Ten Events and Things I Won’t Forget about My Schooling

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Being a student is an experience in itself. While each of us has different school-related experiences, all of us have memorable stories to share. Some of them may be funny, some may be victorious, and some may be embarrassing.

Let me go back to the highlights of my schooling, as I can vividly recall them.

1. Scent of eraser – When I think about school opening and any classroom setting, this thing always comes out of my mind. It seems the smell of a “cherry” eraser filling up the entire classroom retains in my nose.

2. On- and off-campus competitions – I was an active student who joined lots of contests. In elementary, I represented my school in Damath contests for three years and Math quiz bees twice. In high school, I won several competitions, such as Social Studies quiz bees, spelling bee, extemporaneous speaking contest, and slogan making contest. I was also a part of a chorale group that won in the district level.

3. Classroom parties – I experienced Christmas and closing parties since I was in second grade. My senior year in high school was the most unforgettable of all since I was forced to sing in a videoke for the very first time.

4. Lots of memorizations – From multiplication table, to divisibility of numbers, and up to capital cities of the world, I can’t figure out how I was able to memorize them all at a young age. The most notable is when I recited 109 chemical elements and their symbols (out of 110 at that time). Why did I forget Thulium?

5. Consistent honor student – Being on the pilot section is already an honor for me. Getting medals was like a hobby as I was able to do it at the end of each school year from first grade to senior high school. There was a time I was awarded with five medals and that the emcee mentioned all my awards all at once so that I would not get tired of going up on stage.

6. Flag raising ceremony – One Monday morning, I was unexpectedly requested to lead the singing of the national anthem. I was unprepared and felt very nervous. What came next? I uttered the wrong lyrics shortly before the anthem was about to end. That was really embarrassing.

7. Student leader – I was able to hold top positions when I was in high school. During my first year in college, I was elected as Vice President of a scholars group.

8. Perfect attendance – As I can recall it, there were school years when I had impressive attendance record. I was the type of student who never wanted to miss out on something about my subjects. (Well, I also got sick. In fact I was absent for over two weeks due to dengue fever and broken knee bone).

9. JS proms – Our batch held both our two JS proms outside our school quadrangle, and as we all knew, that was the first (and perhaps the last time) for our alma mater.

10. Graduations – Sitting along with the girls? Leading the pledge of loyalty? Receiving a diploma under the rain? Well, I experienced all of them in three different situations.

All these notable experiences made me who I am today (except for the scent of "cherry" eraser). They all taught me lessons which helped shape my life.

Share your stories by placing your comments below.

Latest Must-Have Technologies for Students

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One of the best things about modern technological progress is that it eases the way we do our stuff. While all of us benefit from the rapid evolution of technology, students seem to enjoy much more. This is because many technology trends are designed to further students’ education.

Just like science, learning has also evolved so fast. With many resources just around us, it makes learning a good experience. Indeed, learning during this modern age is fun and somewhat a lot easier.

Move over scientific calculators, students now have more tools to respond to the changing demands of schooling.

Study Partners

If you are a student who wants to bolster your technology skills and become better in school, these latest trends will surely help you:

• Mobile Devices

Owning a touchscreen mobile device that run with a modern OS is a must for students. While it seems like a luxury, a smartphone, tablet, or iPad, is now a necessity. It will just require an Internet connection for you to conduct a research on various teacher-given topics. Learners just have to use a mobile device properly, say for schoolwork and not to cheat or disturb the class.

• Laptop

Bringing a portable computer with you is so cool. Just ensure that yours is installed with necessary programs and software apps so you can get the most out of it. With a laptop, students can capture anything—save files and ideas—and remember everything.

• Apps

Have your mobile device installed with various apps that can help you as you pursue your studies. Instead of having online games, you must install apps that contain quizzes, transfer files so fast, download the best cloud, or keep files securely. You may also have apps that solve math problems easily, or offer downloadable educational videos for offline viewing, among many others.

