I need to change..something.
I'm experiencing a withdrawal.
A withdrawal from when I close down
The screen. I feel lonely at first,
Separated from the world.
People have become
Compliant
With satisfying friendships
Through social media features.
However, that satisfaction
is fleeting
and not sustainable.
A personal touch
Like a gift
has now faded. We thrive
In a society where we are programmed
Into a culture that wants
a simple, easy-going lifestyle.
Rather than writing a letter
to a dear friend,
a simple Facebook post
Will suffice.
But the message
Feels empty through a screen,
Lost of touch.
22.6.14
24.5.14
Plug Off the Noise
The question for the day: Why do we indulge in distractions (i.e. social media like Facebook, Twitter) rather than facing real problems face on? I see myself and others watch people go live out there lives and do amazing things while the rest of us read about it from a Facebook status update or tweet. In other words, why are we living half-asleep? Why do we fear the uncertainty of the future and the possibility that we ourselves are capable of changing the world---for the better?
Let's take a step back. How does one arrive at a state to where s/he may meditate and reflect without letting the noise of the world disrupt one's train of thought? We are accustomed to a lifestyle where an answer to a question is easily and quickly accessed by a simple Google search. In other words, modern technology has pretty much spoiled us. Distractions are everywhere, and we feel a small withdrawal (sadly) when any social media device is not within close reach. Our society's culture has become so revolved around lightning speed communication through text, email, Messenger, tweets, and push-notifications, that constant use of technology has become a perceived norm of everyday life. In result of that, our lives become stuck to eyeing the screens, decreasing direct attention to ourselves and those we care about. Lessening use of devices and investing time into meaningful and beautiful experiences, even as simple as riding a bike, will increase satisfaction of life.
25.2.14
Smile, Cry, and Laugh With Me
You're standing right in front of me. Yet you seem so far away. Every time you look at me, I feel my heart beat louder.
Gravity pulls me towards your direction. I try to fight against it but resistance is futile for I already surrendered to you when I first met you.
Do you see the intensity in my eyes? Why are you so kind to me when I push you away? You call my name all the time, yet I sound silent because I fear that I may appear to be weak and a hopeless fool. I am tempted to just call you so that I can only hear your voice. I want to dash to where you are now. I want to forget the world around me but I can't because you are my world.
I am at a loss of words. You are amazing. You make me feel that I am worth something. You make me feel that this life is worth living. You make me feel alive.
I am a fool for you. Go ahead. Laugh at me and just smile like the way you do.
I am at a loss of words. I hear words from left and right all telling me to push you away and let you carry on.
I guess some things are meant to happen, but not meant to be. I do not regret meeting you for you make me feel like the most happiest person in the world.
I should be realistic and be honest with myself. Yet, the heart always hopes, huh?
Maybe one day our lives will join forces and our lifestyles will become in sync with each other's world. Until that day comes, I will just carry on, admiring you from afar.
I adore you.
9.2.14
What Are You? - Identity, Race, Cultural Sensitivity
I
Am
Me.
What are you?
I am Me.
I am a song.
I am a drum.
I am a firework.
I am Me.
I
Am
Filipino American.
What are you?
I am Filipino American.
I am not a FOB.
I am not your railroad worker.
I am not a nurse.
I am a singer.
I am a person.
I am Filipino American.
I
Am
Me.
What are you?
I am Me. The Me that tells the brutal truth even when it pains the ears.
I am a song. A song that challenges the mind to set aside half-truths and to acknowledge the reality.
I am a drum. A drum that beats with the hearts of those who live in the deepest pits of humanity and still smile.
I am a firework. A firework that skyrockets to the sky, ruptures into colorful lights, and reignites hope in a hopeless home.
I am Me. The Me who sits on the same table with the world's worst nightmares and most beautiful dreams.
I
Am
Filipino
American.
What are you?
I am Filipino American. A Filipino American---an identity that I wear every day. An identity where I feel I can not call myself Filipino nor American. An identity that I learn to become every day. An identity that I struggle with grasping. An identity that I embrace. An identity that makes me think. An identity that is crucial to my existence.
