and to pay attention to the ticking of the clock. Indeed, time is gold. It made me glad also that attending class nowadays does not ask me to take a bath early. Preparation for going to school has always been hustle, especially if you're a late bird. And lastly, this online class has trained me to give my full attention and focus in the classes. 

On the other hand, I think this Online Distance Learning has brought more disadvantages to people. Since the Internet connection, being the most needed requirement for ODL, a lot cannot afford to have a stable and strong internet connection. Plus, considering our situation today, that it is all about finding food and jobs for survival, home expenses get doubled. Not only that, how about those students living in the province, which may be considered as remote areas, knowing that the Internet connection is not strong? It would be so difficult and a sacrifice to climb up a mountain just to find a better connection. Another necessity needed for learning now is the mobile devices, gadgets, computers. I feel sad for those stories and posts I came across on social media where a parent sacrifices and finds a way to buy his or her child a phone for online classes. It is indeed very hard for us students to choose between the idea of accepting the challenges of online class in order to graduate on time, or skip enrolling for now but graduate later. This is really a challenge not only for us but also our parents, and even our ever patient teachers. Personally, the disadvantage this ODL have given me is the idea of "mamaya na" habit, for us Filipinos, since tasks are due on a longer period of time I always tend to enjoy being lazy than to finish my tasks first. Also, this is because of all the present distractions around me which keeps tempting me; my social media accounts, chatting with friends and loved ones, movies, my bed, and my siblings.

Here are some tips for you when having interest in taking the challenge of attending online class.

Things you need for Online Distance Learning

Aside from gadgets (phone, tablets, laptop, computer, headphones) and Internet connection, you need these things when attending online classes:

BRAVERY- make sure that you are ready to face the challenges that may come. Make yourself fully determined and be aware that this mode of learning might be difficult.

KEEP IN CONTACT- it does not mean that distance learning requires you to fully distance yourself from everyone. Stay connected and continue being friends with your classmates, remember that learning is more fun when having a positive learning atmosphere. Don't forget to also establish good and respectful relationships with our respective teachers. 

TAKE THE RISK- I can say that this mode of learning now is a sacrifice for everyone. Take this as a challenge to help you improve and perform better in class despite the mode of learning. 

"Education is a birth right", as the founder of our University has said. A strong and inspiring message indeed, however, as I came to see the situation for education right now in this pandemic, I feel the inequality knowing that those who are capable are the only one who is able to afford and achieve learning right now. However, I also believe that things like education need not to be rushed. Education is a lifetime, and we can achieve success anytime, at any age, and any place. Not everyone is privileged enough to enjoy and have fun with learning during this time of pandemic, but all I can say for my fellow students out there enrolled today is that we might have regrets and difficulties during this time but remember that in the end, all of this will pay off. 

Let us not also forget to give thanks and show appreciation to our dear instructors who also sacrifice themselves and do their job in order to teach us. Remember to be polite in addressing them and talking to them even online. The best lesson which I am still learning up until today is the lesson of this pandemic situation. I hope we only need a final examination in order to pass and finish this situation. Instead of pointing blames  to anyone, let's keep ourselves educated and unite as one instead to help fight against this COVID-19 pandemic.

[christal-angel]

PLAY AND FIX

Studying is exhausting.  School gives me stress.  And people's judgements compel me.

Why does it have to be serious? Why just sit and listen when you can escape reality and play? Play with words and create a poem. Play with your pen and draw an art. Play with your mind and think of being Cinderella or Superman.

Atleast play, relax and still enjoy. Take time to free yourself from all those exhaustion.

Lack of happiness is a burden. Play to be happy. It brings you back to the old days, where your only problem is to FIX toys after PLAYING.

Remember pal, when challenges occur, play and fix then you'll see... It'll be like facing a gloomy night with a rainbow.

[christal-angel]

SELF-RECOLLECTION

I am shaped by the past. This is my second life since I survived being bumped by a delivery truck three years ago. It is when I got the realization that, when God's miracle hits you, it'll be a major turnover. 

