BONJOUR: rant

QnA!

, by Unknown

Letters is a series that will feature all my thoughts and opinions regarding a topic that hits my interest. I will consider this series a sort of journal entry - an electronic one. Since my blog is the electronic version of where I write my of my thoughts, I hope you, as a reader, would somehow relate to what I will be sharing.

Letters | Vol. 1

Do you ever feel the lack of appreciation?

Have you ever done so much to attain a goal, accomplish it, yet fail to impress the persons you want to showcase your capabilities to?

It's hard, my friend. I have felt my fair share of lack of appreciation.This leads to the feeling of inadequacy and self-questioning: am I enough? Are all my efforts not enough? Will I get better?

Then you push yourself harder. You spend more time rewriting and rereading your notes instead of going out and visiting the other members of your family. You tend to sleep four hours more than your normal sleeping time. You get so competitive in school that not getting the highest score devastates you and makes you judge yourself more. At the end of the day, you become more selfish. You try to be the best, the number one.

Whenever my friends and I talk, they share stories about how they are being encouraged: a simple "good luck" or "you can do it". Even the acceptance of the extent of their capabilities. Comparing is bad but sometimes, I just can't help it. I become more disappointed with myself. Why do I never get those?

Maybe they're just too silent. Maybe they don't want to speak up. Maybe they aren't courageous enough to tell what they actually feel. I still haven't gotten out of the zone where I keep on questioning myself on how to make them proud. I just want to hear them say it. Even just for once.

I don't know where this letter is leading to and it's becoming hazy. I don't want to share too much of this, things might become bad.

For those who have reached this part of the letter, I am reminding you one thing: do not be afraid to speak up. It can make someone's day: a simple "thank you" or even a compliment will surely lift things up. If you're afraid to speak, try to tell it in another way. The important thing is you are able to share your feelings or even thoughts.

As what I've said before, I don't know where this letter is leading to.

Ah, I've been wearing my earphones without listening to anything. How dumb.

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, by Unknown

In advice, afternoon

Something New: Calligraphy

If you haven't noticed it yet (if you don't follow my social media accounts), I am into a new hobby: calligraphy. I've always wanted to try this however, I didn't have the time and right tools. Early this year, I decided to finally give something to myself: I bought two brush pens. I didn't get to use them for a long time, though. I also found it a bit hard to use since it was something new, a thing I want to learn.

Utilizing what I already had, I decided to use my Prang watercolor and a few brushes instead. Getting the hang of using a brush in writing is a bit hard but with enough practice, you'll get used to it. This photo is an example of how my days go now: I usually spent a lot of time sitting down, practicing how to write.

Still clueless, I don't really know if what I'm doing is calligraphy itself. Before I went on with using a brush and watercolor, I used to cheat calligraphy. It's a good practice, nevertheless. Grabbing a ballpoint pen, writing in cursive, and thickening the sides of the letters is how I used to do it. In this way, you are practiced with the swirls and you become more familiarized with the fancy cursive writing.

I am looking forward to having a dip pen soon and learn more. For now, I have to practice with what I have. Hopefully, I would be able to buy calligraphy/writing books too. If you're a beginner like me, I recommend reading blogs with a calligraphy content and looking up for the alphabet. It helps!

Here are two of my latest works: I decided to write with acrylic paint. It's a bit hard to work on since it's thick but I'm satisfied with how it turned out!

Became a bit cheesy with this one: my boyfriend was the first
person that came in my mind when I read this quote.

One of my favorite quotes. Everyone should live by it.

What are your insights with calligraphy? Do you plan on doing it too?
P.S. Sorry if the photos are blurry; they were taken with my phone and I had to
make them large so it would be easier to see.

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, by Unknown

In advice, college

What About School?

Cheesy as it may seem, but time does fly fast. Nine months ago, I was feeling so nervous to start my first year in college and now, I can finally say I have survived it. I, too, cannot believe that I survived two stressful semesters - college isn't as easy as I expected. So how did I do it? Here are 10 helpful tips that I did the whole school year.

Disclaimer: I am no expert in telling tips and tricks but here are some that helped me the most.