I am not a FOB. Not a FOB---a term that stands for "fresh off the boat." The term carries a weight of despair, of struggle, of sacrifice, of heartbreak, of pain, of discrimination, of survival.
I am not your railroad worker. Not your railroad worker---our families came to this country because they believed in a country of liberty, freedom, and opportunity. Yet, they were given false hopes. They tasted the dirt of the roads. They sweated and dehydrated. Yet, they stood strong. They lived and still brought their families someday.
I am not a nurse. Not a nurse---being a nurse is no easy job. One person told me that Filipinos were only kindhearted and compassionate because the majority of us are nurses, which is an occupation where people are often cared for. Yes, nursing certainly is an excellent field for kindheartedness and compassion to enfold. However, these traits are a natural part of us. Of anyone.
I am a singer. A singer---I speak for those who can not voice their opinion and express their hearts to their loved ones.
I am a person. A person---The worth of souls is great. We all exist for a reason. We all have a purpose. We all should be entitled to the right to live and to be.
I am Filipino American. A Filipino American---I do not speak Tagalog fluently. I did not grow up in the Philippines. I was raised in Houston, Texas. Yet, I feel torn between two worlds. Despite having took Asian American classes and raising cultural awareness amongst the Asian American community in college, I still feel that I stand in the middle between two worlds where I am not accepted into either sides. I stand alone, fighting to break free of the confinements of the middle ground.
I
Am
Me.
I am a fighter.
I am a friend.
I am a daughter.
I am an aunt.
I am a niece.
I am a teacher.
I am Me.
Am
Me.
What are you?
I am Me.
I am a song.
I am a drum.
I am a firework.
I am Me.
I
Am
Filipino American.
What are you?
I am Filipino American.
I am not a FOB.
I am not your railroad worker.
I am not a nurse.
I am a singer.
I am a person.
I am Filipino American.
I
Am
Me.
What are you?
I am Me. The Me that tells the brutal truth even when it pains the ears.
I am a song. A song that challenges the mind to set aside half-truths and to acknowledge the reality.
I am a drum. A drum that beats with the hearts of those who live in the deepest pits of humanity and still smile.
I am a firework. A firework that skyrockets to the sky, ruptures into colorful lights, and reignites hope in a hopeless home.
I am Me. The Me who sits on the same table with the world's worst nightmares and most beautiful dreams.
I
Am
Filipino
American.
What are you?
I am Filipino American. A Filipino American---an identity that I wear every day. An identity where I feel I can not call myself Filipino nor American. An identity that I learn to become every day. An identity that I struggle with grasping. An identity that I embrace. An identity that makes me think. An identity that is crucial to my existence.
I am not a FOB. Not a FOB---a term that stands for "fresh off the boat." The term carries a weight of despair, of struggle, of sacrifice, of heartbreak, of pain, of discrimination, of survival.
I am not your railroad worker. Not your railroad worker---our families came to this country because they believed in a country of liberty, freedom, and opportunity. Yet, they were given false hopes. They tasted the dirt of the roads. They sweated and dehydrated. Yet, they stood strong. They lived and still brought their families someday.
I am not a nurse. Not a nurse---being a nurse is no easy job. One person told me that Filipinos were only kindhearted and compassionate because the majority of us are nurses, which is an occupation where people are often cared for. Yes, nursing certainly is an excellent field for kindheartedness and compassion to enfold. However, these traits are a natural part of us. Of anyone.
I am a singer. A singer---I speak for those who can not voice their opinion and express their hearts to their loved ones.
I am a person. A person---The worth of souls is great. We all exist for a reason. We all have a purpose. We all should be entitled to the right to live and to be.
I am Filipino American. A Filipino American---I do not speak Tagalog fluently. I did not grow up in the Philippines. I was raised in Houston, Texas. Yet, I feel torn between two worlds. Despite having took Asian American classes and raising cultural awareness amongst the Asian American community in college, I still feel that I stand in the middle between two worlds where I am not accepted into either sides. I stand alone, fighting to break free of the confinements of the middle ground.
I
Am
Me.
I am a fighter.
I am a friend.
I am a daughter.
I am an aunt.
I am a niece.
