UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Get In The Habit!

Krystle slaps your face with...

It was around 2 days ago (i think) when i introduced the 7 habits of highly defective teens. As promised, I give you now the 7 habits of highly effective teens. Why just now? Because according to Sean Covey, the man behind all these values-- to understand the 7 effective teen values is first to understand what they are not.

By now, you're probably wondering what these habits are so I might as well end the suspense. Here they are, followed by a brief explanation--see what habits you already possess:

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take responsibility for your life.

Habit 2: Begin with theEnd in Mind
Define your mission and goals in life.

Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize, and do the most important things first.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Have an everyone-can-win attitude.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen to people sincerely.

Habit 6: Synergize
Work together to achieve more.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renew yourself regularly.

As the above diagram shows, the habits build upon each other. Habits 1, 2, and 3 deal with self-mastery. We call it the "private victory." Habits 4, 5, and 6 deal with relationships and teamwork. We call it the "public victory." You've got to get your personal act together before you can be a good team player. That's why the private victory comes before the public victory. The last habit, Habit 7, is the habit of renewal. It feeds all of the other six habits. The habits seem rather simple, don't they? But just wait till you see how powerful they can be!


What of each effective teen value do you already have? Share them with us!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: IF

Ruther writes..

“If you could go back and just change one thing in your life, would you? And if you did, would that change make your life better? Or would that change ultimately break your heart? Or break the heart of another? Would you choose an entirely different path? Or would you just change just one thing, just one moment? One moment you want always back?”

- One Tree Hill; Season 4, Ep. 14

Every time we encounter problems, most of the time, we wish we could turn back time to change certain situations in the past. We are left with the “If’s” and the “should have’s…” We think of statements like “If was only given a chance…”, “if it was not because of him”, so on and so forth. Then we look back and regret the things that we have done. Such situations can help us to move forward with our lives or can hinder us from enjoying our current state. Either we accept reality or become blinded with the good things that are ahead of us.

I remember when I was in my 1^st year high school. I have a friend whom I was always with every break time. We share stories, we give advices about what to do with our crushes, and we help each other in almost all aspects of our teenage years. We were happy then. But because one mistake I did, our friendship seemed to fall apart. At first, I thought the situation was just okay.

Fast forward to my 2^nd year, I realized each day we were becoming more and more distant to each other. I tried to make up for what I did until I was in 3^rd year and 4^th year high school. But in the end, I realized that it was already too late for me to rebuild our great friendship again.

There were days when I can’t help but regret that moment. All I wanted was to turn back the time and change the wrong things that I have done. But life is not meant for us to go back in the past. We cannot live a life of regret. Instead all we can do is move forward, recover and learn from the mistakes we have caused other people.

How about you? What will be your answer in the quote? Share your story with us.

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Cultivate a Circle of Friends

Jewelz found...

Social Support: The Hows and Whys of Cultivating a Circle of Friends
By Elizabeth Scott, M.S.

Why It Pays To Have A Group:
Studies on social support show that having one or two close and supportive friends is at least as valuable to emotional health as having a large group of friendly acquaintances or more shallow friendships. However, having social support from several supportive friends would be the best of both worlds. You probably already know if you're more comfortable with one good friend or many, but there are some good reasons to have at least a few different friends to fall back on:

• If you have only one person supporting you through difficult times, you may wear that person out, or feel unsupported if that person is unavailable. It’s better for everyone if you have at least a few people to depend on.
• You draw different benefits from different types of people. Having an outgoing friend to party with, a knowledgeable friend to gain information and insights from, and an empathic friend to be a good listener during tough times, for example, provides a better blend of social support than any one of these people alone could give.
• Your friends can bring out different qualities in one another that benefit all of you. For example, your outgoing friend could bring your shy empathic friend out of her shell, and the three of you could go out and party together. Plus, your friends can introduce you to more friends, giving you a greater pool of pre-screened potential friends.
• Studies show that a sense of belonging is extremely important for emotional health and well-being; those who have social support but don't feel a sense of belonging are much more likely to suffer from depression, for example.

How to Meet New People:

If you’re not still in school or working for a large company with a built-in social structure and constant opportunities to meet new people, it’s still easy to build new friendships. Here are a few ways to meet new people:

• Join a Gym. If you’re not comfortable striking up a conversation with the person on the next stairmaster, most gyms offer yoga, aerobics or even martial arts classes, which provide a more intimate setting and opportunities to meet people, perhaps finding a workout buddy.
• Get Involved in a Hobby. If you enjoy making things with your hands, perhaps you can enroll in a community art class. If you like writing, a writer’s workshop will provide a great opportunity to improve your writing skills and get to know other writers at the same time. Joining a class geared toward your interests ensures you’ll improve yourself, and you’ll meet people with whom you already have something in common!
• Volunteer! Getting involved with a charity you believe in will give you a sense of doing something positive to help the world, which has a great way of relieving stress in itself, and you’ll meet others with similarly big hearts and great passion for helping.
• Get a Pet Not only will you derive physical and emotional benefits from being a pet owner, you can meet others at dog parks or pet stores. There are even park days for passionate rabbit owners! Let your ‘best friend’ help you connect with other (human) friends.
• Have a Party If you invite all of your current friends and encourage each to bring a friend, you’ll have a pool of new people to meet. Plus, you may inspire your friends to throw their own parties, where you’ll meet even more new people.
• Smile! This one may sound simple, but if you give off an ‘approachable vibe’, you may find that you’re striking up conversations with new people wherever you go. Not all these conversations need to lead to a new friendship, but some might, and just one warm exchange with someone new can brighten up your day (and theirs)!