• Thumb drive

This tool, which comes in a variety of names, makes every student ready with all activities. With a handy storage device, you can save files and work on them later anywhere you may go. With it, it seems all your schoolwork also come in handy. You just need to be cautious in using a flash drive: do not expose it to a virus and keep it so others won’t access or steal your files.

Using these tools will help you become better in school. As these trends will not die away so soon, expect that the future generation will enjoy more high-tech innovations. Who knows time will come that students will just need to install a memory chip on their brains to broaden their knowledge.

As science continues to evolve each passing day, you can expect more “best-fit” solutions to meet your academic needs. As a student, you just need to be creative, practice good ethics, and study hard to reach academic success!

How College Taught Me to Become a Leader

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For an average student like me, surviving college has been tough especially when I was chosen to become the leader for our college thesis. At first, I taught that it’s the same when I was in high school. But the weight of being a leader hit me big time – not just once but twice.

The first is when we are at the company who’s going to be the recipient of our thesis to present what we have done so far. We all thought that we’re all prepared, but unexpected things happen a few minutes before our presentation. The HR manager said that their CEO would be joining us and just before I can recover from the shock, my sister texted me that my beloved grandmother just passed away.

I felt numb and can’t decide whether to tell my friends or not. I’m in the brink of my tears when I saw their restless faces. Right then, I knew that couldn’t show them my weakness and it’s my responsibility to help them pass the presentation that we all worked hard for. “Its mind over matter,” that’s what I told myself I talked about our thesis. The presentation went smoothly and the CEO even praised us for the job well done. But as soon as we leave the building, I broke into tears and told my friends what happened. They said that I did a great job and they are proud that I’m their leader. Those words helped me and probably the best compliment I ever received.

The second time was when we failed the final defense and need to redo the three-month worth program in just two weeks. All the emotions, stress, and fatigue creep in and we all started to cry, the other one even fainted. But as the leader, I knew I needed to be strong for my teammates. Plus, I’m also required to talk to the panel of judges (who failed us) to get pointers for our program. I encouraged them that we can do it even if it means we need to triple our efforts. Luckily, with the help of our other classmates, our teamwork, and prayers, we passed our last defense and graduated on time.

College had given me tough challenges, but it has taught me how to become a leader, to strong and independent, and let me meet friends that I can treasure. It can be a real pain in the ass, but it also teaches you things that you will need and use when you’re set to face the real world.

Do you have similar experiences that can help our struggling college friends? Please feel free to share it! 

Seven Things I Regret Not Doing in College

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If i had only done these things, i could have a better life now. I am not saying that I have a hard life. But, i could have more if I had performed well in college. 

I never thought that I will be sharing my remorse one day. But, I am. I realize, if this article reached millions of students out there, it would help them do better in college. 

I believe, I fail to maximize what college can offer. And, If I could go back now, I would do these things:

 1.   Get more friends. During college days, I hide from my shell. I avoid parties and invitations from acquaintances.  In short, I am shunning opportunities to meet more friends. To think that making more friends has benefits during and after college. They could be your companions and mentors to help you cope the hard years in college. Then, right after graduation, they can give you referrals for a better job.

2.   Join school club and be active. Clubs are important to improve knowledge and life skills. Under one umbrella, you can find members supporting you. I regret not finding a good group because it is a way to gain self-confidence and sense of belonging.

3.   Do my homework on my own. It’s a shame to admit, but I let someone else do my Accounting subject’s assignments. Thus, I pass the subject with less knowledge on taxation and balancing of transactions.

4.   Not dropping even one subject. I often dropped subjects because I want things to be easy. I am a working student then. So, it is quite hard to manage my time. But I regret doing this because it just add more years to my studies.

5.   Take extra load. It could add stress, but I would have finished my course ahead of time.

6.   Maintain good grades. It was during job hunting that I find the importance of having good grades. If you look for your first job, employers will look into your transcript to weigh performance in class. As such, high marks can make you employable.