I reckon this is the most important thing of all. Being organized means you are able to keep up with the amount of learning you get everyday, as you show it on how you store and organize your lessons, notes, and handouts. So how do I do it?

Sort your papers/handouts by subject/course. I also use colorful paper clamps.

Put them, in a nice bag, of course! I sort mine according to the days I take them.

As for the notebooks, I also have my days separated. It is easier to check notes if you have them sorted on the days you take them.

An addition with this is if you keep some files in your laptop, make sure to sort them by course/subject as well. In this way, you won't find it hard to look for files when you need them.

Exams are indeed the most stressful part of each semester: you have to review for each course and comply with the professors' requirements at the same time. I do not really know my study habit but this is how I do it. (This may or may not apply to you.)

As most of you would prefer re-reading notes and textbooks, I learn more by rewriting everything. Not really everything, but the most important bits and highlights that are needed to be studied. I've been practicing this since high school and it has been effective to me. I remember more when I write.

Even one of my professors prefer writing our homework instead of copying and pasting everything, and printing it afterwards. He believes that students get to read the material as they write them; therefore, they get to be familiarized with the topic - which is true! I use different colorful pens to remove the monotonous colors of black and white. Those are my favorite colors but who wants to read a boring reviewer? The pop of color adds more fun!

That's how I do it! I write reviewers for each subject and review them the night before the examination day. Here's a tip: start rewriting your notes 3-5 days prior to the examination week. Do not write it the night before! You will just cram on writing, without learning. Plus, it feels better to know that you only have to reread your reviewer the night before the exam - less stress!

You don't want to just rely on your handouts, right? Sometimes, professors share helpful information and terms about a topic; do not let those information go as they might come in handy during quizzes or exams. Feeling lazy in jotting down notes is inevitable but trust me, the next time you take a test, you won't be clueless with some topics anymore.

Print handouts - always. Relying on your phone during discussions won't be as helpful. You will miss the chance of writing notes. In some cases, professors let you use your handout during quizzes; however, phones aren't allowed. You don't want to fail a test, right? It maybe costly to print handouts but it will be worth it.

Back in high school, I became too afraid to come out of my shell and share my interests by joining clubs. So upon enrolling in college, I promised myself to be brave and join organizations. I'm pretty sure your school offers them too. This school year, I joined my school's student publication, LAVOXA.

Here, I did not only share my skills in writing and taking photos but also, I've met some of the best people that helped me survive my first year in college. Apply for the org was a big step, and getting accepted is an achievement. Nothing feels better than seeing your work published - on paper. I wouldn't have been okay during my lowest times if I didn't choose to stay in the publication's office, where I found myself laughing during my stay.

Joining an organization has led me to amazing workshops and places, and helped me conquer my fear of sharing my skills. If your school gives you an opportunity like this, don't hesitate to join, for it would be one of the best decisions you will make.

The library has got to be one of the best places to study and find good sources that will support your research paper.

Here's a view from one of the discussion rooms in the college library. My friends and I like to reserve one so we can study and discuss the lessons together. Studying with friends isn't bad; however, don't forget that your goal is to study, not to talk about irrelevant gossips.

I will leave this one to be too vague. It is up to you on how you will interpret it. I've done my exploration by going around the school and finding places where I can be at peace. To start this exploration, you have to be confident and friendly - two things I am doubtful of myself about. I am not that confident and friendly.

Exploring your school and meeting new friends will help you adjust with the transition of being a high school student to being in college.

This tip has got to be one of the most important things to do in school. Making a list of the things you need to do will help you get in track in accomplishing them. Trust me, the feeling of putting a check on your to-do list is divine.

Believe it or not, my closet ended up looking like this after the second semester. (I won't show you guys the others anymore).

I like it when I am reminded of the things I need to do, and I make sure that I accomplish everything on the day I set it and before going to sleep. Lists makes you feel obliged into doing something; thus, making you finish everything early. Leaving small notes and reminders are fun!

To help you with your reminders, use post-it's, labeled papers, index cards, and pens. You won't be the forgetful and procrastinating student anymore!