*article taken from http://stress.about.com/od/relationships/a/circleoffriends.htm

I enjoy being around friends, especially when I'm down. They offer a lot of support and find great ways in cheering you up. I have this friend named Avvy and she says the most hilarious things, I just can't get enough! I have many different kinds of friends who are all precious to me because of who they are. I just moved to Manila for college and I think I have met some of the most amazing people whom I'll never forget - block J during my freshman year, my classmates in IMC, students I meet in other classes, people I meet outside of school, and all my teachers.

Having friends makes you feel comfortable being who you are and they allow you to grow and mature. How have friends touched your lives?

Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Poi

Jewelz shares..

When I joined the Philippine Flag Football League (PFFL) during my first year in college, I met new friends and great people. There were dads, moms, people in high school and college, some working with all kinds of jobs. One thing that fascinated me most was the poi. Our coaches, Joe Pagulayan and Dino were really good at this and even taught in Boracay. For one of the competitions in Assumption College, some of my team members from the Avengers used the poi in parts of their routine and won Championship. It's really amazing how you can do so much with a ball attached to a string. It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination and it serves as a great workout too! Well, here's a video I want to share with you... enjoy!

You can try this out at home and make your own poi. All you need is a pair of soccer socks and some beans to put inside, then tie it up. You can also roll another pair of socks and put it into the soccer socks. Of course, you can also buy some if you have a friend. :) Try it out, there are simple tricks you can easily learn!

What do you think of the video?

*we support UA&P I AM STRONG

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Defective Teen

Krystle tells you

You have heard of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Persons and Sean Covey’s 7 Habits to Highly Effective Teens. Now here comes The 7 Habits of Highly Defective Teens. According to Sean covey, the key understanding the 7 habits of Highly Effective Teens is to understand what they are not. So before we share to you the 7 Effective Teen Habits, we first present the 7 Defective Teen Habits. Enjoy. =)

Habit 1: React
Blame all of your problems on your parents, your stupid teachers or professors, your lousy neighborhood, your boy- or girlfriend, the government, or something or somebody else. Be a victim. Take no responsibility for your life. Act like an animal. If you're hungry, eat. If someone yells at you, yell back. If you feel like doing something you know is wrong, just do it.

Habit 2: Begin with No End in Mind
Don't have a plan. Avoid goals at all costs. And never think about tomorrow. Why worry about the consequences of your actions? Live for the moment. Sleep around, get wasted, and party on, for tomorrow we die.

Habit 3: Put First Things Last
Whatever is most important in your life, don't do it until you have spent sufficient time watching reruns, talking endlessly on the phone, surfing the Net, and lounging around. Always put off your homework until tomorrow. Make sure that things that don't matter always come before things that do.

Habit 4: Think Win-Lose
See life as a vicious competition. Your classmate is out to get you, so you'd better get him or her first. Don't let anyone else succeed at anything because, remember, if they win, you lose. If it looks like you're going to lose, however, make sure you drag that sucker down with you.

Habit 5: Seek First to Talk, Then Pretend to Listen
You were born with a mouth, so use it. Make sure you talk a lot. Always express your side of the story first. Once you're sure everyone understands your views, then pretend to listen by nodding and saying "uh-huh." Or, if you really want their opinion, give it to them.

Habit 6: Don't Cooperate
Let's face it, other people are weird because they're different from you. So why try to get along with them? Teamwork is for the dogs. Since you always have the best ideas, you are better off doing everything by yourself. Be your own island.

Habit 7: Wear Yourself Out
Be so busy with life that you never take time to renew or improve yourself. Never study. Don't learn anything new. Avoid exercise like the plague. And, for heaven's sake, stay away from good books, nature, or anything else that may inspire you.

As you can see, the habits listed above are recipes for disaster. Yet many of us indulge in them regularly (yes, you and me included). And, given this, it's no wonder that life can really stink at times.

What defective teen habits do you have and what do you intend to do with it? Click on the comment button and share them to us!

Brought to you in Support of the I AM STRONG organization of UA&P

UA&P - I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Fence

Jewelz would like to share a short story written by her dad when she was back in highschool...

The Fence

(A message for world peace)

There was once a white child, a black child, and a brown child. By fate or what seemed like predestination, they were born exactly the same date.

They were next-door neighbors too.

They were energetic and smiling babies, so innocent and care-free, brought to earth in times of unrelenting chaos among nations.

As they grew up, they could constantly hear the voices and laughter of one another.

But they could not meet.

They could not play with one another.

And this made them lonely and isolated.

Each of them could not understand why there was a fence separating their homes.

The years slowly passed by, and the lack of much-needed friendship pushed them to study hard and pursue brilliant careers. They traveled far and wide.

They eventually ended up as the top leaders of their respective powerful countries, handling delicate matters of utmost importance to world peace.

