The Department of Science and Technology- Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) nuLab visited Los Baños last November 11-15, 2019. This educational bus was launched to serve Senior High School students nationwide by teaching STEM classes following their first educational bus, Science Explorer that caters elementary and Junior High School students. Their aim is to encourage the young people of the Philippines to pursue Science and Technology professions in helping the nation-building. Their visit to Los Baños was attended by high school and elementary students within the town. One of the speakers is the UPLB’s pride, Astrophysicist Dr. Rogel Mari Sese. The following modules discussed were about Entomology, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, Women in the field of Science and Science Communication.
Gloria Therese Eusebio (or Thea), a freshman taking BS DevCom recently competed and won Silver and Bronze medals during the 2019 Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) Olympics in Batangas City last November 6 and 7 for swimming event. This intelligent and sporty lady have been swimming since she was in elementary. In this video she will share her life as a performer swimmer and student, and her experience in her first STRASUC!
My life miles away from home just to pursue my dream of studying in the prestigious University of the Philippines has taught me a lot of inevitable things that will really occur as we grow, molding ourselves to maturity. I was so excited to start another chapter my life in college last August but as my first semester goes by and is coming to end, I discovered a different version of that enthusiastic boy who entered the door of the College of Development Communication with overflowing optimism. I am not saying that I lost those positive traits, but what I mean is that I learned some realities that only college will teach us. The four-month semester was filled with different emotions dwelling inside me and giving me a lot of anxieties affecting my core badly which sometimes brings me to the point of quitting, but our life journey is a roller coaster ride, thus, instead of giving up we have to learn from it. I had struggles and I have learned too, which I will hopefully use to become more inspired, fighting for my dreams. And so we have to:
Be Strong but Never Pretend to be Okay Always!
Mostly of the freshmen who entered UP were the aces of their respective high schools and are expected to perform well. We are trained differently and are required to offer a lot of time for academics and so we put our best efforts to accomplish everything perfectly but sometimes we fail. I experienced it but I tried not to cry nor accept the failure but as time goes by, the burden in my heart gets heavier and has affected my performance negatively. That was the time I allowed my self to cry and accept the fact that I cannot be a constant being, I have to grow and I have to face this new word that teaches us not only with technical knowledge but an attitude on how we deal those downhills of our lives. I have decided that as I go, to more semesters ahead, I should put in mind that we all have weaknesses and in order to handle them is through acceptance and being hopeful. It is okay to cry, to call for help and to stand again after a fall.
Engage yourself, don’t be an island!
I am an introvert. I am more comfortable with myself. I prefer to work alone and seldom go out of my room. But as the semester ends I found out it is not healthy. I missed a lot of moments (privilege moments) for a freshie to enjoy his stay in college. Which I think has contributed to why I oftentimes feel unhappy and anxious, which almost bring me to a decision of quitting. The university still have a lot of activities to be held on the coming semesters and it is never too late. I still have more opportunities to make more friends because I found out college is not an individual work it is like a group activity that requires collaboration to achieve our purpose.
Never Expect Everyone will stay!
As I said I am more comfortable alone, but I also have few friends who I thought will be my constant partners but the reality of life is not what I thought. You should not confine yourself to a certain group only, try to be with more people because college’s circle of friends is constantly changing every semester. Try to be more sociable and make a lot of connections because you are not just building multiple friendships but also preparing to a bigger world ahead. To more friendships, I go.
Let Saving be a Personal Mandate!
I am not talking about financial matters alone but also time. Regarding money, I am not used into budgeting because for the past 19 years I was dependent to my parents knowing that I spent my grade school and high school years with them. During my first weeks I am not in control of spending those bills and I keep on eating and purchasing things that are not necessarily needed until I run out of money in a blink of an eye. Maybe this semester my family can send me money whenever I ask for it but it is only applicable in the meantime, what if time comes that they run out of money ? On the other hand, we students, keep on complaining that we have limited time to finish everything we need to do but we allot more time using our phones and doing unimportant things rather than doing our requirements. This truly affects my study habit this semester negatively and I wish to change this attitude to become more productive and have less exhausting days in college.
Trust Yourself
I graduated from a vocational high school, unlike my classmates who had their primary education spent in science- centered curriculum , catholic schools and/or known universities before UP. I get intimidated so much which really affect my confidence to participate during discussions. I always feel down after the exams and I do not volunteer in group works to handle big tasks because I believe I am not competent. But as our examination and other outputs have been rated, I found out that my scores is just the same as them. I never trusted myself and I always think negative about my capabilities. I forgot that we all passed the same entrance exam . That is why I decided to be more confident to participate and offer my ideas next semesters.