7.   Take my thesis seriously. It was heartbreaking for me to fail on my first thesis defense, where in fact, I find it easy. It was wrong for me to take the research lightly. 

It’s really ironic to wish that I could go back to my college days. I guess the best lesson learned: do your best and try everything that will give good paybacks until you are young and capable. Be reminded that the things you do in college are small pieces that complete a thriving future. 

8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a College Dorm

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Starting your independent life in a college dorm is not as easy as you think. There several factors that you need to consider before you rent and transfer to your second home.

1. Location

The place should be 15-30 minutes away from school and near establishments like restos, coffee and computer shops, and ATM booths. Choosing a flood-free place will also be a big help during the rainy season.

2. Bathroom

Most dorms offer communal bathrooms so ask the landlord how many people you will be sharing it with. I’m sure you don’t want to be late or go to class without taking a bath, am I right?

3. Facilities

You should check the water supply, lighting, closet space, electrical outlets, and ventilation (electric fan or AC) the first time you set your feet in the dorm you’re checking out.

4. House rules

Dorms have various house rules that everyone should follow. Some have an early curfew, some don’t accept guest, and some won’t allow you to bring specific appliances so make sure to ask them before you pay for rent.

5. Security

24/7 security guards, a fire escape, and a working door lock is a must when you’re looking for a dorm. Anti-theft systems like CCTV and double locks are plus points. You can also bring a small vault just to make sure.

6. Laundry

Some dorms provide laundry services for an additional fee, but most don’t offer this extra service. So also consider looking for a dorm with cheap laundry shops as your neighbor. This will be helpful in times when you cannot go home due to your busy schedule.

7. Roommate

If you’re given the chance to choose your roommate, choose someone you know who can respect you and your things. Someone clean and organized will be the perfect one but remember that you should do the same for him/her too.

8. Noise

When you’re living in the same house with approximately 20 hormonal people like you, you can expect some days to be a little noisy and less conducive for studying. So be sure to bring noise-proof earplugs or find a dorm with a nice little café nearby where you go for a retreat.

Do you have other know-how that can help our college friends? You’re always welcome to share your thoughts!

Ten Nice And Easy Ideas to Decorate Your School Stuffs

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Back to school and you want something amazing to do on the covers of your notebooks or books. How will you impress your classmates with your stunning school stuffs?  

Let’s dress up your things in a cool and artistic way.

Try something inexpensive and impressive do-it-yourself ideas. Old jeans, paper bags, buttons and beads, and old magazines can cover your notebooks and other school things glamorously.

Check out these ideas to prettify your notebooks and books:

1. Blue jean Notebook. You can use old or whacked jeans to style your notebooks. Use the pocketed side so that you can use it as penholder.
2. Button/beads embellished. Decorate your notebooks by gluing various buttons or beads on it.
3. Collage notebook. You may try candy wrappers or cutout papers to style your notebooks. Simply cut designed-papers or wrappers into squares, triangles, or other shapes. Then, paste the desired shape on the cover. Use only one shape to make it more appealing.
4. Die-cut decorated notebook. Style your notebook cover with cut-out of flowers or butterflies from bright or designed papers. Arrange and glue them on the surface.
5. Duct tape notebook. Duct tapes are not just available in silver colors. You can find the product in different colors and with designs.  Place the tape on another paper, allowing extra tape to extend. When the sheet is entirely cover, place them on your notebook. Let the extended tape attached it to the cover.
6. Fabric-covered notebook. You can use different fabrics to cover your notebooks or books. Old scarfs or knitted sweaters are good materials to paste on your notebooks cover.
7. Paperbag-covered notebook. You may use dark or light-colored paper bag for this project. Draw geometrical figure or crazy colored psychedelic design to add zest on the plain surface. Using silver or white ink pen, you may write the subject or title of the book.
8. Washi tape notebook. You may use various designed-washi tapes to cover your stuffs.  You may tape it on a scrap cardstock or on the notebook's surface directly.
9. Felt paper with initial notebook. Get the size of your cover by tracing it to the felt paper. Then, cut it with a half-inch allowance. in doing your initials, you may try a pattern or cut it the way you want it. Stitch your initial to the felt paper. Glue them on the cover.
10. Neon confetti notebook. You will use gray to cover the entire surface of the book or notebook. Cut out various colored neon papers into shapes. Paste them on the surface. Use same shapes make the look uniform.