I am a teacher.
I am Me.
27.12.13
Take a Step Back: A Look at Mental Health and Intelligence
“Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.” - Andrew Boyd
We are accustomed to a world where society pushes each individual to be always on the "go". A day passes by in a flash and we awake in the present, which was shortly the "future" only a few seconds, minutes, and hours ago.
When preoccupied with a task at hand, other priorities and/or concerns become shelved into a bookcase of "I'll come back to you later". Sometimes we forget the importance of giving time for ourselves to truly digest life and its experiences. Sure, there's Facebook updates, Instagram, Twitter, and camera shoots to document those highlights.
But, what happened to those meaningful person-to-person conversations?
The value of human relationships has become devalued in a society where media is upheld as the epitome of social relationships. This false image and superstition becomes subtly ingrained into people's minds that it is not often addressed.
This past year, I've come to cherish those well-needed "me" times---a time for self-reflection, detachment, and self-awareness. This all goes back to the importance of maintaining a positive mental health.
Education is deemed as the rock of wisdom. What type of "education" though? Academic intelligence is a great requisite for certain employment requirements. However, as human beings, what has become of other degrees and divisions of intelligence? Emotional, mental, psychological, social, and spiritual intelligence? Of what has become of these?
Throughout youth and up to college and post graduate years, we are still growing. We are still maturing. We are still seeking to improve. Perfection is attained through imperfection. Perfection in the sense that we are ultimately giving life our A+ game. Perfection in the sense that a person's true value is not measured by one's resume, diploma, cultural merit, or name tag. Perfection in the sense that a person is measured by their moral values, willpower, kindness, and forgiveness.
Of what has become of these important human traits?
Every day, I face people who place material things over what is truly important: human relationships. The value of people is great. A simple piece of paper can not attest to the true merit and value of each person. If this were realized and reflected more often, I bet many people would be living a different kind of life.
Change is difficult to attain because people are not comfortable with growing out of their bubble. Sure, people will fall away and not understand what you are pressing forward for...but, then, what does that show about them?
There are a pile of friends. There's your friends. And, then, there's your good friends. During the most difficult pits and bumps in life, that is when your true friends shine and shimmer. Good, healthy relationships and friendships are vital to maintaining mental health and attaining a more refined, well-rounded intelligence.
Next time, when lunch time has hit or you're about to doze off into that tv show marathon, take a step back and give yourself some space and a time for reflection. Meditate. Talk it out. Think it out. Connect.
Once you improve certain areas of your own dynamics, then the rest of the way becomes a tad bit easier,especially with the right people at your back.
Happy holidays, everyone! Thanks for reading. :)
We are accustomed to a world where society pushes each individual to be always on the "go". A day passes by in a flash and we awake in the present, which was shortly the "future" only a few seconds, minutes, and hours ago.
When preoccupied with a task at hand, other priorities and/or concerns become shelved into a bookcase of "I'll come back to you later". Sometimes we forget the importance of giving time for ourselves to truly digest life and its experiences. Sure, there's Facebook updates, Instagram, Twitter, and camera shoots to document those highlights.
But, what happened to those meaningful person-to-person conversations?
The value of human relationships has become devalued in a society where media is upheld as the epitome of social relationships. This false image and superstition becomes subtly ingrained into people's minds that it is not often addressed.
This past year, I've come to cherish those well-needed "me" times---a time for self-reflection, detachment, and self-awareness. This all goes back to the importance of maintaining a positive mental health.
Education is deemed as the rock of wisdom. What type of "education" though? Academic intelligence is a great requisite for certain employment requirements. However, as human beings, what has become of other degrees and divisions of intelligence? Emotional, mental, psychological, social, and spiritual intelligence? Of what has become of these?
Throughout youth and up to college and post graduate years, we are still growing. We are still maturing. We are still seeking to improve. Perfection is attained through imperfection. Perfection in the sense that we are ultimately giving life our A+ game. Perfection in the sense that a person's true value is not measured by one's resume, diploma, cultural merit, or name tag. Perfection in the sense that a person is measured by their moral values, willpower, kindness, and forgiveness.
