Note: I am not updated, so feel free to correct me. If you're not up to reading a very long post, good luck.
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Lately, I've been hearing some talk on high school. People, issues, gossip, opinions.
One common thing I've read about was the implementation of rules. Most of them said that these rules altered their usual lifestyle. Rules like
no eating in the academic building, s
trictly no more extern students after 6 PM,
no use of sockets, and
no food delivery after 7 PM. Classrooms were stripped of trashcans, the frequency of parties became less, and the ordering of jerseys for the Intrams was limited to a certain budget (I think PhP 300). And many say that these rules made high school life dull.
First of all, we must concede to the fact that we
can't gratify all our needs and wants instantly, just like what most teenagers think. Me included. We must keep in mind that we have to work for the things we want and earn them. High school entails some sort of responsibility - responsibility to your self, to your peers, to your teachers and staff, and to your country.
Cliché, but true. Be responsible for your actions. Know how to stand up for what you have said and done. Learn how to keep things in order as you are not the only one dwelling in the space you are in. Respect other people's beliefs and principles. Recognize the fact that the things you receive for free are someone else's time and sweat.
I think these are what the rules
ultimately want to impart.
Dirty classrooms definitely show disrespect to the space alloted for your class. Be aware that your seatmate, classmates, and friends deserve a clean and orderly space, not with all the clutter and mess. Not everyone can work with a piles of papers on the floor. Many people get irked by seeing people smooching in the corridors of an academic institution - don't ever think that they should've just minded their own business because the school is
their business in the classroom and your love making isn't in the books.
Be stern with how you spend your money and don't ever think you deserve to spend what you just received from the cashier. Do you dare say that what you've done will improve the lives of the Filipinos?
Bah. Do you think the school receives the budget to cover all your needs? Huh, with all the government's moves on cutting the budget for education, what do you think? And can you just imagine how you leave out your classmate, your
friend just because they don't have as much money as you have? You might be even pushing them on the verge stealing just because of that. In short, look out for one another, and know your classmates' concerns.
BUT, it definitely does not mean that the rules are justified, in my opinion.
With these rules implemented, does the school think it has the facilities to supplement the educational needs of the students? Do you not keep in mind the individual concerns of the students? Do you give reason for such heavy hands? Do you ake sure the students see the reason and understand it? Do
any the concerns of the students get heard? Do you keep in track if these rules actually do any good to the students? Is leadership and leading just confined in the books, and not in discussion, debate, intellectual conversations, and creativity? Do you offer any alternatives?
These are just questions, and I do not know the answers to them, that is why I ask.
Remember, these are teenagers, and don't expect them to understand immediately. Not everyone is as mature as the "best" student of the batch.
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In my opinion, letting not even a single laptop be plugged in is ridiculous. Maybe if the computer laboratory is free for use, it's justifiable. But I think desktops consume more electricity than laptops. So, I think a little trust in the students could help. Well, I would like to think they aren't that irresponsible. Maybe limiting the sockets to be used is better. Or providing a certain area that is big enough for them to stay in is also good. And please, to the laptop users, please use it for academic reasons. I really doubt the budget the school receives is enough. Blame the
government for that, not the school. And maybe also then number of UPCAT passers.
Curfew is also a part of the austerity measures, and to prevent people who snog around the campus to stay late, and for the safety of going home. I don't know... I think I was one of the most notorious for breaking this rule, then when it wasn't so strictly implemented. Why? Because (1) I always thought that I could take care of myself to get home, (2) I wasn't using any of the school's resources aside form space (I stay in the covered walk, the mushrooms, or the admin stairs), and (3) no one was telling me I annoyed them. That's what I can say about that.
Also for the parties. During our time, we would usually have, on the average, 5 regular parties in a year: Acquaintance Party, Foundation Night/Talent's Night, Intrams Night, Christmas Party, and Year Ender Party. And I do think that these can be very costly. Come on, a medium sized stereo set at home are branded to be "1000 kW", how much more the large speakers in the auditorium? And the airconditiong? I don't have numbers on the budget, and I don't really know if the Student Alliance pays for anything, but I guess this could be the most determining factor. So unless, you are willing to shell out your own money, or be creative on how to hold parties... Be very creative. Or just enjoy the time you have in school.
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Final WordsActivism is not only what you see or stereotype about UP students. It is not about rallying in the streets. It is about
rallying your ideas to be heard. If you are not heard and understood, you really wouldn't reach any compromise. Yes, you might not get what you need/want, but compromise is better. The school has limited resources, and gets lower by the year (thanks to the government), so compromise is all you can achieve. I think the school is trying to allocate budget for developing some parts of the campus. The school doesn't have the generous alumni college schools have. So be creative - in how you express yourself, in how to deal with certain situations, in how to enjoy high school life. Talk to your teachers about problems. Don't let those darned rules ruin your enjoyment (no pun intended). Kung gusto nyo, picnic sa covered walk or gym while studying or doing homework (di man na siya acad 'di ba? *wink wink*).
Di bale na ma higku-an or mainit, enjoy man gyapon. And I guess the student organizations should do what they should.
Just be creative and proactive, and continue to go
faster, higher, and stronger.