Planet earth was continuously bombarded by myriad of problems arising from greed and the desire for world dominance.

Like an inflated balloon, the bursting point was near.

The world was heading for the ultimate war.

The white man, the black man, and the brown man were called upon to personally meet and try to resolve the most volatile conflict in the history of mankind.

One humid, summer afternoon, a round table was prepared with three simple chairs. There was a lighted candle, a flower, and a dove at the center of the table, in the hope that these three powerful leaders with diverse backgrounds would come to terms and avert the total annihilation of mankind.

The burdens on their shoulders were enormous with so little time left. The future hung on the wisdom of the three, with their advisers and statisticians whispering mixed opinions. The media were in a frenzy, the armies were alert, and the entire populace were uneasy.

They met.

They merely stared at one another, unmoving, with total concentration and focus.

Not a word was spoken.

Somewhere deep in their subconscious mind, an inexplicable feeling of loneliness was suddenly released, a euphoric sensation of happiness.

They meekly smiled.

Unexpectedly, with outstretched arms, they embraced.

The three of them in a glorious triangle of unity.

Together they lifted their tightly-clasped hands and showed their genuine smiles for the whole world to see that peace is the ultimate solution.

Everyone in the room broke down in silent tears, amidst thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the gallery.

Still not a single word was spoken.

Everyone could not understand the wisdom of the three men.

But the three remembered the fence. They knew. They understood.

After that fateful humid afternoon, the three exhausted leaders passed on their instructions to their respective governments and opted to return to their neighborhood where they were born.

The fence was still there.

Dehydration seemed to seep into their bodies and with their last ounce of strength, all three embraced, and the fence gave way to their combined weight.

A gentle breeze swept through their neighborhood and the three men looked high up in the heavens and seemed to fly into the skies above.

And the clouds accepted them.

There were no need for words.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning appeared from out of nowhere and struck the fallen fence into tiny pieces.

A breathtaking rainbow appeared for all the world to see. And from thereon, planet earth was a beautiful place to live in all eternity.

Written By:

Boogie Lim

Cebu, Philippines

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.
What do you think of the short story? :)

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: COOLEST video i've ever seen on YouTube!

John found a video that he thinks would ROCK everybody's head!

I know that PANCAKES have nothing to do with school or anything, but I would like to share this awesome video I found on YouTube. I know everyone deserves a break from stress and everything, so I suggest you sit back, relax and check this one out! It's totally COOL!






*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: The Balancing Act: Why it is fine to have academic and non-academic at the same time

Sara shares us her story..

I remember back in high school, I did not have much extra-curricular activities after my second year. In my first year, I tried joining the school’s marching band as a brass flutist. I eventually quit when I realized that I’m slow in reading notes. I got disheartened easily. In my second year in high school, I started training to be an officer, so I joined the COCC. Again, after a short while, I quit. From then on, there was no steady hobby or activity that I was in.

My mediocre lifestyle ended when I reached my first year in college. Fate brought me to the two very important and memorable things in my college life. These basically brought so much learning to me. I learned more about life, people, wisdom, and commitment and so much more through these extra-curricular activities. I tried out for the Women’s Futsal Team (indoor soccer) and I auditioned for a school play. From then on, my life in college had more meaning. It had more substance and juice to it. Being a varsity and a stage actress in my school brought out (and still brings) the best out of me. At least that’s what I think.


My academic life, though, is already very demanding. Being in my fourth year in college, the workload of my course has gotten tougher. Most of the people in my batch gave up what they loved doing on the side for the sake of surviving and making better grades this year. As for me, I may be called stubborn for trying to juggle everything that I’m doing. Indeed, it is very risky. I try my best to multi-task and still there are some things that I miss out or sacrifice because of all the activities and work I am engaging myself in. However, this did not and does not stop me.

For the times I miss out on something or someone (like family and friends), I try my best to make up to them. Of course, when it comes to academics, when I have to focus on doing a requirement or extra studying for the lessons to come, I sacrifice training or rehearsals just to fulfill those.

It’s never wrong or irresponsible to engage in extra-curricular activities such as sports or the arts if you know what to set your priorities and manage your time. Do not look down on the other good things that you can do aside from studying. For me, it’s impressive to know someone who is good in both academics and extra-curriculars. Futsal and theater arts have grown part of my life, and they aren’t considered “extras” anymore.

How about you? What are your extra-curricular activities? Do you balance your time well? Let me know your side.


*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Improve Your Self-Esteem!

Joie Shares..

How we feel about ourselves can influence how we live our lives. People who feel that they are likable and lovable (in other words people with good self-esteem) have better relationships. They are more likely to ask for help and support from friends and family when they need it. People who believe they can accomplish goals and solve problems are more likely to do well in school. Having good self-esteem allows you to accept yourself and live life to the fullest.

Steps to Improving Self-Esteem:

If you want to improve your self-esteem, here are some steps to start empowering yourself:

1.Try to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself.
If you're used to focusing on your shortcomings, start thinking about positive aspects of yourself that outweigh them. When you catch yourself being too critical, counter it by saying something positive about yourself. Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy.

2. Aim for accomplishments rather than perfection.
Some people become paralyzed by perfection. Instead of holding yourself back with thoughts like, "I won't audition for the play until I lose 10 pounds," think about what you're good at and what you enjoy, and go for it.