If you have these stunning but thrift covers, who will judge your books and notebooks badly? These ideas are quick to make. So try these fun ways to prettify your things. 

Ten Beautiful Schools in the World

Photo credit: www.stanford.edu

Can pretty campuses inspire you to study better? Of course, it can. The environment, location, and design of a campus are a cure after strenuous lectures.

One factor that could push you to go to school is the structure. You can never hide the fact that you are among the students who look at the aesthetic feature when choosing a school. 

College Magazine reveals the most stunning schools. Here are some of them:

1. Stanford University (SU)

The world’s leading teaching and research university is located at Silicon Valley, California, USA. Surrounded by beautiful hills and the red roof, no one will doubt why it is included in the world’s most beautiful campuses.

2. The University of Notre Dame (UND)

The university is a place where faith and diverse traditions are treasured and respected. Founded in 1842, Notre Dame is built on 1,250 acres at South Bend, Indiana. Gothic architecture, park-like landscape, exquisite outdoor sculpture, and breathtaking views made the campus a marvelous sight.

3. Dartmouth College

The campus is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. This private institution was founded in 1769. Its location in the upper valley region, calm forests, and pastel mountain makes the campus more beautiful.

4. University of Florida

Palm trees, Spanish moss, and the people are among the pride of the campus. The Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the “swamp” its students, is a good place for you to stay.

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Great history, good weather, activities, and the Morehead-Petterson Bell Towering make the campus beautiful.

6. New College of Florida

With location near Sarasota Bay, who will not love the place? The Ringling Brothers formerly owned the three huge pink mansions inside the campus.

7. Duke University

The campus is a gothic wonderland to its students. The spire of the duke chapel brings you back to old English era. What’s more, there are nooks, which are good place to stay and study. The campus is in Durham, North Carolina.

8. Pratt Institute

The Architectural Digest ranked the college among the top U.S. colleges with the best Architecture. Even the Wall Street Journal features the campus’ landscape redesign. The private institute, a center for arts, design, and business, is located in New York City.

9. Georgetown University

The “Hilltop” to many, is the school was used in most scenes from the movie Harry Potter. Great history and Potomac River makes the campus beautiful. If you want to experience a Hogwarts feeling, then be in the school.

10. Tulane University

The university is a blend of Renaissance and modern architecture. You will find the campus in New Orleans.

In a real sense, college campus will be your home away from home. Isn’t it right to choose a structure that filled your eyes with beauty and coziness? So, check out these schools with gorgeous architecture and great location. 

Alternative Learning System: An Education Within Reach

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Education is due to everyone.  There should be no limitations when giving this right. Whether you are a dropout, want to pursue study, or simply wanting to read and write his name, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) can give you a second chance. 

When you cannot access formal learning in schools, you can turn to ALS. This nationwide program provides a non-formal education to persons who want to learn.

How does it work?

ALS targets out-of-school children, youth, and adults who need basic literacy skills. If you are interested in the system, you will also go through a screening process. You will take the Functionality Literacy Test (FLT) to determine the teaching and learning plan to use.

ALS has two non-formal learning programs, these are:

• The basic literacy program (BLP) for illiterate
• Continuing Education: Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) for elementary and high school drop-outs.

As an ALS student, you must attend 10 months of school or 800 hours in the classroom.  It is a module-based learning system and a facilitator shall handle the class. You are given a schedule and quizzes, too. After some months, you will take the Accreditation and Equivalency test (AET). Passing the test would mean a diploma and a chance to enroll in college.

