Martes, Hunyo 26, 2012

Ground Zero


     Have you ever wondered how people master their art? How J.K. Rowling mastered writing and became one of the famous writers of today? It all started with a dream that then developed to a goal. A goal that did not only remain as a goal, for these people made a step towards achieving it. As students, we dream of getting high grades or becoming part of the Dean's List. In achieving this, we set goals that we target to accomplish, just like acing a subject. As students, we aim to communicate our thoughts through words and speech well, thus, we are compelled to take Englcom. Englcom, an essential subject for Communication majors, is a step towards mastery in writing.
       As a Communication major, it is imperative that we learn how to communicate well. Expressing our thoughts through speech may be a cinch, but putting them into words is not as easy as it seems. To simply write is not enough because we must be able to write well, to become as coherent and articulate as a writer should be. Writing well comes hand in hand in communicating well. As communication students we are expected to be of expertise in communication, on the top of our game. Being so, we do our part in achieving the Lasallian dream of producing competent students that are ready to take on the world. We will be able to show our full potential by helping ourselves in improving the status of our field in the country, all the while maintaining the Filipino prestige in the English language.
     One may ask what he or she could do to master writing. Frankly, there is no step by step procedure. Practice is simply they key to good writing skills. Practicing writing as often as possible will lead us to the betterment of the skill. We should also incorporate the things we learn in class. But even as we progress, we still commit mistakes. People will comment on our work to correct our mistakes and acknowledge our strengths. As writers, we must be open and ready to accept feedback, be it positive or negative. 
     To accomplish our said goals, we must take action. The saying practice makes perfect is essential in writing. The skill is not acquired through learning itself but rather through application. Also, we must be punctual in the submission of our works. Submitting on time gives the teacher ample time to critic our work. As our work is criticized, we must be mindful of corrections. We must revise our work and improve our writing as we learn from our mistakes.
     The subject Englcom is essential to communication majors not only because it paves way for the improvement of writing skills but also, it helps and guides you for the future where communication is always the key in life. J.K. Rowling became a famous writer by not being satisfied with mediocrity, but rather she pushed herself to success by attaining her goals in her passion; writing.

Martes, Hunyo 19, 2012

Forgiveness is more than saying sorry. If all is forgiven and people can get away with their wrongdoings, then, wouldn't the world be left in chaos? It is imperative that the victim gets the justice he/ she deserves. Being passive is not the key to justice because it only creates an illusion of contentment in forgiving the offender whereas in reality, the victim is still left unsatisfied and undignified. Justice is achieved through retribution, having the offender punished with what coincides with his/ her offense.

Oppression is almost, if not always, present in every society, and/ or community. It also comes in various ways like murder, rape, child abuse, theft, corruption, and the like. To be oppressed by the deemed superior is unjust, not solely because it forsakes one's dignity, but also because it is also unfair for no one is made better than another, despite how it is in today's society. Through retributive justice, the offender is given a punishment that is just and fair, in relation to their offense. In retribution, justice system imposes corresponding punishments for various crimes committed by different people only, nothing more or less. It is serving justice to the oppressed by serving justice to the oppressor in accordance to their crime. Not only does this promote justice, it also teaches the citizens responsiblity by taking charge and liability for their actions. In restorative justice, the offender is acquitted and unpunished for his crimes. Forgiving offenses and being passive only gives the offenders the assurance that they may commit their offenses again.  It would also lead the offender to recommit the crime, making justice more unreachable.

Though retribution go against pardon and the immediate placidity that goes with it, the process of getting even sets equilibrium upon two sides. Turning the other cheek would make matters worse if it is perceived as a ticket to recommitting crimes. Citizens must learn to adhere with the ramifications of their offenses. No crime must be left unpunished and no victim must be left undone. If retribution is done, then one can say that revenge is indeed sweet.