3. View mistakes as learning opportunities.
Accept that you will make mistakes because everyone does. Mistakes are part of learning. Remind yourself that a person's talents are constantly developing, and everyone excels at different things — it's what makes people interesting.

4. Try new things.
Experiment with different activities that will help you get in touch with your talents. Then take pride in new skills you develop.

5. Recognize what you can change and what you can't.
If you realize that you're unhappy with something about yourself that you can change, then start today. If it's something you can't change (like your height), then start to work toward loving yourself the way you are.

6. Set goals.
Think about what you'd like to accomplish, then make a plan for how to do it. Stick with your plan and keep track of your progress.

7. Take pride in your opinions and ideas.
Don't be afraid to voice them.

8. Make a contribution.
Tutor a classmate who's having trouble, help clean up your neighborhood, participate in a walk-a-thon for a good cause, or volunteer your time in some other way. Feeling like you're making a difference and that your help is valued can do wonders to improve self-esteem.

9. Exercise!
You'll relieve stress, and be healthier and happier.

10. Have fun.
Ever found yourself thinking stuff like "I'd have more friends if I were thinner"? Enjoy spending time with the people you care about and doing the things you love. Relax and have a good time — and avoid putting your life on hold.

*article taken from: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/self_esteem.html

Self-esteem plays a role in almost everything you do. People with high self-esteem do better in school and find it easier to make friends. They tend to have better relationships with peers and adults, feel happier, find it easier to deal with mistakes, disappointments, and failures, and are more likely to stick with something until they succeed. It takes some work, but it's a skill you'll have for life :)

How were you able to develop your self-esteem? :) Share us your thoughts!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: Teenage Advice

Look what Joie found!

Our teenage years are definitely the most critical stages in our development as persons. It is during these years that we are molded to become the kinds of people we will be as adults. This fact should prompt us to really think twice about how we live our teenage years.
Here’s a good poem that can serve as a guide =)

A Motto for Teenagers
By Susan Schutz

Be an independent thinker
Make decisions
based on how you feel
AND on what you know is right
regardless of what your peers
or other people think
Know yourself
Know what you can
and want to do in life
Set goals
and work hard to achieve them
Have fun every day in every way
Be creative---
It is an expression of your feelings
Be sensitive in viewing the world
Trust in your family
Believe in love---
It is the most complete
and most important emotion possible
Believe in yourself
and know that you are loved.

*Brought to you by UA&P I am S.T.R.O.N.G.

UA&P - I am STRONG: Don't be Shy!

Jewelz shares...

5 Ways to Shake Shyness

Having a shy style isn't necessarily a problem. It's perfectly OK to take time to warm up to new people and situations. But shyness blocks some people from being as comfortable or sociable as they'd like to be.
Some people want to feel less shy so they can have more fun socializing and being themselves around others. Here are some tips for overcoming shy feelings:

1. Start small with people you know. Practice social behaviors like eye contact, confident body language, introductions, small talk, asking questions, and invitations with the people you feel most comfortable around. Smile. Build your confidence this way. Then branch out to do this with new friends, too.

2. Think of some conversation starters. Often, the hardest part of talking to someone new is getting started. Think of conversation openers, like introducing yourself ("Hi, I'm Chris, we're in the same English class"), giving a compliment ("That jacket looks great on you"), or asking a question ("Do you know when our report is due?"). Being ready with a conversation starter (or a few) makes it easier to approach someone.

3. Rehearse what to say. When you're ready to try something you've been avoiding because of shyness — like a phone call or a conversation — write down what you want to say beforehand. Rehearse it out loud, maybe even in front of the mirror. Then just do it. Don't worry if it's not exactly like you practiced or if it's not perfect. Few of the things more confident-seeming people do are perfect either. Be proud that you gave it a go. Next time, it'll be even better because it will be easier.

4. Give yourself a chance. Find group activities where you can be with people who share your interests. Give yourself a chance to practice socializing with these new people, and get to know them slowly. People who are shy often worry about failing or how others will judge them. Worries and feelings like these can keep you from trying. If self-criticism plays a role for you, ask yourself whether you'd be this critical of your best friend. Chances are you'd be much more accepting. So treat yourself like your own best friend. Encourage yourself instead of expecting to fail.

5. Develop your assertiveness. Because shy people can be overly concerned with other peoples' reactions, they don't want to rock the boat. That doesn't mean

they're wimpy or cowardly. But it can mean they are less likely to be assertive. Being assertive means speaking up for yourself when you should, asking for what you want or need, or telling other people when they're stepping on your toes.
Most of all, be yourself. It's OK to try out different conversational approaches you see others using. But say and do what fits your style. Being the real you — and daring to let yourself be noticed — is what attracts friends.
Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

*article taken from

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/shy_tips.html

Stepping up and speaking out may be tough, especially if you do not know the people around you. There are benefits in taking a step back and listening to people before drawing conclusions, however, overcoming shyness allows you to express yourself to others and be heard. You become more comfortable being yourself.

Share stories on how overcoming shyness helped you. :)

*this blog is in support of the I am STRONG organization by UA&P.

