10 Things Somebody Should Have Told Me About College

March 2, 2012 By 36 Comments

 

Photo of Shem-shem Pablo

By Alpha

1. College is not just for getting A’s it is also for making friends. It is great to get good grades but do not limit your experience with books or virtual friends. Get out of your dorm and meet real, good friends whom you can lean on during final exams and during tough times.

2. You retain more lessons from experiences and not from the books you read. So, get out and socialize more! It is the best teacher in the block. Get out and be involved in numerous internships, summer jobs and hands-ons work.

3. Becoming a boss does not happen right away even if you are the valedictorian of your class. Don’t think just because you were the best in your class that you will be the CEO of a company in your first year of joining XYZ firm, NO!  Be prepared about the thought of starting from the lowest rung of the ladder and be willing to get paid $6 an hour for the first few months.

4. Knowing what to say in an interview and writing your resume is a mandatory skill. If there is at least one skill you must learn, it is how to sell yourself and be great at it!

5. Questioning your teacher all the time is totally acceptable. It is okay to ask questions to your professors. It is all right to make them think! Questioning helps your confidence and helps you think deeper. It also gives you the edge of not backing down when you are right at certain junctures. It will help you face authorities with confidence.

6. Learning a second language does not stop after you have completed that requirement. You have to continue learning and practicing it. You never know when you will go to France or to Mexico for leisure or for business and you will be thankful you did it.

7. Being brilliant is not just landing a “real” salaried job. You can explore different avenues to get paid and live well. In this generation you know that being in the office and in ties does not commensurate your brilliant or the value of your talent.

8. It’s okay to have a boyfriend/girlfriend as long as you can balance both your studies and your romantic affiliations. Again, it is all about learning , balancing and being responsible in your own actions.

9. Learn the skill of budgeting your finances well. You will be very glad if you’d turn down credit card offers. You’d thank me if you would take ten minutes of your time every month to learn how to balance your checkbook or your bank account. If you do not know how to fill out a deposit or a savings slip, learn them now. You will be doing a lot of them after college – and if you are on a student loan, do learn how to minimize extra expenses. Take only what you need, i.e. just the tuition fee. Budgeting is crucial; but knowing how your money is being spent will make

10. College is not the end of your education. It is just the beginning. There may be no more exams or terror professors after graduation but in the real word there are always trials you have to surpass and “terror” people you may encounter…but as long as you know how to manage them, you will be fine.

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration, Most Popular Posts, MOTIVATIONS, Photography by Shem-shem Pablo Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why are you stressed out: How to fix it?

January 26, 2012 By 64 Comments

Photo of Frederick Claflin

Don’t hide it. You know you can not. It shows in your eyes; in the way you move your head and smoothens out the muscles behind your neck. It is so easy to tell. I know you! Your smile does not justify what are inside your eyes. Can’t you not remember that your eyes are the windows to your souls? Can’t you tell that they are exactly what you are trying to hide? They are telling you something; they are telling me something; and that is: 

Girl, you are stressed out!

And you need to relax.

The more that you try to fake it, the more that you will get deeper in the mud. Take it out of your shoulders. Give yourself some acceptance. Take the fact; do not bury yourself; Laugh it out and embrace everything that is happening!

Do you know why you are tensed?

Do you know why you feel that everything is not in alignment with the stars?

Do you why you are stressed out?

Because you are passionate about things to go your way; because you are extremely thoughtful about the things around you; because you want to have the perfect world around you! Because you love the people around you and you care for them deeply!

You have to remember that despite your desire to put things in their right place, there are things that happen beyond your control. And if they do, remember to walk away, take a deep breath, live for the moment, hold on to your passions and thoughts, accept the truth and tell yourself:

 

God grant me the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change; 

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration, Most Popular Posts, Photography by Frederick Claflin, Positive Thinking, QUOTES Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aimee Mullins: You Can Do It!

January 20, 2012 By 74 Comments

It takes a certain person to succeed; a certain personality to make it big in the real world; a certain dedication to keep the vision going. It takes passion, integrity and faith in your own self to inspire people, to influence people and to make sure that your message is clearly conveyed to the rest of the world.

It takes that kind of an individual: a very special person!

Looking at Aimee Mullins picture above, you’d think she has everything lined up for quick ascendance to success: beauty, talent, articulation, power and influence. You would not second guess that somehow behind the pretty face and the slender body, something is missing; something that is vital in her daily movements: her two legs.

When I first read about her, I immediately think of all the individuals and young adults I interact with everyday with disabilities. I think about their potential and the many things they are capable of doing. I do not think about their limitations but their capabilities to do great things, just like how you and I can do wonderful things with all our given strengths.

Aimee Mullins is just an incredible person. She is a runner, a runway model, a speaker, an activist, an actor, an athlete, an NCAA track star, an amazing soul! She’s been named as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world! She graduated from Georgetown University in 1998 with a dual degree in history and diplomacy. Aimee, as you saw in the picture above is double-amputee. She lost her lower legs because she was born without fibulae. Despite her impairment, she is changing the world with a message.

Aimee is telling us someting.

She is telling us that no matter your situation is (whether you have money or not), no matter whether you are physically impaired or not, whether you can read or not – you have the same gift that all of us have: the power to think.

You, with the great mind and the will - can change the way you think.

You can think differently! Soar higher and reach for your dreams!

You do not have limits as to how you can create your future! You can make things happen.

If Aimee Mullins, without two legs have found ways to still enjoy life and be competive in what she does –  how much more with you who do not any impairments or disabilities?

YOU can!

You can do it, despite any adversity you have.

(Listen to Aimee Mullins video on the opportunity of adversity and see her 12 pais of legs)

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration, Most Popular Posts, Motivations, VIDEOS Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Why “it’s more fun in the Philippines”?

