Chronicles of Pressure

Have you ever felt that the people around you is pushing you to do things you don’t want to do? Do you wear the trends your friends wear because you’re afraid they’ll scorn your fashion sense? Don’t you have a “me” time because of your sensitive boyfriend/girlfriend? Are you afraid your ‘rents will freak out if they see a line of 7 in the card, much worse it is written in red ink? Are you afraid to frustrate anyone because you cannot meet their EXPECTATIONS?

True, it is a really freakish thing to see a grade written in red ink at your report card, a loner, a emo teenager because of a stupid breakup, a rejected person trying to find comfort in a pint of ice cream or a pound of chocolate.

But truly, if we know that such things can only add to our burdens, then why do it? Simple. The term is called PRESSURE. It is either we choose to be pushed around, try not to disappoint someone, or we have a very good reason to pressure our helpless minds and bodies for the satisfaction of others.

Sure enough, I have pieces of advice that I hope may help you solve your very own, PRESSURE CHRONICLES.

1. Learn to refuse.

Learn when to say no especially if you cannot handle a responsibility or that is so not your idea of fun. Politely decline then go ahead with your business. (e.g. When your friends force their ideologies to you and when your girlfriend force her chick flicks on you)

2. Learn to choose your responsibilities.

You are the class president, the ace of the Biology club, the grandmaster of the Chess club, the Math Bowl wizard and the campus crush. You can always have someone to share the spotlight with you. How to do it? Simple. Don’t accept the responsibilities you are pretty sure you cannot give your 100% into it.

3. Ask help.

Asking help doesn’t mean you are weak. It only means that you cannot accomplish one thing without an outside help. Besides, it is the best time to bond with your family, friends, teachers and classmates and of course your one and only. Talk about combining project with quality time with loved ones! Mission accomplished!

4. Manage your time.

Sure, you have a lot of outreach programs to attend to, student council projects to pass and hellish requirements to submit, BUT, BUT, BUT, be sure to spend some time with your boy/girl, your friends and peers and especially, your family. Always remember that they are the ones you run to whenever you need comfort and love. A simple note and sensible conversation can make up their day. Believe me.

5. Learn to communicate.

Always learn to say thank you and sorry. Appreciate and affirm. Admit your mistakes and humble yourself. Don’t raise your pride sky high. We should always be ready of rejections along our way. But instead of mourning for them, make them your guide to achieve success.

* The hanging question. What tip really convinced you to control pressure?

A New Building, A New Beginning



There is an ongoing construction replacing the Building 5 of St. Joseph's Academy. It is to ensure that the old building will not collapse when a threatening disaster strikes. A new, better and stronger 5-storey building will be accommodated in place of the old one.

That building reminds me of my 2nd grade days. It is one of the oldest and historical buildings of SJA. I understand that the authorities and administrators are concerned for the safety of the student body.

Now, I will give a question slightly related to my topic." Will you be able to accept that the place where you found love, acceptance and friendship be tampered with or violated to create an entirely new place with only formality in it?"

P.S. Answer the questions truthfully!

I've been at St Joseph's Academy Las Pinas City since my kindergarten days. I am currently a sophomore of the said school. From all the years spending at the same school, here according to my observations, that is the hottest and coolest "tambayan" of Josephians:

• UST= This famous hotspot is often associated with the University of Sto. Tomas. But in our school, UST means ":under the sampaloc tree". It may not be that significant in our country like that of the university, but our very own UST witnessed formations of friendships, cliques and most importantly, love lives. To this day, it serves as a great meeting place with its inviting circular bench surrounding the formidable-looking sampaloc tree.

• Hall= St. Joseph's Hall is a favorite assembly place for school-related activities as well as a "less private" tambayan of Josephians. You will usually see students eating lunch on the floor. I confess as one of them. It's just that there is a different feeling that invites you to sit down and relax.

• H.S. Library= We know that not all students are a bookworm like me. But why is that the library is stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey during breaks? It is because of the cool, refreshing feeling of the airconditioning. Nothing beats this hotspot especially during the month of March.

• Azotea= It is famously called as the Banig Room. Students are not allowed to loiter here during breaks but some are just willing to risk a clean record of violations just to stay in this area. However, we are allowed to stay here after classes. But for the meantime, it serves as a classroom for an elementary class because of the construction of the new building. But that's another story.

• Sportsfield= Who can resist the inviting balls and courts that awaits you to play in them? Even I who is so not into sports cannot hold back to spike or servea volleyball whenever I see one. So, students are not allowed to stay here during break times. we are allowed to spend our time here after classes and naturally, during our physical fitness class.

There. I have given you the hottest tambayans of Josephians. Now the inevitable question you have to answer: Which hotspot apealed to you and why? also, what do you think of my first post ever?
Please try to answer the questions honestly. Thank you very much. This is all. For now.

Love lots,
'@' mara'@'