UA&P-I am STRONG: an ICE-BREAKER

Heads up fellow S.T.R.O.N.G - ers :)

John shares this uber-cool video from YouTube. It's entitled "iBand". These guys produced a really good tune using three cool gadgets: a Nintendo DS, an iPhone and an iPod Touch. Amaaaaaazzziiing! Enjoy!



*we support the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of UA&P

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G: 5 Languages of Apology

Ruther Shares..


Having relationships with others—be it with friends, family, or a lover, it is one of the best gifts we can have in life. But sometimes, as we learn to love them, we tend to hurt them and take them for granted. Sometimes, they can also the ones who hurt you. And even if you hear thousands of apologies from them, you still find it difficult to forgive that person.
Gary Chapman, the author of 5 Love Languages, had also written a book on the 5 Languages of Apology. In his book, he mentioned that people accept apologies in different ways, like how we accept love. You might find this helpful as you learn to forgive others and understand how to accept apology. It is also possible that how you accept apology is also the way you would ask for forgiveness if you happen to hurt others’ feeling.


Expressing regret

What you wanna hear in an apology is an immediate expression of sorrow for causing you pain. You’re able to accept apology from someone who express regret by simply saying. “I’m sorry”.

Accepting responsibility

What you are looking for in apology is maturity, and you want to hear from the person who have hurt you, “I was wrong and I take responsibility for it”

Making restitution

You find it easiest to forgive when action is taken to compensate for the wrong done to you. You don’t only listen to the explanation why things got wrong and the admission of the person about his fault, but you also want him to tell and realize, “What can I do to make it better”.

Genuinely repenting

You find an apology most sincere when followed by a promise to change, with offending person to saying, “I’ll try not to that again”. This kind of apology assures you that the person will avoid hurting you again.

Requesting forgiveness

You want to know what the offending person highly values your relationship and sincerely desires restoration. This is when the other party gives great importance on asking for forgiveness.


At the end of the day, all we want is to have strong and healthy relationships with others so that our love will be fully expressed.

So, what is your primary language of apology?

*we support the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of UA&P

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G.: High School is No Joke

Krystle has more tips to share!

Being a high school student is no joke. Amid the study schedules, you still have to manage different tasks and deal with different people-- be it at home or in school. You almost always feel like you are always running out of time for your friends and family because ll you do is study (or vice-versa). That is why it is important for you to get ORGANIZED.

apparently, i am very tip-happy this week. so here is another set of tips shared for you to learn from =P it is about TIME MANAGEMENT--High School Style!

1. Set the target everyday

Before you go to bed, list down all the matters you want to accomplish on the next day. A "to do" list will help you to know what you are going to do and avoid doing unimportant tasks, of which will get everything done more efficiently and faster.

2. Prioritize your list of targets

Once the ?to do? list completed, try to prioritize the goals you want to achieve. Set your most important goal in life on top of your priority and your least important goals to down below on the list.

Be realistic on your list. It is better to list on what you need to achieve and not on what you want to achieve. If you have a long-term priority, it is probably best that you put it on the bottom of your list; you can always work on that tomorrow.

3. Utilize your spare time

As a high school student, sometimes you may not notice you have lots of spare time. Try to add up the minutes of the school bus ride to school and the school bus ride back home.

Use these times to create strategy of how to finish your homework effectively. By doing this, you will get an idea on what you need to do on your homework when you get home. This allows you to finish your homework faster and have extra time for other things.

4. Finding the right time

Sometime, students have specific time to study more efficiently. For instance, you can solve your math problems well on the afternoons; then do not wait until nighttime to do it. Mood is important here since mood can shifts immediately.

5. Taking notes

An effective way to study is to write down important notes. It is proven much better than just plain reading. Writing down notes has an effect on your mind. You can understand the topic more effectively and memorize it more effectively than by just reading.

Review your notes as your teacher might give a pop quiz on the next day. Reviewing your notes will help you be more prepared for the pop quizzes that your teacher may suddenly give.

6. Get adequate sleep

It is unhealthy trying to stress yourself out studying when you are supposed to be sleeping. It can bring ineffective results and unwelcome health problems.

If you need to sleep you have to sleep, do not force yourself to study if you cannot effectively study. If you try to study in this situation, you will most likely waste your time.

7. Keep your goals realistic

Trying to accomplish unrealistic goals can often result in failure and frustration. Setting realistic goals that is difficult and achieving it can give you self-worth and be proud on your achievements.

Just remember, everything you need to accomplish in one day is possible if you are organized and plan everything you do in a day.

How do you manage to get through your day? Let us know and maybe, it can help others too!

Good luck!

*we support the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of UA&P

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. :World Youth Day- Be Involved in the Largest Spiritual Event for Youngsters

World Youth day (WYD) is the mega event of 2008. Pope Benedict XVI has invited young people from all over the world to attend, and hundreds of thousands are expected to follow his call. They will celebrate together, renew their faith, make new experiences, meet other young people and get to know the Church as a large but infinite family.

The XXIII WYD will take place on July 15-21, in Sydney , Australia .

To ensure a smooth operation of this international activity, volunteers from around the world will be required. We have registered under the group Volunteers 352. Depending on our assignments, we will be involved in helping to serve meals, provide backstage support, call center work and so on.