It really gives me shivers remembering how tragic it was. But still, despite the shivers, I always find my "always-baggy" eyes pour tears of joy. I awe everything to God, for protecting me in that tragic experience.

Considering my life now as a gift from God, I get to be more inspired. I am now embracing challenges that will be beneficial for me and to my growth. I am more ready to face life.

I hope everyone gets to experience God's miracle, but of course not through experiencing any tragic or unwanted events. I hope everyone's happy for being able to live. 

It only needs a matter of SELF-RECOLLECTION.

[christal-angel]

BESH

"Wishing to be friend is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit." -Aristotle

Its cool and funny how you click with some person's personality. It's like putting together puzzle pieces to create great combination and a perfect picture.

Thanks to the magic of friendship, making beautiful and perfect picture-worthy friendship experiences.

I think all friendships are perfect as long as it does not involve any pretentions. Friendship journeys may not be that constantly happy and good. Yet always remember, it's the bad things that balance the relationship and tests it, you just have to be tough and determined.

I consider friendship as a subtype of Family. We just differ in the bloodline. In the end, we love, we care, and we trust each other. And that makes our friendship, the BESH.

[christal-angel]

SERENITY

Vacation doesn’t have to follow a certain season. As long as you are able to take hold of your time, go out and strive for an adventure.

One of our family's favorite vacation spot is the beach. I love the beach indeed. I love how it magically purifies my mind and soul for a period of time; away from the worries, problems, and the city noises.

I'm fond of witnessing its beautiful horizon. I love how the water hugs me as its waves slap my body gently. The sand makes me walk confidently.

The scenery of dawn and sunset is indeed an excellent art made by nature. In the end, I still appreciate how the beach marks me goodbye with tanning my skin whenever I leave to face daily life again.

The sun, the water, the horizon, the ocean breeze and the heat, tall swaying coconut trees piled near the cottages, the beach itself, is one best companion I will always cherish and go back to.

[christal-angel]

AMORE

Misty dawn.

Cold days.

Burning rays.

Dark nights.

In the end,

I am loved.

Muddled roadways we can easily pass through, with me clinging onto your posterior. Giggles turning into cackles as we both end up remembering the beginning.

The wind gently kissed my cheeks, as i caressed your arm. Then we started staring, glancing, and smiling back to each other.

How I love the warmth seething from your chest everytime we cuddle, i melts down my chills.

Your gaze makes me goosey.

Your smile flatters me.

Your hold makes my knee trembling.

All agony from the past was forgotten, shivers were gone. Only laughter, love, and trust was present. It was our unfeigned love.

Thank you amore, thank you love.

[christal-angel]

LITERALLY COMPLETE

Family, as the basic unit of society, is also one unique determinant of an individual's identity. Each of us belong to a certain family we call, well, who does not? Family comes in many forms; may it be by blood or not.

As for me, literally, I belong to a complete family. I have my mom, dad, stepmom, stepdad, and my stepbrothers and sisters. Cool right? At first, yes, I have tons of 'what's' and 'why's', even unbearable sadness and sleepless nights. Yet, guess what? I found out the answers myself, my life taught me. Ever since I started gaining age, better understanding came up to my senses.

My Why's:

Why did God let this happen? Why did my parents broke up? Why? Am I not enough proof of their love and a reason for them to stay together?

Life's Answer:

God has his reasons, and you have to trust Him because He has greater and better plans for all of you. Love may be an easy statement, yet, it's a hard and challenging deal. Love is growing. Your parents don't see themselves grow if they're each other's companion, and they must find that right person to whom they'll grow with together. One great thing is that, you're a token for both, a best reminder for them that they once faced and experienced love, a love that gave them lessons and hopes, a love that may not be perfect but true. You're a representation of the two-word "Beautiful Disaster", yet take it positively cause you can easily go disregarding the second word. Hah. Family doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to enlighten beautiful souls and hearts and let everyone grow in happiness.

Family doesn't have to be complete...

Sometimes, it needs to be LITERALLY COMPLETE.