Of what has become of these important human traits?
Every day, I face people who place material things over what is truly important: human relationships. The value of people is great. A simple piece of paper can not attest to the true merit and value of each person. If this were realized and reflected more often, I bet many people would be living a different kind of life.
Change is difficult to attain because people are not comfortable with growing out of their bubble. Sure, people will fall away and not understand what you are pressing forward for...but, then, what does that show about them?
There are a pile of friends. There's your friends. And, then, there's your good friends. During the most difficult pits and bumps in life, that is when your true friends shine and shimmer. Good, healthy relationships and friendships are vital to maintaining mental health and attaining a more refined, well-rounded intelligence.
Next time, when lunch time has hit or you're about to doze off into that tv show marathon, take a step back and give yourself some space and a time for reflection. Meditate. Talk it out. Think it out. Connect.
Once you improve certain areas of your own dynamics, then the rest of the way becomes a tad bit easier,especially with the right people at your back.
Happy holidays, everyone! Thanks for reading. :)
16.12.13
2013 Reflections and Shout Outs
Whewww, this year is rolling by fast! Less than 10 days until Christmas. This is crayyy.
Today's the first day at my new internship at The Alliance for Multicultural Community Services here in Houston, Texas. I'm excited. There's Texas alum so that's a plus! ;)
Anyhow, before that journey begins in a few hours, I want to give a shoutout to everyone who's been a pal! There's sooo many of you guys but I'm making sure to include the people who count!
In random order, here it goes:
-Camille - I always admired your honesty and sincere desire to help out others. You never failed to help someone and encourage a person to do his/her best. I enjoyed getting hot cocoa with you in our intern days in the early morning. Miss you!
-Vidya - You are amazinggggg! I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like you...graduating from UT in less than four years and getting into medical school?! You are a star! Thanks for always listening to me rant over frustrations with ACTIVE Life and post-grad life. Let's karaoke together when I'm in Austin sometime! :)
-Mandy - My juicing buddy! :D Thanks for all the times you let me crash at your place, all the times you listened to me practice for presentations for my research class, and for all times you tolerated my silliness. Let's get Chicken n' Waffles when I'm back in town, yes?? :)
-Carolyn - Miss Carolyn...we've been friends for how long?? I remember you when you were a freshman and how we hilariously tried to practice for IM softball during my sophomore year. You are my kbbq buddy and nutrition buddy! And to bump into you into A/P AND Microbio at HCC...oh the good times! ;)
-Marie - You always remained positive. I admire that in people. Your cooking is amazingggg! :) I miss you a lot! Please visit Texas when you can! I know you'll be an amazing SLT one day!
-Aurora - You are hilarious. You never fail to cheer me up when I'm down. You help me change my perspective through the rough times. You're a good listener and honest. I appreciate that. :)
-Ryan - My FSA kuya!!! "Forget Tony!!!" LOL. I'm grateful that the officers 'randomly' paired us together as kuya/ading for the first year I joined FSA. I look forward to the many years to come. I appreciate your support in my endeavors and I knowww that you'll be an awesome, badass teacher in FortBend ISD! :)
-Lauren - You are an inspiration. Your boundless care for your friends and patience is admirable. I appreciate all the times that you came out to do uke covers with me even when I was struggling in post-graduate life. I never told anyone I was struggling but you noticed and cheered me up. Thank you. I know you'll be an amazing pharmacist! :)
-Nida - THIS girllllll. You are hilarious. I'm grateful that I have a friend like you. You watched me struggle in post-graduate life but were still supportive of my endeavors and patient with me. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. I know you'll be a great RN! :)
-Aileen - You rock! There's not enough room on this blog entry to tell you how much you've been a pal to me! You are very mature for your age and not many people, even at UT, are like that. You made the difficult decision to go the pre-med route or pursue your true dreams in urban planning. Never give up, Aileen! Let's reunite over Pluckers and have an epic straw battle! (You in, Arturo? ;D Lol)
-Mini honorary mention: Arturo: In the matter of less than 12 hours, I found you as a pal! You showed me how caring you are about others (i.e. Aileen~), your willingness to invest in other people's lives, your vulnerability in asking for advice, your willingness to learn and grow, and opening yourself up to a stranger like me. You make the best Mexican hot coca in Austin! ;D
-2nd mini honorary mention: Abraham - My CeeLo buddy!! I know it's been a while and I jumped back into your view unexpectedly! I appreciate your willingness to help out a friend of mine despite the many years it's been since we've chatted. You and Cheri are amazing and I think it's cool how you like CeeLo. Some people don't understand CeeLo and his cat, but you are one of the people who do. Thanks for helping out Arturo! I know that you two will be badass engineers in our world! Rock on!