In exchange for our services, we will be given free board and lodging plus other benefits. The only thing we need to raise is the regular air fare and other miscellaneous worth around S1257:

It is in this regard that we appeal to you to support us financially.

From this encounter, we hope to bring home wonderful, lasting memories with young people from all over the world. More importantly, we will bring home sense of responsibility that will be enkindled there. We hope to let the WYD experience inflame in our hearts the constant desire to be of service to anyone, anytime, anywhere and anyhow. This is what we can contribute to the good of Philippine society.

Please do support us! Thank you very much. Your generosity will be rewarded. You may reach me at 0906-4736257 or email me at michelle_tapiador@yahoo.com

Yours truly,

Michelle Avegail V. Tapiador


"Wherever your yearnings, your work, your affections are, that is the place for your daily encounter with Christ. It is in the midst of the most material things on earth that we must sanctify ourselves, serving God and all people. Heaven and earth seem to merge, my sons and daughters , on the horizon. But where they really meet is in your hearts, when you sanctify your everyday lives..."- St. Josemaria

*we support the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of UA&P

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : the eleven "shoulds" to effective studying

look what Krystle dug up

weekends are meant for resting and preparing for the school week ahead. however, tendency for most is to just rest. so to help you the "preparation-for-the-week" part, here's something we've dug up in hopes to get you out of that computer chair and into your books after reading this. read on!

1 Study in Short, Frequent Sessions.

It has been proven that short bursts of concentration repeated frequently are much more effective than one long session. So, even if you only have 10 minutes, DO IT. Take a break. Then study another 10 minutes. This “distributed learning” approach is highly efficient because it honors the way the brain likes to work. The brain needs recovery and recharging time for “protein synthesis.” The rest periods are when your brain assimilates your effort. They are a powerful tool which many teachers do not acknowledge. To sit and study for hours and hours is not only boring, it creates fatigue, stress, and distraction. You cannot learn if you are fatigued, stressed, and distracted!

2 Take Guilt-Free Days of Rest.

This follows the same principle as above, but on a longer, daily time cycle. The reason for resting is to refresh oneself. However, if you feel guilty (“I really should be studying”) then your precious rest period has been used to create more stress. The brain will not absorb new data if it is stressed. On days off from studying, really enjoy yourself and do not feel bad about not studying.

3 Honor Your Emotional State.

Do not study if you are tired, angry, distracted, or in a hurry. When the brain is relaxed, it is like a sponge and it naturally absorbs data without effort. If you are emotionally stressed, your brain literally repels data. Forcing yourself to sit and study when your mind is on other things is a complete waste of time!

4 Review the Same Day.

When you learn something new, try to go over the points the same day. If you wait a few days and then make efforts to review the material, it will seem much less familiar. However, a quick review later in the day will tend to cement the information into your brain so that the next “official” study session, you will recognize it and it will seem easy.

5 Observe the Natural Learning Sequence.

Think of the activities you did when you were in nursery school. Using your whole arm, you probably performed the song that goes: “Put your right hand in, Put your right hand out.” Then, in kindergarten, using your hand, you might have been asked to draw lines or circles with crayons. Later, in first grade, now holding the pencil with your fingers, you drew smaller lines and circles to create letters. Believe it or not, this natural learning sequence, moving from large to small, coarse to fine, still remains effective even though we are now older. When you study, if you try first to grasp the big picture and then fill in the details, you often have a more likely chance of success.

6 Use Exaggeration.

Why does a baseball batter warm up by swinging two or three bats? Why do runners sometimes strap lead weights to their legs? In both cases, exaggeration during practice makes the final result seem easy. This concept can be applied to studying anything. For example, if you are studying spelling, exaggerate the sound of the letters to help to remember them. So for studying purposes, “naive” would be pronounced “NAY-IVY.” By getting used to this exaggerated pronunciation, the correct spelling seems obvious.

7 Prepare Your Study Environment.

If you require certain elements in your environment to help you study, try to always make these a priority. For example, do you need special lighting, silence, music, privacy, available snacks, etc.? Pay attention to what works for you and repeat it each time you study for best success.

8 Respect “Brain Fade".

It is normal for the brain to have an attrition rate and to forget things. This does not mean that you are stupid! Instead of getting mad about this fact, you should expect it and deal with it accordingly. See your brain as depositing layers of knowledge. As you place more information on top, the lower levels become older and less available to your immediate recall. The trick here is simply to review. Since we can anticipate the eventual fading of our memory, creating a review aspect to our study session will solve the problem. Once every two or three study sessions, simply review older material that you will be still needing to remember. Often, a quick overview is sufficient. Sometimes, a complete detailed study session of the older material is required. “Brain fade” is completely normal. (Unless you are gifted with a photographic memory, which is extremely rare.)

9 Create a Study Routine.

Generally, if you schedule certain times of the day to study, you will get into a routine and accomplish more. If you just “fit it in” during your day, chances are that there will never be any time. An effective way to do this is to literally mark it down in your datebook calendar as if you have an appointment, like going to the doctor. For example: “Tuesday 3-4:30 P.M. — Study.”

10 Set Reasonable Goals.

One of the main reasons people do not reach their goals is because they set them too high. If you set goals that are manageable, even if they seem too simple, you get in the habit of accomplishing them and gradually you can set higher goals. Also, recognize the difference between long-term and short-term goals. Set your vision on the long-term dream, but your day-to-day activity should be focused exclusively on the short-term, enabling steps.