According to the Department of Education’s (DepEd), to qualify for the ALS AET, you must be:

• An elementary dropout at least 11 years old on or before the day of test
• A high school dropout at least 15 years old on or before the day of the test
• Non-passers of past ALS A&E test/s
• Learners or completers of the ALS programs
• Current students enrolled in the formal school system who are two years older than the regular school age (13 years old for elementary level, and 17 years old for the secondary level)

You only need to submit the following:

• latest 2″x2″ ID photos; original and photocopy of any of the following (valid driver’s license, valid passport, voter’s ID, SSS/GSIS ID, Postal ID or NBI clearance).
• If you can’t submit the above requirements, you may forward a photocopy and present the original copy of any of the following documents: authenticated birth certificate; latest report card (form 138/form 137); or Barangay certification with photo.

If you missed formal school, you can still finish elementary or high school.  DepEd’s ALS program will give you the hope to go to college and be a productive youth. What’s more, test registration, certificate of rating, and diploma are free of charge.

Meal Plan for a Week: Healthy Snacks as Students’ “Baon”

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Bringing a lunch box has become part of school life, especially for Filipino students. This has long been a common practice among local families—a proof of parents’ care and love for their kids.

Locally known as “baon,” parents prepare foods to ensure that their children eat only the safe and nutritious foods while inside the classroom.

As a parent who always prepares a “baon” for your kid, sure you’re running out of idea on which meal or snacks to make. The thought that you need to do this task for roughly 200 school days is what makes it more tiring.

While making sandwiches (with hotdog, sausage, tuna, egg, or other flavored spread as filling) is easy to do, your child may get tired of these foods. The good thing is that you can make some twists to surprise your child.

Weeklong Surprise

As a staple food, do not forget to feed your child with rice before he leaves your home—it’s his full meal, anyway. Make sure to pair it with different viand each day.

How about a light meal or the so-called “merienda” when he’s in the school?

Below is a suggested meal plan, one that contains healthy snacks to be eaten during 30-minute break time:

-      Monday: baked sweet potato fries

Get two to three medium sized potatoes and cut them into thin strips (bite-size). Place them in a bowl and bake in an oven for 30 minutes. Be sure to include ketchup as the fries’ dip.

-      Tuesday: cheese sticks

Get cheese, slice them into thin strips, and wrap in a spring roll wrapper (popularly known as lumpia wrapper). Deep fry them until they turn golden and crisp. Prepare a mix of mayo and ketchup to serve as dip.

-      Wednesday: graham cracker mini-cake

Get graham crackers and arrange them in layers with cream in between crackers. Put toppings (your kid’s choice). Refrigerate or freeze it. Seal the lunch box tightly so it will maintain the desired texture and the cream will not spill.

-      Thursday: juice jelly cubes

Get cups of your kid’s favorite juice and sprinkle unflavored gelatin over it. Boil the mixture and let it chill. When it gets firm, cut it to make medium-sized squares.

-      Friday: pizza bites

Get a chunk of pizza dough and put your choice of topping (grated cheese). Slice it in bite-size pieces. Bake it in an oven for 25 minutes. Prepare your preferred sauce.

All these snacks are kid friendly, easy to do, and inexpensive. Above all, these healthy foods will help inspire students while learning in school.

10 Awesome Do-It-Yourself Name Tag Ideas for Any Event

Add a personal touch to your things or make your guests feel extra special by giving them one of these awesome DIY name tags.

Photo Credit: www.momtastic.com

1. Scrabble Tile Name Tag

Do you have old scrabble tiles in your garage? Don’t throw them yet! Turn them into a scrabble tile name tag. It will not only customize your bag, it will let your classmates know your name too.