-Lan - I haven't bought an infrared space heater yet...xD You inspire me to go beyond my limits! Your advice is always solid. I hope my constant tagging hasn't irritated you or Jenny! I just think you're a cool guy for giving me sincere advice on post-grad outlooks and perspectives, which I appreciate it. I couldn't have asked for a better pal, even though I only met you once last year. Immediately, I knew you were a light in our world!
-Lilian - My Hunger Games/Twilight parody MV buddy! You never fail to cheer me up and tweek my perspective when it comes to preparing for graduate school. Your encouragement is a strength and makes me look forward to doing more school! Even though I only met you for a matter of less than 3 days...you are amazing. :)
-Ace - My ole Calculus tutor!!! You always cheered me up during our sessions and turned out to be an awesome buddy! Your silliness is balanced out by a large degree of maturity as you continue to get through post-graduate life. And graduating from UT in less than four years...impressive! You're a year younger than me, but your maturity is beyond your age. Keep being awesome, future business/teacher dudeeeee!
-Justin - My art buddy!! Thanks for listening to my rants over past guys and helping me realize who really deserves me! You're quite funny and I know that you'll be an instrument in the RN world...represent!! ;D
-Eleanor - Omg, where do I begin?? We've been friends since Kindergarten...our lives always seem to cross paths. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. My filipina, eczema, music, anime ,etc buddy! You're the best!!! :D
-Nam - I've known you for almost half my life! Thanks for always being willing to give me anime cds/dvds. Thanks for giving me your honest advice about guys and life even though it was hard to take. Keep on rocking and get that college degree!! I know you can do it!! :P
-Takeo - Future Professor Rivera! Where can I begin? To even know you and have you as a brother-in-law...you are one of my Tiger Moms!! You humble and chastise me b/c it's for the better good. I always appreciate your advice. I'm sorry I can't make it out to your Goliath showing next year...I wish I could see it. Thank you for always being honest. Thank you for helping me through Asian American studies classes and teaching me about the model minority, racism, and ethnic studies. Through a difficult period of my life when I transferred from BYU to UT...you and ate helped me heal and discover my true potential and identity. Thank you.
-Rachell - Ate!! Mahal. You watched me grow throughout high school and college. You watched me grow from a bratty, selfish teenager into a more defined, dignified, but still silly young woman. Thanks for always listening to me rant over roommates and life in general despite your busy schedule. I know you'll be a great Nurse Practitioner. Just take it one day at a time, ok!
-Diana - My second Tiger Mom! You are a light in my world. You always give me your honest advice and put me back in line because you know it's for my own good. You still are my sister despite the many miles that tear us apart. I'm sorry for being a brat when I was young during your Kempner high school days. I'm sorry I couldn't see you grow into the amazing woman you became once you walked out of those epic halls of Stanford University. Through you, I've met inspiring people, such as Takeo, Lilian, Lan, Theresa, and many more. I'm not perfect but somehow you help me become a better person. Because of you, I want to be an A+ caliber person. I think I'm a little more closer to accomplishing that goal.
Today's the first day at my new internship at The Alliance for Multicultural Community Services here in Houston, Texas. I'm excited. There's Texas alum so that's a plus! ;)
Anyhow, before that journey begins in a few hours, I want to give a shoutout to everyone who's been a pal! There's sooo many of you guys but I'm making sure to include the people who count!
In random order, here it goes:
-Camille - I always admired your honesty and sincere desire to help out others. You never failed to help someone and encourage a person to do his/her best. I enjoyed getting hot cocoa with you in our intern days in the early morning. Miss you!