11 Avoid the Frustration Enemy.

Ironically, the quicker the person’s nervous system, the faster they learn. Yet, this fast nervous system also works overtime in being self-critical. So they are the ones who always think they aren’t going fast enough! In contrast, the “Type B,” less intense person who learns slower yet is more self-accepting, ends up ultimately learning the material in a shorter period of time. This is because he/she doesn’t waste energy blocking, getting upset, and thinking that they’re not good enough — they simply keep moving forward at a slower (but un-blocked) pace.

so here it is! hope you learned from it...what studying methods work for you? share them with us and maybe it will work for others too!

cheerio!

brought to you in support of the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of UA&P

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : A Valentines Story

Joie Shares..

Here's a heartwarming story I got from Chicken Soup for the Soul. It is a story to remind everyone of what Valentines is truly about. Valentines isn't only a day for lovers, but for everyone to be reminded that they are special, cared for and loved :)

I hope you'll like it!

A Valentine for Laura

Ann, a friend of mine disliked Valentine's Day as a girl. She was plain-- not ugly, but not beautiful. Valentine's Day is not kind to plain girls. It wasn't so bad in elementary school, when the obligatory thirty valentines arrived: one from each classmate. She overlooked the fact that her cards were not oversized like those of the popular girls, and did not contain the love notes like those of the pretty girls. But later, in middle school, the valentine exhcnage was no longer mandatory. Just when the yearning for romance budded, when the desire for admiration and flirtation became imperative, and a valentine was needed most, no card arrived. Not for Ann. Not for plain girls anywhere. Only for the pretty and the popular. At such a time, stories of ugly ducklings that will one day turn into beautiful swans do not assuage that hurt and rejection.

As fate would have it (and often does), in subsequent years Ann did become pretty and turned many a boy's head. And she received more attention and flirtations, she came to feel-- and therefore to be-- very beautiful. But even years later, grown and with a family of her own, she did not forget those long-ago days of rejection and dejection.

Today, Ann's family includes two boys in middle school. For a dollar, their student council will deliver a Valentine's Day carnation. Ann gives a dollar to each of her boys to buy flowers for their girlfriends. Then she adds another dollar apiece with the instruction: "Pick another girl, one who is nice, but plain-- someone who probably won't get a flower. Send her a flower anonymously. That way she will know that someone cares, and she will feel special."

Ann has done this for several years, spreading Valentine's Day a little beyong her own world.

One year, Laura, who was plain to behold but beautiful to know, received one of these gifts. Ann's son reported that Laura was so happy and surprised, she cried. All day long, she carried the flower on her books and chattered with the other girls about who her admirer could be. As Ann heard the account, she too had to dry her eyes-- for she remembered.

in support of the UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : Love in Sand Art

Jewelz wants you to see...

There's a really interesting video my mom came across last night and I want to share it with you. It's a new kind of sand art done on glass.

Could be a new way of expressing yourself! This video is about love.



Here's another fun one.. more on animals.



So you can do anything you want, show whatever you feel. Tell me what you think!

*Brought to you by UA&P I am STRONG!

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : love in five languages

Ruther writes:


Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and is one of the sweetest,most kilig days of the year for sweethearts and sweethearts-to-be. It is the day where love is widely recognized and celebrated, when girls and boys put much effort into thinking of “the perfect gifts” for their significant others—gifts that will show how much the other means to them, and thanking each other for the perfect not-so-perfect relationship they share.

That’s right—perfect not-so-perfect relationship.

We all know that no matter how lovers like to say and think that they are compatible, relationships do not always stay as smooth as glass. Misunderstandings come occasionally to break that smoothness, testing how far each will go to keep the relationship whole. It can come from really serious matters, or from petty ones. For example, girls prefer to be shown affection through intangible means—as such “its not the teddy bears,the chocolates or the flowers I want from him—its his time”, while guys (most of the time) tend to think that giving material things along with the intangibles result in a more powerful expression of affection—as such “ill bring her a teddy bear when I visit her so she will know how much I’ve missed her”.

Sometimes, we tend to expect that we be shown love the way we show love to others. But the thing is, everybody has a different way of showing love. Gary Chapman, author of “The Five Love Languages” illustrates how love can be communicated in different ways.

Words of Affirmation

One way to show love is though appreciation. Words such as “great job!” “you’re the best” and “we can do it” show how much you are appreciated and valued. Compliments work to encourage and boost your self-esteem, which in the end, make you think and feel good about yourself. Love does not only make you happy because someone loves you, but also because you love yourself.

Quality Time

Another way to show love is by spending time with the one you love. You feel loved if you receive focused attention and energy from the person you love. Love, like many other things grow with time and experience. So experiencing things together does not only make you know each other more, but also give you more reasons to keep on loving each other.

Receiving gifts

It is a tangible expression of love that assures you that he/ she does not only think of you, but he/she also wants to make you happy. Gifts are visual manifestations of love. A simple present to reward ones success will show how much he / she is appreciated—as such, flowers are the universal material representation of love (along with chocolates and bears).