College life is truly difficult not as easy as “eating lugaw”. It requires a lot of time and effort but it offers us a lot of lessons to learn. It is not only about the theories and practices but the attitude and character that we’ll be using in our future professions. I have more semesters to survive and I am ever willing to learn from those experiences. Lastly, above all things in re-calibrating our future plans we must remain faithful and never forget to be the unique versions of thy selves.
A photo opportunity together with the founder of Farmer-Scientist RDE Training Program (FSTP) and the rest of the staff.
Almost four months since I entered CDC I can still remember how I fear if I can survive Development Communication in my first semester. The pressure was added after the qualities and skills of a media writer was tackled in the lecture. I am not new to journalism and I also admit that my basic knowledge about writing was limited. It is not enough, knowing that I only write for print in my high school’s publication. Yet, I dared myself to be determined in learning new skills and allow myself to accumulate new ideas in enhancing my writing abilities.
It has always been my biggest predicament since grade school on how to become a keen reader. I only read what is needed for my academic requirements and it bores me lot looking into long blocks of paragraphs. But as a development-communicator-in-training it is my responsibility to practice this attitude which is apparently a big help for gathering data. With the goal that I should instill this character I tried and found out that the interest on reading is also a needed requirement in my other courses.
As the semester’s end approaches, I can already see progress on this personal matter but with a purpose that is not centered for becoming an excellent media writer but also on honing myself to become a critical thinker, as one of the main goals of the university to train their students. It is very essential that we practice reading religiously on our possible sources to produce a more credible and effective outputs. And also be responsible and ethical in everything that we share.
On the other hand when DEVC 11 laboratory exercises started we are immediately tasked to gather development- oriented information for our first journalistic output. I asked myself on that moment if I can, I was not confident if I can talk to several people to interview face-to-face including experts. At the same time I have to encourage myself because this is the path I wanted to pursue and so I tried and I was able to meet wonderful people who were so willing to assist and provide me the information I need.
In my journey as a new freshman of the College of Development Communication, I found out that the qualities and skills of a media writer were already present within us. We only need to trust ourselves and to have a deeper purpose on why we write. I also learned that a development communicator does not only write but we amplify the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. For the last four months of writing for different media, the quality of having the interest to “read” and the skill on “gathering data” was my goal to achieve and I can say I am so near to fully embody them as part of my DevCom life.
This is only an introduction of the wider and deeper version of DevCom’s mission. But this stage of my pursuit to become an effective and clear writer was indeed an eye-opener to enhance the skills and qualities I am required- to deliver the accurate and purposive message to those who need to hear it. Until now I still consider myself undeserving to have a perfect rate but I am willing and will always be ready for more learnings, for me to become the Development Communicator I aspired to be.
Audio Visual Output made by Lawrence Neil E. Sagarino and Roella Marcelle Bautista
As the semester’s end fast approaches, students especially the enthusiastic freshmen have been exhausting themselves into accomplishing their academic requirements and reviewing for their examinations. To at least lessen their heavy schedule and have some time to relax the University of the Philippines- Los Baños’ administration launched the annual “Pasko sa Elbi” Christmas lighting display this year, last November 18. This tradition has been part of the UPLB community’s life since then and became one of the most awaited events every year. As they experienced their first Pasko sa Elbi, we interviewed some freshies who attended the event. They expressed their amusement and the positive vibe they feel after seeing the Filipino-themed display of cplorful lights . Please watch the video and listen to them! Merry Christmas UPLB!
Ano ba trabaho mo pag-gradweyt mo, may pera ba jan?
These are the common questions I/we often receive as students of Development Communication. Even I myself cannot define it at first but not until I started learning what and how DevCom works. This short AVP is purposely crafted to help us answer those questions.
As I entered the university one of my mission is to show to the world that there is a province called DINAGAT ISLANDS. A young island province which has an unknown grandeur of nature and unique culture. This 1-minute introduction is really not enough but it will surely lead your cursor to the search engine.
Sleepless nights, anxieties and failing scores these are some of the draining reasons why most of the students suffer from stress which common causes are the never-ending requirements and the pressure before and after examinations. These stressed students might end up getting sick, or worse their mental health will be affected. Our academics will constantly demand energy and effort from us in order to hone our capabilities in the fields we have chosen. It is necessary for us to offer most of our time in exhausting ourselves in writing, reading and mastering every lesson discussed in school but it does not restrict us to relax sometimes. We need to learn but how can we continue striving for excellence if our body and minds are deteriorating.
The
University of the Philippines throughout the country is popular of having
strict rules and guidelines in passing each course. Iskolars are known for being studious and truly excellent in their
academics. On the other hand, those are just perceptions of the people outside
the campus, they don’t know that UP students always have time to chill after
their brain-wrecking and energy-sucking academic responsibilities. As I come to
my last month as a new freshman of the university I have established various
ways to relax and unwind after our tiring days.