-Vidya - You are amazinggggg! I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like you...graduating from UT in less than four years and getting into medical school?! You are a star! Thanks for always listening to me rant over frustrations with ACTIVE Life and post-grad life. Let's karaoke together when I'm in Austin sometime! :)
-Mandy - My juicing buddy! :D Thanks for all the times you let me crash at your place, all the times you listened to me practice for presentations for my research class, and for all times you tolerated my silliness. Let's get Chicken n' Waffles when I'm back in town, yes?? :)
-Carolyn - Miss Carolyn...we've been friends for how long?? I remember you when you were a freshman and how we hilariously tried to practice for IM softball during my sophomore year. You are my kbbq buddy and nutrition buddy! And to bump into you into A/P AND Microbio at HCC...oh the good times! ;)
-Marie - You always remained positive. I admire that in people. Your cooking is amazingggg! :) I miss you a lot! Please visit Texas when you can! I know you'll be an amazing SLT one day!
-Aurora - You are hilarious. You never fail to cheer me up when I'm down. You help me change my perspective through the rough times. You're a good listener and honest. I appreciate that. :)
-Ryan - My FSA kuya!!! "Forget Tony!!!" LOL. I'm grateful that the officers 'randomly' paired us together as kuya/ading for the first year I joined FSA. I look forward to the many years to come. I appreciate your support in my endeavors and I knowww that you'll be an awesome, badass teacher in FortBend ISD! :)
-Lauren - You are an inspiration. Your boundless care for your friends and patience is admirable. I appreciate all the times that you came out to do uke covers with me even when I was struggling in post-graduate life. I never told anyone I was struggling but you noticed and cheered me up. Thank you. I know you'll be an amazing pharmacist! :)
-Nida - THIS girllllll. You are hilarious. I'm grateful that I have a friend like you. You watched me struggle in post-graduate life but were still supportive of my endeavors and patient with me. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. I know you'll be a great RN! :)
-Aileen - You rock! There's not enough room on this blog entry to tell you how much you've been a pal to me! You are very mature for your age and not many people, even at UT, are like that. You made the difficult decision to go the pre-med route or pursue your true dreams in urban planning. Never give up, Aileen! Let's reunite over Pluckers and have an epic straw battle! (You in, Arturo? ;D Lol)
-Mini honorary mention: Arturo: In the matter of less than 12 hours, I found you as a pal! You showed me how caring you are about others (i.e. Aileen~), your willingness to invest in other people's lives, your vulnerability in asking for advice, your willingness to learn and grow, and opening yourself up to a stranger like me. You make the best Mexican hot coca in Austin! ;D
-2nd mini honorary mention: Abraham - My CeeLo buddy!! I know it's been a while and I jumped back into your view unexpectedly! I appreciate your willingness to help out a friend of mine despite the many years it's been since we've chatted. You and Cheri are amazing and I think it's cool how you like CeeLo. Some people don't understand CeeLo and his cat, but you are one of the people who do. Thanks for helping out Arturo! I know that you two will be badass engineers in our world! Rock on!
-Lan - I haven't bought an infrared space heater yet...xD You inspire me to go beyond my limits! Your advice is always solid. I hope my constant tagging hasn't irritated you or Jenny! I just think you're a cool guy for giving me sincere advice on post-grad outlooks and perspectives, which I appreciate it. I couldn't have asked for a better pal, even though I only met you once last year. Immediately, I knew you were a light in our world!
-Lilian - My Hunger Games/Twilight parody MV buddy! You never fail to cheer me up and tweek my perspective when it comes to preparing for graduate school. Your encouragement is a strength and makes me look forward to doing more school! Even though I only met you for a matter of less than 3 days...you are amazing. :)
-Ace - My ole Calculus tutor!!! You always cheered me up during our sessions and turned out to be an awesome buddy! Your silliness is balanced out by a large degree of maturity as you continue to get through post-graduate life. And graduating from UT in less than four years...impressive! You're a year younger than me, but your maturity is beyond your age. Keep being awesome, future business/teacher dudeeeee!