January 16, 2012 By 31 Comments

Photo of Shem-shem Pablo

I can tell you exactly why it’s more fun in the Philippines in one sentence: because it is only in the Philippines that you have the best and the worst of the world; a mixture of sorts; a unique blending of people, language, economic status, food, culture and religion that despite the yin and the yangs, living and being in the Philippines is truly an experience!

You can agree or disagree with me on my statement that I just wrote but being born in the Philippines and keeping my Filipino identity despite the fact that I have pledged both to my native home and to my adopted country (which I am very grateful  and proud of!), the United States – I know exactly why everyone is buzzing with the Philippines’ Department of Tourism’s newest campaign:  “It’s more fun in the Philippines”.

The Philippines is a gorgeous island with beautiful people ready to rise above any adversity they are faced with. It is the land of the educated, the ardent politicos, the most-talked singers/celebrities and where gay people are appreciated in every corner of the land. It is also the land where every citizen is proud to fight for freedom and democracy (think People’s Power). It is the land where religious beliefs are strong and even dominates the decision-making of the statesmen (think RH Bill and birth-control issues). It is the only land where languages/dialects are different from the 7, 100 islands across the country but its people are unified with the common understanding of “karaoke singing” and eating with bare hands!

Truly, there is always a divide among the Filipino people: sikat (well-known) and the unknown; rich and poor; homeless and mansion-sheltered; Tondo and Alabang; Catholics and Muslims; Bisaya and Tagalog; barefooted and Imeldific – among others. Yet, with the inequality prevalent and ceaselessly acknowledged the irony is that this is where the beauty of the Philippines comes through. This is the reason why “it’s more fun in the Philippines”, the perfect harmony of negatives and the positive. Where else in the world would you see such a scenario but in the Philippines?

And this is the reason why I was instantly hooked with the campaign.

Browsing through the hundreds of interesting “it’s more fun” photos over the course of last week, made me smile and laugh at how people portray the Philippines in their own exclusive experiences. Every photo shared as part of the campaign is equally creative – and also, humorous. However, the humor part can hardly be appreciated if you don’t know exactly what the “pun” is intended for.

Let me try to unpack a few of them for you and see if you can share a laugh with me or two:

 

1. Beer – this was the first picture that got me laughing. Yes, beer is on average $3.50 at a local bar in the United States but in the Philippines you can buy bottles of beers. The last time I was home, a bottle of beer is only 25 cents at the bar! It is only in the Philippines where a minor can be asked to go to a store and buy a case of beer without getting ID-ed, such fun!

 

2. Tweeting/Logging Out/Facetime – Philippines loves social networking and it penetrates in every household. But despite the percentage of Tweeter/Facebook users around the country – the beauty of the island is more evident among the people and the hands-on activities around.

 

3. Bath Time – while it is more convenient and more personal to take a bath in your own bath tub, the Philippines have a lot of falls and other bodies of water where people are free to take showers and bath, not to mention several way to exfoliate themselves.

 

4. Public transport – cars, jeepneys, tricycles and motorcycles abound the metropolis! You just have to be prepared to squeeze yourself in as compared to sitting alone in your car during your morning commute. Talk about body heat and body odor sharing.

 

5. Shopping – it is an open and wet market, where flies and other flying bugs can certainly land on your potential meal. Though there is that factor, what is best is that most vegetables and fruits are freshly harvested and mostly, organically-grown.

 

6. New Year – it is only in the Philippines where firecrackers and other noise-makers are allowed for use by any people of any age in the Philippines. That is why every new year’s day hundreds of people (young and old) are rushed to nearby hospitals and welcome the new year with less than a finger on their hands.

 

7. Commuting – traffic along the major highway? That is nothing compared to Manila’s most congested area during rush hours.

 

8. Rugby – Because Filipino children are very creative and resourceful, they can use anything for their toys.

 

9. Privacy in paradise – if you are looking for absolute privacy go to Amanpulo (a luxury resort located in the island of Pamalican in the province Palawan) or choose from the rest of the islands where you can do some real private R and R.  

 

10. Naptime – nothing beats the siesta or the Filipino way of relaxing: just plop your head under the coconut tree or in a hammock and you are all set!

Now, why don’t you add your comment and tell me why in your own opinion it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. Start typing away and show your support!

Filed Under: Big Moo, Daily Inspiration, Most Popular Posts Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons in Life

January 12, 2012 By 43 Comments

 

 

Photo of Michaela Cruz- Ungos

By  Alpha Miguel-Sanford

I agree you’ve probably read many lists of ___nth lessons in life as I have myself! But what I am going to share with you today is a list which I think is extraordinarily real; something that is not really taught at school and something that addresses all aspects of our lives including spirituality (faith to many), finances (money to many), family and relationships, health (specially cancer), career, happiness and passion.

The author of this list is Regina Brett - a Cleveland writer/author/blogger who started writing down her list of 45 lessons life taught her when she was forty-five. However, she added more to it until it now becomes 50. When it first circulated around the web – some people were re-branding this article as  “Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old”. In fact, there were over 400 entries on google search that she was a good-looking 90 years old! The truth is, she is only in her fifties and is passionate about many things including her family!

When I first read the list with the title “written by a 90-year old women” I was intrigued and excited to read. I immediately associated this list with proper wisdom and made me more fascinated with the writer’s thoughts and life’s reflections! As I read each list, I understand that these are universal “food for thought” – and one way or the other, whether we live in China, the United States, Philippines, Somalia or Haiti – we need something to hold on to.

It is also nice to know that – God never blinks!

Here is the list:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over-prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

And if you are wondering how does Regina Brett look like, here she is:

Filed Under: Daily Inspiration, Lessons in Life, Most Popular Posts, Photos by Michaela Cruz-Ungos Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,