A project that's due next week? Do it the night before the deadline! Finals next month? Study the night before! We students have all experienced that. It's stressful, right? Getting out of the pit of procrastination may be hard but it's not bad to try. Start doing things little by little and the next thing you'll know, you're done with everything. Students are the best procrastinators but if you learn to say no to it, your stress will be lessened and you get better quality on your output, especially on projects.

Say good bye to checking how many likes you got on Instagram and how many favorites your selfie had gotten on Twitter every few minutes! Learn how to be focused so you can accomplish tasks faster. If you would just let hindrances and distractions like your social media accounts get in the way, you will only lack time in studying and it will affect the number of hours for your sleep. I know sleeping for 8 hours in college is hard but it is better to get some rather than spending an all-nighter just because you were too distracted when you still had time.

Studying for 3 straight hours can be very boring. So, learn how to reward yourself by taking a break: eat a snack, watch your favorite show, or take a short nap. Rewarding yourself can also be done by buying new clothes, or spending a day out with your friends, after a very stressful semester. For my case, I don't really reward myself after getting good grades or having a good semester. I only do this when I am sad and cannot handle stressful moments anymore: I eat a lot.

Your inspiration can either be your parents, your family, your special someone, or any one at all.

As for friends, you can't survive school without the help of a good friend. You may start off with 2-4 friends but what matters the most the quality, not the quantity. Being friends with a few or a lot of people is good, especially when you have problems. Make sure that these persons will help you become a better you, and won't lead you to trouble. You may have problems along the way but it feels good to stay with the same group of friends as you end the semester that you started together.

That's it for this blog post! I hope my tips has helped you somehow, and has moved you in becoming a better student. School may become boring but remember: you benefit from it. You learn and experience lessons that will surely help you become a better person, once you get your diploma and set forth into the world.

Feel free to comment and share some things you do that helps you in school! :)

- the chalkboard texture's from yeahps.tumblr.com

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, by Unknown

In adventure, life

Life Lately

I always take pictures, no matter how random they get. It's nice to see something you want to remember forever, juxtaposed in a composition of pixels. However, I don't always post them online; thus, my camera roll has gone to more than eight thousand photos - almost three years worth of photos I do not want to be forgotten. P.S. Old photos are always handy.

Have you ever sat in a car with some of the best people you know, listening to great songs, as the cold wind slaps you in the face?

I think it is one of the best situations ever. I don't know why but whenever Alesso's Heroes is being played in the car, I get an immediate adrenaline rush, which results to me singing my heart out albeit the bad voice that I have. I wish I could have more moments like this, with the right people.

If you're Filipino you know what these are.

These are called "kakanin" - any food item that was made with rice. We stumbled upon this vendor one morning, and my friends and I didn't hesitate in buying some. I got the orange-y kakanin on the bottom left, along with some fried coconut. The vendor was too generous so he let me get more spoonfuls of the coconut and it definitely brought so much childhood memories.

What do you do when you have more than four hours of school break and a car? Go on a spontaneous trip.
My friends and I decided to go to San Pablo, Laguna. We biked around the Sampaloc Lake, a good 3.7 km pain in the knees (if you weren't prepared for it). Riding was also a bit hard for we were in our uniforms; in the girls' case, we were in our heels. It was extremely fun! I still remember myself screaming, "I'm so happy!" several times as we biked around the lake. I couldn't wait for more trips with my college friends.

Here's a view from the far end of my school's library.

I remember taking this photo randomly, and whispering to myself, "I am one with the tress". The library is a place I will never get tired of going to. Heck, I spent most of my high school lunch times in it.

A mosaic done by an artist (I forgot his name, sorry).

This is being sold for forty thousand pesos. I really like how creative and resourceful he'd gotten; the combination of colors and the whole portrait itself is pleasing to the eyes. I hope someone buys it for it is truly deserving to be framed in someone's house.

Someone I love the most,

and my motivation for everything. Seeing him makes me really happy!

I'm now on my last week of school and I hope I can post more with this kind of content (really, really, hopeful)! I have to leave for now, I still have to review for my final exams.

I can already feel summer.

I am excited to meet him again.