PERSEF2 Sixth Entry: Circles of My Multicultural Self

1. Share a short story about a time you were especially proud to identify yourself with one of the descriptors you used above.

An identifier that I can surely be proud of is being a friend. Once I had a friend who was really troubled. I tried to comfort her as much as I could. It was actually hard giving comfort to her because she really feeling hopeless. In the end, although I wasn’t really able to remove her feeling of hopelessness, at least I was able to get her mind out of her problem for a while. What makes the situation something that I could be proud of is the fact that she has tried to reach out to others, but was ignored. I was the only one who tried to reply to her. But even if she had other people trying to comfort her, it wouldn’t have stopped me from doing the same. I know what she was going through, and I was in her shoes, I would have needed as much comfort.

2. Share a story about a time it was especially painful to be identified with one of your identifiers or descriptors.

An identifier which was, not painful, but became very irritable of is being smart or a “nerd”. It’s not really something that I am ashamed of, but there are times when I find it VERY ANNOYING with how people (particularly some of my friends) respond of my being smart/a nerd. There were times when I am being teased being not part of the group because I have not failed any subjects yet. Although I know it’s a joke, sometimes I really find it frustrating being teased like that. It’s because they have no idea the pressure that I am going through. With my mom, I HAVE TO BE SMART, or else she would transfer me to another school. Although it may seem unlikely, I am not really in the situation to test my mother’s capabilities. I like being in La Salle. Staying here has actually helped develop my self-esteem. But recently, I am getting used to my friends’ teasing and have adjusted myself with them.

3. Name a stereotype associated with one of the groups with which you identify that is not consistent with who you are.


For this number, I’d like to respond to my previous answer (#2)...

I am a nerd and do study, but I am not friendless and actually have a social life.

PERSEF2 Fifth Entry: What is my role in the community

1. What is the most disturbing social problem that needs immediate attention? In what way is this evident in your local community?

I think that the most disturbing social problem that needs immediate attention is the evident corruption in our country. It may seem cliché to point out the issue of corruption, but its impact has greatly affected our community. Looking at our country's resources, it is supposed to be that we are rich in natural resources. Compared to other countries, we actually have a greater advantage. And yet our neighboring countries are progressing much greater than ours. Thailand, for example, we were the ones who taught them to plant rice, because we were the leading country to produce rice. But now, we are the ones buying rice from them, despite the fact our country is producing its own rice.

2. In relation to your academic training and future profession, what knowledge, skills, and values do you have or will acquire soon that will help you respond effectively to this concern?

I can not really relate my academic training with how I am supposed to respond with this issue. I guess the only thing that I can do for now is to be a responsible citizen. I think that change in our country does not have to start with its government, but with the people in the community. I don’t that it is only the government that is contributing to the country’s continuous corruption, but also its people. Filipinos keep on complaining about the country’s continuous declination of economy due to corruption, but I doubt that these people even do anything to resolve the problem. I do not suggest protest, or such, it will just produce much riot. I think that just being a responsible citizen is the simplest way to be able to respond to this problem. Voting for the RIGHT leader is an example. I find it VERY RIDICULOUS when people vote for candidates because of their popularity. I find it a BIG WASTE of votes. It could’ve gone to a much deserving candidate. I think another way to be a responsible citizen is to actually not let corruption get to us. For example, when one gets caught by a police due to overspeeding, other people try to bribe the police to let them go. They are entertaining corruption itself.

3. As a La Sallian student, how can you make a difference as early as now? Specify clearly doable steps you intend to actualize to alleviate this problem.

As a La Sallian student, I think one way I can make a difference is to be able to affect my colleagues. Through me, I hope to be able to show them what makes a responsible citizen. As a result, I hope that they also try to become a responsible citizen.

PERSEF2 Fourth Entry: Pledge of Commitment on Marriage

I promise to love my husband. It will not be a duty for me, but it will be something I am willing to do with or without getting something in return.

