In 100 words or less

In American Studies 100, I learned how to efficiently and articulately condense my thoughts in 100 words or less. Here it goes: In order to understand why other people do what they do, we need to understand culture. Culture is a way of life, and it is different for everyone depending on where or how they grew up. For example in slum tourism, tourists visit slums in order to see “how the other half lives.” But culture is not learned by watching it, culture is learned by understand and accepting other people’s way of lives. 

Take a Chance

Word count: 293

After graduating from high school, my friends and I went our separate ways. Some of my friends went to Towson University, others went to a community college near our high school, and one of my best friends moved back to the Philippines. I went to UMBC where I only knew four people who I barely even see around campus. I am always surrounded by people on campus, yet I still feel alone. I spent a couple of weeks eating by myself at the commons, sitting alone on a bench, and walking around not knowing where to go. One of my close friends who I initially knew before I came to UMBC introduced me to a couple of her friends who are part of the student organization called FASA. That day, we ate lunch together and asked about the basics, such as “what’s your name? Where are you from? What high school did you go to? , etc...” But even after meeting a couple of people in FASA, I was still not comfortable to join their group, sit at their table during free hour, or even say hi. One day while I was on my way to get water, I bumped into Phil, a member of FASA. He asked me if I wanted to be introduced to the rest of the group. I was hesitant, but I agreed. I wasn’t sure of what to expect: smiles, hi’s, or just blank stares. Now I am not only a member of FASA but I am also a part of its executive board as a freshman representative. I have met amazing people in my organization who I know will make my college experience worthwhile. FASA is more than just a group to me because FASA is family.

Get out of your comfort zone because you never know of the adventures that await you, the amazing people you have yet to meet, and the lessons you have yet to learn.

I wouldn't trade it for anything

After watching my first episode of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, I started to reflect on my childhood memories. Before I moved to Baltimore when I was 12, I used to live in a quaint little town in the Philippines. There were no malls, movie theaters  or restaurants in my hometown, but I never had boring day as far as I can remember. I believe that the simpler lifestyle someone lives, the happier they are.

My childhood days were very simple, but they were the best days of my life. I do not have a favorite childhood memory. My favorite memory could be when I came home from school on a Friday, went straight to my room to change into regular clothes, and went outside to play with my neighborhood kids. It could be that day when school was cancelled because it was raining hard, but I managed to have fun by riding my bike around the community with one of my childhood friends. Or one of my best memories could be when my cousins and I walked to the park, played tag all day, and only went home to eat dinner and sleep. My life was very primitive, and no material thing could make me happier. The Real Housewives of Atlanta have mansions, expensive sports cars, designer clothes, their own chef, etc., but they were always arguing with the friends and family members. Their lives are full of drama, competition against their friends, and stress. I was privileged to have had the best childhood experiences, and I would never trade it for the biggest house, the best cars, or the most expensive clothes. Living a simple life lessens the stress, drama, arguments, and competitions, and it taught me how to live for today.

Word count: 298

I believe that the simpler someone lives, the happier they are.

A part of me

Saint Augustine's school was the first school founded by the Congregatio Immaculati Cordie Mariae sisters, a missionary group, in 1910. The preservation of the school is very important because without it, my jolly elementary school memories and the symbol of the CICM sisters’ success are lost. This school with big acacia trees scattered around, Spanish style architecture buildings, students dressed in white and navy blue colored uniforms, and a church in the middle of the of the campus matters to me because it is the place where my beliefs and values were shaped. 

Word count: 94

References 

 "History - St. Augustine School Alumni International, Inc. (SAS Ai)." St. Augustine School Alumni 

          International, Inc. (SAS Ai). SASAi, Inc., n.d. Web. 04 Oct. 2012. 

         <http://www.sasaiinc.org/history.html>.

"Saint Augustine's School, Tagudin Ilocos Sur, Philippines." Saint Augustine's School, Tagudin Ilocos Sur,

           Philippines. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Oct. 2012. <http://sasalumniana.tripod.com/index1.html>.

Am I cool now?

I have an option between the new Samsung Galaxy S III and the much awaited iPhone 5. My friends told me that android phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S III have amazing apps for free as opposed to iPhone where you have to pay to get better apps. Samsung has a new cool feature that I really like, but I'm still leaning towards the iPhone 5. This decision depicts that I want to fit in since most people would choose and have an iPhone. My choice also communicates that I prioritize seeming "cool and trendy" rather than saving money.

Word Count: 100

Simple is stylish

When I visited my aunt in NYC over the summer, she took me out to dinner. We sat behind a big glass window looking out the streets of lower Manhattan. She told me that one of her favorite things to do is to observe the people walking by. It was actually very entertaining to see the variations of other people’s style. The one style that stood out to me the most is the "simple but chic" style. Even the simplest plain black t shirt and jeans can look really put together when accessorized appropriately.

Word count: 94 

What place do you call home?

What place do you call home?

The word "home" is very subjective. A house is not necessarily a home.  For me, a home is where I feel a sense of belongingness. New York City is where I consider my home. It is not where I am from, but it is where I feel content and where I find excitement in almost every corner. New York City is very diverse, lively, and unique. I love it! New York City offers a lot of new opportunities that I believe would shape me as a person. I've been to NYC a couple of times. And every visit, I am more excited than I was the last time I was there. Everyday is a new adventure. The city life, the hustle and bustle, the skyscraper, the metro, the museums, the thousands of restaurants and shopping all scream out to me that there are unending possibilities   that the city offers. I know one day that I am going to live here, and I will not regret it.