Who has the advantage?

There are two students A and B. A is the type of student that gets really high grades and excels in subjects. B is the type of student that usually fails subjects and barely passes the requirements.

Let's say they studied a given lesson. One year later, they take up a lesson which requires that given lesson taken last year.

Ironically, A forgot about the concepts he learned and just remembered when the new lesson was taken up, while B was able to grasp the idea easier.


Isn't this the same with our education nowadays? What matters is what you truly learn AND what you take into your heart.

Who has the advantage now? A or B?

Passing Years

Earlier this day in English class, we watched a scene about an old couple walking together side by side on the sidewalk. Their conversation was very touching. We were then asked to write a love poem that's related to the scene. I wanted to make the poem better... To be honest, this poem is also inspired by the song Wrinkle sang by Gumi (a vocaloid)...

Passing Years

Passing years of sunrise,

Passing years of sunset,

I wonder how long has it been

Since that day our world began?

Passing years, always together,

Passing years, side by side,

I really wonder how many times -

Have we held our hands together so tight?

Passing years, climbing stairs,

Passing years, crossing roads,

We stared into the infinite horizon,

And smiled when the flowers blossomed.

Passing years, in sickness and in health,

Passing years, in joy and in pain,

How can I forget those engraved memories -

Those times I cried on your shoulders…

Passing years, falling and rising

Passing years, laughing and crying

Together we wished upon the star,

As we carried each other’s hearts

Passing years with the one I love,

Passing years, I promise you:

Every time our wrinkles increase

I’ll meet a happier you than yesterday.

Language

I've been longing to at least go to Japan. Why, do you ask? I'm interested with their culture, songs and especially their language.

Watching a lot of anime has really enticed me to learn Japanese.

Learning a new language isn't as easy as one might think. Considering the fact that Japanese has two sets of alphabets, Hiragana and Katakana. There are more characters and different reading sounds for each character to consider in Japanese than in Chinese.

I started with Rosetta Stone.

Then I memorized the famous opening song of Genesis of Aquarion - Sousei no Aquarion. I wrote each character while reading it. I somehow memorized it inside out.

It's really tiring.

People have similar experiences when they study Chinese too. They learn the phonics, then start with the memorizing. It's very tiring.

Maybe everything will be different if the reason why people learn languages is for their survival. Can survival be tiring? No.

That's why I think one should believe that he or she NEEDS to learn the language. A Chinese teacher told me that we should not just give a "reaction" or some whining. We should instead rearrange our thoughts and letters of the "reaction" into a new word, "creation". This "creation" should be recognized as a need.

Why "creation"? Language allows people to communicate to one another in unity, and through this people continually create a better world.

Studying Abroad

Dear Reader,
 
Studying abroad, most especially in a dream college like the world's top universities, has always been the dream of many. I, for one, am not an exception, and it truly pains me that there are a lot of issues to take care of and to consider before going abroad... So much for the big dreams for me...

Well, I might have lost the chance right now in transition from secondary education to tertiary education, but I won't give up!!

Therefore, please fulfill these big dreams of yours for me. These tips were actually collected and integrated from several internet sources, and I believe that these will ultimately prepare you for studying abroad.

Sincerely yours,
Louie Dy

Tips for Studying Abroad

• read books, articles, magazines about the country you're going to study in
• know that country INSIDE OUT
• make sure that your basic needs and security are met
• must have a safe area to live in
• the budget should be under control
• prepared medication
• wear earplugs if you're sensitive to noise
• bring familiar items such as pictures of friends and family, teddy bear, pillows, especially if you're alienated with their environment
• keep in touch via Facebook, Skype, Twitter and blogs
• if you feel unstable, feel your own culture by speaking your own language, eating typical food, reading newspaper from home
• volunteer, join charity organizations
• feel part of a local community
• set specific goals
• befriend the locals, join a club
• sign up for classes that allow you to explore more
• if you're staying with a host family, get to know them; accept meals and play sports with that host family
• wait a few weeks after your arrival (to that country) to travel
• ask locals to recommend restaurants instead of going to expensive tourist restaurants
• cross language barriers
• consider getting a job or an internship
• spend wisely
• avoid dangerous situations, stay out of trouble
• make time for phone calls
• know clinic and medical services
• get active; go to gyms and fitness centers
• have enough money, plus insurance
• find student accomodation
• set up a bank account
• get familiar with your routes
• be sociable
• be determined and persistent