Acts of service

You feel loved when someone helps you carry out your responsibility. Such love requires effort, energy, and time from another person. Helping one to carry out certain tasks is an indication that he / she is cared for and therefore, loved.

Physical touch

Of course, the expression of love cannot be complete without physical manifestations of it. Holding hands, embracing, kissing are some of the most common explicit expressions of love (aside from words). Physical expression puts sense in the saying “if you mean what you say, then do it”.

We all have our own love languages—we express love in different ways. It is important to know and understand our own love language and that of our loved ones to avoid occasional misunderstandings.

So what’s your love language? And what’s the love language of your loved ones?
Share us your love language…

*we support the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of ua&p

I am S.T.R.O.N.G. at UAP, Thoughts on Love

Jewelz shares...

There was an I am STRONG, 2-day seminar at UA&P where over a hundred students participated from different schools and different provinces. On their second day, one of the topics they discussed was about love. I found some quotes on love that I want to share. Take time to ponder each on each one.




Quote #1:

"Yes, it may be true you're not doing

things my way, yet I love you,

I honor the good in you,

and I want the best for you, just the same."

I like this quote because it does not try to change the other person and it respects the other person for who he or she is.

Quote #2:

"The love of a person implies not

the possession of that person,

but the affirmation

of that person

in all their uniqueness."

In this quote, material things are not important when it comes to love. What is highlighted is the person's individuality, being different from everyone else, and that's what makes him or her special.

Quote #3:

"Those whose perception of others is

unconditionally loving will receive

unconditional love,

enough for themselves

and to give to others."

This quote is similar, however, this time when we love unconditionally it means that we should not expect anything in return.

Quote #4:

"Everyone, at any given time,

is doing the very best they can with what they have.

When people learn better they do better."

We should seek to do what is good so we can better ourselves. We should do things that contribute to our own development. For example, in school we should study not for the sake of getting good grades but for ourselves. We apply the lessons we learn from our teachers, our classmates and our experiences. When we continuously apply the good things that we pick up, we form good habits that will make us more mature and a better person. As a better person, we can share what we know to others.
So aside from loving another person for who they are, we should also learn how to become a better person so that we can share our knowledge. These relationships do not only happen between men and women, but also with families and friends.

**Quotes taken from:
http://www.iloveulove.com/wisdom/quoteulove.htm

Have you ever seen the movie Lady and the Tramp? Here's a cute video I want you to see!




Let me know your thoughts on love. Share your experiences and tell me what you think.

*we support the I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. organization of ua&p

UA&P I AM S.T.R.O.N.G. : Finding the Perfect Course

Joie speaks..

For those in High School, I’m sure some of you are probably worrying about what course to take up in college. There are countless choices around, which makes it harder to find the perfect one. I was definitely like some of you when I was in High School. I had a really tough time figuring it out, but eventually, I was able to discover what I truly wanted to pursue. Deciding on what course to take was a huge step for me since I had to leave my hometown Cebu to take on my dream course. But I have no regrets. I am more than happy here in IMC.

So to you High Schoolers, don’t fret! It’s normal to be uncertain for now, but you have to start charting the right course for you! Here’s an article I found that might help you pick the perfect one.

* From the article “Charting the Right Course” by Gabriella Lee

Thinking about college by now? Or maybe you’re already there and wondering if you’re in the right course. Here’s a guide to making your college and course choices.

Tip#1: EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

List down at least four to five colleges or universities you want to apply to. Develop a list of criteria that you want to have in order to make your choice. Consult your parents or guidance counselors and teachers when making this list, and consider the following points:

• Degrees and courses offered
• Scholastic background: is it a reputable school? Does it have a good history of producing top-quality students?
• Finances: is it a public or private school? How much does it cost per unit, and are there any financial assistance programs that you can obtain or apply for?
• Student population: would you like to go to a small campus or a large one? Is it co-ed or and exclusive girls’/boys’ college?
• Campus resources: do they have a library or media center? Are there laboratories well provided for? Does it have regular and easy computer access?
• Extracurricular activities: does it support student organizations and varsities?

Tip#2: WRITE YOUR REASONS

Applying for a college course is both a boon and a vane to every high school student--- on the one hand this is your opportunity to prove yourself in a field of study you’re interested in. Bear in mind that you will have to go through at least four years of this, so make sure that you are fully committed to your reason.
The best strategy is to list down what you like doing, and what you think your best subjects are, and compare them to the qualifications of the course you like. Examine your values as well--- are you more interested in making money than doing charity work? Do you value stability and security, are you good at working under pressure; do you enjoy contributing to society?

Tip#3: GET PAST PEER PRESSURE

Separation anxiety is one of the factors that have to be considered when applying for a college. After all, you’re going to be leaving a place you’ve call home for most of your life--- the school you have grown up in, friends and family that make you feel safe. And it’s important to consider whether or not you can handle the pressure of leaving.
But you also have to remember that it is your choice to apply for a college or course that you think is right for you. Learn how to overcome your fears. Friendships have survived, despite geographical distance and differences and experiences. So don’t be afraid to chart your own path: after all, who knows where you might end up right?

*So High School Juniors and Seniors, do you already have some courses in mind? Any worries or concerns? Share with us your thoughts!

To college students, how’d you end up choosing your course? You might want to give us some advice ☺