Serve him in his time of need.

Comfort him in his time of sadness.

Smile with him in time of joy.

When trials and troubles hurdle our relationship, I will not let them get to us. I will do everything I can to resolve whatever misunderstandings we have.

As for my children, I promise to be able to able to provide and spend time with them, despite the fact that I am working. (I have seen my mother do this - providing & spending time with us - which is why I don't it is not possible). Be able to guide them as they grow up. Teach them what is right and wrong. And most importantly, be able to raise them up fearing God.

PERSEF 2 Third Entry: Significant Others

INTERPERSONAL NEEDS

One of my significant relationships is with my mom. My relationship with her is very "Personal" when it comes to affection . We always express what we feel with each other. Our inclusion is between being "Undersocial" and "Oversocial". This is because though I may be very close with my mom, still there are times where I'd rather be alone or not be around her. When it comes to control, mmy mom is an "Autocrat". Of course, this is because she is my mom. But even though my mom is an "Autocrat", she tries to understand my situation, so that even though she asks me to do something or follow her, I will not take it too negative as if I am only forced to do whatever she says.


COST-REWARD THEORY

I can relate the cost-reward theory with my relationship with my friends. Examples of COST with this relationship is the time I spend with them and the help that I give to them. Examples of REWARD is their loyalty to me and having the knowledge that they care for me and that I have importance to them. So far, I am having a very satisfactory relationship with my friends.


BALANCE THEORY

This theory I can relate with any relationship I have. In any situation, I try my best to suit my behavior. For example, when I have a friend who is currently feeling hopeless, I do not try to make things worse and say discouraging words. Instead, I would try to comfort her, and as much as possible, I try to give her advice on what she's going through. Though, still there are times where I have a difficult time applying balance with my significant relationships. For example, when I have done something wrong against a person, it is very hard for me to apologize and accept that I was the one who has done wrong. I have a difficult time when it comes to my pride. I guess it's one thing that I should work on.

PERSEF2 Second Entry: Ethical Decisions

1. Think of a recent event where you have a variety of options but you do not know which among of those you have to choose. How did you come up with a sound and ethical decision?

It was hard thinking of a good decision, because whatever option I choose, there will be people affected. But because I wanted to act on it quickly and not just let the moment pass by, I had to think of something that will not only be for my benefit, but also to those affected. I had to think of the possible outcomes of my decision and choose which one will be the most beneficial.

2. How does your emotional maturity affect your decisions in life?

Thinking about it, making decisions is more difficult now that I am emotionally mature. Because of much experience, I am now aware of what is wrong and right. I now try to make decisions where it will not only be good for me, but also the people around me. Before, the only thing I think about when making decisions is myself. But because of many experiences, I saw how much my decisions affects others. This is why I try to learn from this, and try to think of what will be for the good of all.

3. Describe a time you had difficulty in making a sound and ethical decision. What made it difficult? What did you do about it? Is there something you could have done that would have made it easier?

Usually, a time where I have difficulty making decisions is when it comes to my studies. I have a hard time deciding if I should study first before anything else or put my work down for a while and later cram on it. There were so many distractions around me, making it SO difficult for me. Again, I tried to think of the possible outcomes of whatever decision I make. Although it is very hard, I try to choose the option which will have a good outcome, which is to study first. I guess what I could have done to make things easier for me is to avoid the distraction. It's not actually the distraction that was coming to me, but I was the one trying to distract myself.

4. What can you learn from these experiences?

What can be beneficial for you, may not be the same for others. Although, it is harder, a much better outcome will result in the end. Also, a decision that may look easy may not be the best decision. Like my experience when it comes to studying, it is MUCH easier to just leave it for a while and have fun first, but the result is ALWAYS hard to resolve.

5. How would you then apply this in your workplace, family or school?

Since I have already had the different experiences, I try to learn from these experiences and apply the ones which has done good for me, and avoid those which had harmed me.