Photo Credit: www.meandmyinsanity.com

2. Cupcake Liner Name Tag

Add some girly goodness to your party-themed event with the help of these cupcake liner name tags. Just add cupcake liners that are available at the grocery stores to your standard button pins to make it more special.

Photo Credit: www.squirrellyminds.com

3. Fringe Wine Glass Name Tag 

One great way to mark each guest’s wine glass is put one of these fringe wine glass name tags. It’s easy to make and your guests will surely love to see their name in pretty fringe.

Photo Credit: www.bbpaperandink.blogspot.com

4. Fabric Label Name Tag

Make sure that your clothes will not be mistakenly given to someone with the help of these stylish fabric label name tags.

Photo Credit: www.rockmywedding.co.uk

5. Porcelain Name Tag 

Wow your guests by giving them personalized giveaways like these porcelain name tag. It can also be a good business venture if you’re looking for extra income.

Photo Credit: www.gainesvillemodernquilters.com

6. Quilt Name Tag 

Show your love for quilting through these colorful quilt name tags. All you need are needles, fabric strips, yarns, and creativity!

Photo Credit: www.thecheesethief.com

7. Plastic Shrink Name Tag 

Aside from being cheap and easy to make, this plastic shrink name tag is perfect for gifts, giveaways, or just personalizing your things

Photo Credit: www.minted.com

8. Mini Button Name Tag

Let your guest get to know each other the fun way with these mini button name tags with funny facts about them.

Photo Credit: www.thepapermama.com

9. Bow Name Tag 

Do you need badges for group meet-ups? These sweet bow name tags can be the one you’re looking for. It’s easy to make and can boost the theme of any event.

Photo Credit: www.abeautifulmess.com

10. Faux Wooden Name Tag 

Create sweet little frame for everyone’s name using wood veneer or wooden paper. Just paint the white part with dry erase paint if you want to reuse them.

Do you have other do-it-yourself name tag ideas? Please comment your answers below 'cause I’d like to try them too!

Ways for Students to Avoid Diseases during Schooling

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For many parents, schooling is not always about good things. This is because some parents feel the pressure and anxiety whenever their kids leave their homes to attend classes. Various threats to student’s health are one of the many things that make them so much worried. Indeed, sending a child to school is worrisome and parents should do something to at least lessen their burden.

Of all population groups, children are the most vulnerable to sickness yet the most helpless ones. Ironically, students have much higher risk of acquiring sickness as they are exposed to many people almost every single day. They commute to school, meet a lot of people, play with friends, and study in a confined space. What is even worse is that most students don’t practice precautionary measures to protect themselves from various health dangers.

What are the diseases that students often acquire while schooling?

Most Common Ailments

While school is the best place for learning, it is not the safest of all. In fact, it is home to countless numbers of germs. Below are a few of the many common ailments among students:

1. Cough and colds – These two often come together and are both caused by infection with a virus. Many types of viruses infect students’ throat and nose up to eight times a year.

2. Flu and fever – There are times students have a hard time getting up from bed more often during rainy days. And the culprit? Their cough or colds may had been worsened by another virus. Flu spreads fast among children who have active interaction with other youngsters. Coughing and sneezing produce droplets that are spread in the air and infect other people. When infected, children develop high fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, and joint pains.

3. Foodborne diseases – Most students are not aware that they are eating unhealthful and contaminated foods. This is very risky. As a result, they develop one or many foodborne ailments. These include but are not limited to e. coli, hepatitis A, salmonella infection, typhoid fever, cholera, and diarrhea.

How to Avoid Them

Care about your child’s health. It all starts with proper education to make him aware of how to take care of his health.

Here are some good ways to make your child stay safe and disease-free:

-      Practice good personal hygiene.

-      Drink plenty of water each day.

-      Avoid close contact with people who fell ill.

-      Have enough sleep.

-      Eat healthful foods.

-      Avoid processed foods.

-      Take probiotics.

-      Maintain clean hands.

-      Sanitize all stuff.

    -  Stay home when sick.