To Cram By Definition

To cram by definition means “to study hastily for an impending examination”. Cramming has been a common activity of students for quite a time. While many believe that it is an effective way to study, it can have negative repercussions.

When cramming, you never remember enough information to do well on the examination. You are trying to learn everything you can in the limited time you have to study it is guaranteed that you will end up forgetting most of the information, causing your grades to suffer. Cramming can easily become a habit, which means it’s not just your upcoming test that will be affected, but many others as well.

written by Grant Bulaong

photo courtesy of Richelle Lim

Math Whiz

I interviewed a math wizard Named danie evan about her experience in her Math Tournament last August 3, 2013.

So the first question I asked her was how she got in and her steps

on how to win the tournament, she told me this

"I qualified for the month-long training. I have been training for a long time,

my first training session was held during summer.  After that i was assigned to

compete in the 9th Singapore International Math Contest (IMC) which was held lastAugust 3, 2013. This was thanks to an organization called the math trainers guild (MTG), Philippines this would have not been possible without them. I basically just Prayed before the test."

I then ask her if she really does like math or is it just for the grades, but if so why do you like it?

She replied to me with this, "I like math because there's always a certain answer. Numbers are easier for me to understand compared to words. I guess i've been exposed to it at a young age so i feel, comfortable in it."

I guess the moral of this story is if you want to achieve your best you have to do your best because the only one stopping you is you. Out of more than a 100 people who joined the contest she scored in second place, she might not have won in first place but 200 is a big number and she scored second place. She didn't win but she did her best and tried her hardest. If you are failing math just study harder and do the best you can possibly achieve and remember another problem is just a another chance for you to do your best.

written by Ramon Catane

photo courtesy of Diane Mendoza

Why you need to add a little extra

 School gets tougher and more complex as you move to another chapter. As you are pressuring yourself with lessons, discussions or anything related to academics, have you decided on any organizations or clubs to join? Don't want to? (whether you are too busy to ace a perfect 100 on your card, your parents didn't allow you or you are just plain lazy) keep reading because these facts can change your mind. First reason is that you can apply what you've learn in class. It is never okay to say that you can lead a group if you've never experienced it, even if your teacher discussed the things that you should know to be a great leader.

Government officials don't just appear out of nowhere, majority of them were trained in their clubs in school during their grade school/ high school years. If you know you have the potential to lead a certain group, why not join the school council. Not only that you will lead, but you get the chance to listen to your people and be able to work in a community. (Who knows you might be the next president) Second is you'll be fit and healthier. You can't just stay at home and review your lessons while lying in bed or sit all day in class listening (unless it's P.E.). Try to break a sweat and join the team. Not just because of the credit you get but you can live a better lifestyle. By living a better lifestyle, you can have the ability to store energy that you might need in your club or studying. Another fact is practicing with a group can make you more confident. Third is that extra-curricular activities can make you a better student and person) Learning is not about the perfect grade you get in every assessment but is also about taking a break and do your hobby. Study says that you can't just sit all day and memorize (especially the periodic table) your brain needs to relax and absorb the things you've learn. Another thing is that in class, there are different kinds of students with different interests, so you don't really get to talk to them that much. Notice when you go out for lunch or recess, the basketball team are always together, as well as the debate team and the school council are in their own groups. This is because it is always best to surround yourself with people who has the same interests as you are. Some say that it is hard to look for people who is similar to you, that is why there are different kinds of clubs out there. Fourth, School would be so much fun and you can express more of yourself. Having an art gallery with your artsy club mates after class? Even if you're having a book report, a graded recitation and a long test on that same day, you wouldn't really mind the dreadful school hours because you have something to look forward to. You'll also be inspired to finish all the assigned tasks. Fifth, College and Companies who looks forward on hiring you or granting your application will look not only on your academic records but also your extra-curricular activities.