-Justin - My art buddy!! Thanks for listening to my rants over past guys and helping me realize who really deserves me! You're quite funny and I know that you'll be an instrument in the RN world...represent!! ;D
-Eleanor - Omg, where do I begin?? We've been friends since Kindergarten...our lives always seem to cross paths. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. My filipina, eczema, music, anime ,etc buddy! You're the best!!! :D
-Nam - I've known you for almost half my life! Thanks for always being willing to give me anime cds/dvds. Thanks for giving me your honest advice about guys and life even though it was hard to take. Keep on rocking and get that college degree!! I know you can do it!! :P
-Takeo - Future Professor Rivera! Where can I begin? To even know you and have you as a brother-in-law...you are one of my Tiger Moms!! You humble and chastise me b/c it's for the better good. I always appreciate your advice. I'm sorry I can't make it out to your Goliath showing next year...I wish I could see it. Thank you for always being honest. Thank you for helping me through Asian American studies classes and teaching me about the model minority, racism, and ethnic studies. Through a difficult period of my life when I transferred from BYU to UT...you and ate helped me heal and discover my true potential and identity. Thank you.
-Rachell - Ate!! Mahal. You watched me grow throughout high school and college. You watched me grow from a bratty, selfish teenager into a more defined, dignified, but still silly young woman. Thanks for always listening to me rant over roommates and life in general despite your busy schedule. I know you'll be a great Nurse Practitioner. Just take it one day at a time, ok!
-Diana - My second Tiger Mom! You are a light in my world. You always give me your honest advice and put me back in line because you know it's for my own good. You still are my sister despite the many miles that tear us apart. I'm sorry for being a brat when I was young during your Kempner high school days. I'm sorry I couldn't see you grow into the amazing woman you became once you walked out of those epic halls of Stanford University. Through you, I've met inspiring people, such as Takeo, Lilian, Lan, Theresa, and many more. I'm not perfect but somehow you help me become a better person. Because of you, I want to be an A+ caliber person. I think I'm a little more closer to accomplishing that goal.
15.12.13
Two-Way Streets: Disparities in Interpersonal Communication
Communication between two or more people has expanded dramatically. Back in the days, hand-written letters were a regular means of transmitting information between others. It was the norm to wait a week at least for a letter to arrive in the mailbox or P.O. Box.
Nowadays, instant messaging, Skype, FaceTime, texting, emailing, and snapchats have become the means for conversation to flow. People expect to receive a reply within a matter of minutes or at least 24 hours after an initial message. If the receiver fails to reply within a certain time frame, the other party can easily misinterpret this as a sign of ignorance or passive aggressiveness. Of course this is not representative of all parties, but the percent is noticeable.
People have become too comfortable with communication via social networking and non-verbal means of communication. Rather than the old fashioned method of dialing a number or meeting in-person, texting and/or online chatting is the norm. Sole reliance of virtual communication is problematic.
Verbal communication is important and healthy to mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. Closed-off verbal communication can silence a person's ability to express his/herself. Lack of proper verbal communication is problematic and acts as a catalyst for severe social impairment.
Now, think about how this translates to friendships and relationships.
The content of a conversation is another important factor in developing strong and clear communication. If a concern and/or idea is expressed incorrectly, it will face misinterpretation. Non-verbal communication, such as texting or chatting, is a weak means of conveying a person's honest feelings. Words are visible but the emotion that sprouts may go in any direction.
Nonverbal communication places an invisible barrier between two or more people. If it is not utilized properly, it may severely damage interpersonal ties.
Verbal communication needs to occur more often. In-person meetings are more meaningful and heartfelt than sending a text. Attending someone's graduation ceremony is more meaningful than writing on his/her Facebook wall "Congrats!". Calling to say happy birthday is more meaningful than texting those same words.
Although technology and virtual means of communication have advanced the speed of information transmission, it has also put a heavier weight on the sensitive interpersonal ties between two or more people. Verbal communication is vital to any relationship. Lastly, friendships and relationships are two-way streets. Both parties need to put an equal amount of effort to maintain healthy ties. When a one-way street becomes a two-way street, cruising down the road becomes more bearable and makes the view ahead just right.
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