1st
SLEEP –
This is the real relaxation after you deprive yourself from enough sleep
because of deadlines and exams. This is the best way to recharge and
recalibrate our brains for the coming battles hehe. To be honest whenever I
feel so tired I always allow myself to have nap and it’s effective.
2nd
SOCIAL
MEDIA- In spite of the pressing issues and nonsense posts in your news feed,
being in social media can lessen the heaviness of our workloads by treating our
emotional stress. Give some time to reconnect
with your family and friends, from there we can gain more energy that will fuel
us to continue fighting. Stalk your crush cHAROT to at least brighten up your day
and get some inspiration or laugh on memes LOL.
3rd
COMFORT
PLACES- Find places that will give you peace of mind to refresh yourself. In
UPLB my favorite comfort place is Freedom Park or Oblation Park, I find these
spots relaxing because of the healing effect of nature.
4th
SHOPPING-
Giving ourselves rewards sometimes after tiring acads life through buying items
we love to have can motivate us and will relax our minds. In my part since I am
not rich, I always go to ukay-ukay stores and I enjoy it so much. OOTD is
something you should consider in UP hehe.
5th
FOOD- I
know it is not only the brains that were emptied but also our tummies. Literally,
food is life but to a stress eater like me, I need a lot of food to relax and
chill.
There are still many ways for a student to chill, it all
depends on our personalities and preferences but what is more important is that
we allow ourselves to relax and forget stressful acads temporarily. It’s
essential to survive college. Legit.
Over the years the University of the Philippines has proven its preeminence not just within the archipelago as the premier university but also worldwide by producing one of a kind graduates upholding honor and excellence. The university have produced national presidents, scientists, artists and many prominent individuals around the globe. Enormous innovations and inventions were produced by the alumni for the sake of humanity, environment and any factors that may help to the nation’s development. The university is also the forerunner in opposing the unrighteousness of the government and fighting for every citizen’s right. But what is something special inside UP to have these products?
As the UPLB, a of the performing constituent of the university system celebrates its 101st Loyalty day to commemorate the heroism of students and faculty who became part of the National Guard during World War I in 1918, this is also the exact date every year the university’s alumni homecoming is held. I had the chance to witness the parade of the creative works of each college’s float which flaunts the prevailing societal issues today and to be inspired with the victorious smiles of the alumni.
As I roam around the venue I met a lady in violet shirt genuinely smiling while watching the on-going parade. I approached her and asked some questions about her life after graduating which truly made me realize and validate the question why is UP different.
She was part of
Class 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and finished her master’s
degree in Soil Science in 1982. She was immediately employed after graduating
as part of the faculty of Visayas State University formerly Visayas College of
Agriculture. There she stayed for decades until she retired last 2018. After
her retirement she became a volunteer by supervising senior agriculture
students with horticulture as field of specialization and at the same time she
is helping three people’s organizations involved in extended national greening
program whose alternative livelihood is farming.
As a teacher she emphasized the value that fueled her to continue imparting knowledge to her students despite the lack of facilities way back then was loving one’s job. In loving our work we will not mind the pay we receive instead it is the happiness brought by the fulfillment of influencing someone’s life and honing their skills. She was once offered by a high-paying job after her MS graduation but she refused and went back to VSU because she believed in the power of education to transform everyone’s lives that will eventually make her attain the goal of an Iskolar Ng Bayan which is to serve the country by serving the people. If she can put her learnings from UPLB in one word she said it will be Volunteerism, a heartfelt extension of thy self. She is Ma’am ANGELA S. ALMENDRES- FERRAREN, Batch 1972, and Class of 1976 whose advice to every UP student :
A year before, I was also one of the aspirants who wanted to enter the premier university of the country. But like every UP student I had to pass first the most anticipated University of the Philippines Admission Test or UPCAT. Thousands of aspirants dare to take the exam every year but only a small percentage qualified. It is an annual battle of brains and dreams of young Filipinos who want to pursue college in a school offering a proven quality of education and the practice of freedom.
This year the third batch of the K-12 curriculum tried their luck as they took the exam last October 5 and 6. With them are their dream professions and driven purposes in life with a common denominator, the belief that UP is the best way to fulfill those goals. UPLB as one of the testing centers accommodated thousands of takers and parents from Laguna and nearby provinces.
As I roam around the campus I met and had interviews to some hopeful students and parent who arrived very early to find their testing centers and prepare for the exams. They shared their reasons why they wanted to be part of the university while a parent expressed her thoughts of supporting her child’s dream to enter the institution.
UPCAT 2019 results are expected to be released on the first quarter next year. Continue dreaming for yourselves and our nation. May God bless you!!
BLOG 6050 