These things will prove what kind of person you are: How well can you do in time managing, how responsible you are, what are your prioritize and other qualities that can add up on why should they hire or accept you. And lastly, you might discover the things that you wanted to do for a living. Who would've thought that famous celebrities would discover their talents from joining the school play? Or those Editors-in-chief from joining the school paper. Your future is bigger than your final grade so go out and explore. Being smart is not base if you are part of the top ten most outstanding pupils, it is also base on how you interact with people. Extra-curricular activities can lead and open many opportunities. While you are still young, you should know your interests and hobbies to fit in the right club and be more comfortable and confident in working with the people part of it. You don't learn everything from your teachers and textbooks but in the world you are in. Don't let the school year end without going out of your comfort zone.

written by Camille Geguera

photo courtesy of Margarita Dela Cruz

Leadership

What makes one a leader? Well some of the qualities are the following: Responsible, Quick Thinker, Confident, Firm, Positive, Honest, Confident, Encouraging, A good listener, Dedicated, Persistent and many more. If you have at least half of the qualities listed, you have the capacity of becoming a leader. It is not about being popular and bossy. It's about being respectful,inspiring and motivating others to be a better team. Some people were born as natural leaders, but majority takes years of hard work to furnish their leadership skills.

To be a leader, you should learn the basics which is to learn to talk and learn to listen. Speak with confidence and believe on the words you give out. How can your group mates believe that your plan would work if you don't sound so sure. Don't bark orders (unless you're in the military). You have to persuade your group mates to do their best and not make them think on how bad you are in leading and eventually you would lose their respect. Always ask for the opinion and ideas of your group mates, this would show that you respect and care for their ideas. Not because you're the leader, you get the credit of choosing for the team. Create the best team. You don't wanna be the only who's doing all the work, and you don't want your team to think that they didn't do anything to contribute to the tasks that were assigned. Discover your teammates' weaknesses and strong attributes, then assign them on the perfect position that suits their talents. Not only that the work would be less tougher, but your team would get to enjoy the work they're doing. Allow your other team mates to step on the spotlight.  Always lead by example. You don't set the do's and don't's if you, yourself can't follow it. Arranging a lunch meeting? Be there in the location 10 minutes earlier than the time you agreed. Your team mates would see how responsible you are in leading. Action speaks louder than words as others quoted it. Think and take action. Who wants a leader who doesn't even know what is the task assigned to the group? Leaders need to take courage and stand by the decision they're making. Leaders are also human beings who makes mistakes. So you should be able to admit the mistakes you committed. This way, your team mates would see you as an open-minded person. Don't ever blame your team mates on the failure of the whole team. It's all for one, one for all after all. You don't put in your head that because you are the leader, you are the greatest among your team. It may be because your teacher or team mates trusts you in the role given. So don't brag, instead don't let them down and do your best every time. Challenge yourself to aim high and do all things positively. written by Camille Geguera

Buwan ng Wika

During August 30, 2013, we celebrated the Buwan ng Wika. Every August, the school selects a date on the month of August to celebrate the Buwan ng Wika. In this event we celebrate the Filipino culture and know how great it is. We did this by wearing Filipñiana attire , it will show that we have distinct clothing from other cultures. We also had the salo-salo. The salo-salo is where we bring Filipino and eat together. This shows the great Filipino foods and shows that Filipinos have a spirit of sharing. This event in our school showed us the great culture of the Philippines and how it is unique from other cultures.

photo courtesy of Monique Daryanani

written by JM Cifra

SF Recollection

         August 13, SF had their recollection.  All of them got closer to God, and closer to each other. Recollections are meant for getting closer to God and realizing things that you should not take for granted. Before the recollection, the students of SF had a confession. So that they would be relieved of all their sins before they have their whole day of being together with God.

        The students of SF started their recollection by reading verses from the bible, and sharing pandesal and water with each other. Each group had different amounts of water and pandesal, so all of them learned how to share with one another. After that, they had games. The games brought SF closer, and made them trust each other. After the games, they had their lunch break. Then, they had a family session. Everyone shared their family problems. Mostly everybody cried. The last part of the recollection was The Holy Eucharist. 

          After the recollection, they had their outreach. They were closer already because of their recollection. Each  one of them knew a little bit more about each other. Everyone was smiling and having a good time helping the less fortunate. 

written by Joshua Santos
photo courtesy of Cheeni Dy