I am all for the idea of implementing school uniforms. For one, it helps suppress violence in school. Gang members will have a hard time identifying each other in a place where everybody wears the same clothing. With uniforms, there would be no "trademark" gang clothes and "bling bling". There would be no conflicts between the "reds" and the "blues". With this, the school authorities wouldn't have a hard time on maintaining and reinforcing public order within the constitution, which is obviously good. Also, the school, especially security guards would find it easier on identifying students belonging to the school and which ones aren't. This can help in minimizing the possible dangers of gang and other kinds of violence. Would you sacrifice your safety for some "individuality" as some critics would say? As the saying goes, "It's better to be safe than sorry". Another reason why I prefer uniforms is that it teaches discipline and responsibility among students. It teaches discipline in a way that having uniforms avoid students from the possibility of dressing "inappropriately" (in other words, dressing like a slut) . It would also teach students to be responsible. They won't dare forget wearing their ids and following the dress code or else, they won't be able to get in the school premises. Some would whine about how it is unfair that they could not go inside their classrooms just because they forgot their ids. It might sound harsh to others but for me, it is one way of teaching students on how to act maturely. Finally, having uniforms would minimize social stigma. Students don't have to worry about what to wear in the morning. They don't have to worry if their freakin' clothes would go together with some freakin' slacks or the pants would mix well with the brand new shirt. Students don't have to prioritize fashion statements and instead focus in learning because after all, it is the purpose in going to school in the first place, not displaying who's got the best dress. To sum it up, uniforms are not a hindrance to a student's learning development. On the contrary, it helps the students in instilling school pride, providing safety, and minimizing discrimination and bullying.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Blog 13: "The Longest Day"
The enrollment process in UPVCC turned out to be my most traumatizing event that I've experienced so far. First of all, it was a very tedious and frustrating procedure. The day started with my mother waking me up early in the morning and told me to make ready for the things needed for the enrollment process in UPVCC. I got my papers and pocket money ready so I thought that everything would be a piece of cake. I assumed that the enrollment would be an easy ride because I am already through with the pre-enrollment process (which is also a hell of an experience, but that's another story). It wasn't. At around 9 am, the second we (my mother and I) set foot on the campus, I knew something was up. There were already people piling up with "disturbing" looks on their faces. Some UPians were there to greet us and handed a piece of paper with a set of procedures about the enrollment process. We went first in the Management building to receive a "planned" schedule for the first semester. I proceeded to the lab to add my subjects for the first semester. It started to frustrate me a lot because of the crawling speed of the school's internet. I don't know why the world loves to prove me wrong every time I'm being optimistic but from that moment, all hell started to break loose. We also had to deal with some of the "arrogant" people over there. I really have no idea why, but some people really piss me off. I somewhat got "yelled" by the old lady during the STFAP procedure when I asked her some questions about the STFAP. The worst of them all would be the "lady in window one". Why? Ask her a question and all you get is an angry face. Because of this, I got the first impression that Cebuanos are arrogant sons of "ehem". Are they just stressed out that many of us are asking the same question over and over again? Maybe, maybe not but nevertheless, I got the thought that it's sometimes best to not ask any questions from that point on. Another reason was that my mother spent a lot of money just to comply with the requirements. I really got flared up when I learned I need another 2x2 photo to submit while filling up some form. I thought we won't need photos anymore since I'm done with the pre-enrollment process (and again, it's a different story). Knowing that the enrollment would end at around 4 pm, we raced to the gate and rode a cab to the mall to have my picture taken. Knowing the big city, we were stuck in a gridlock of traffic. I thought this could not get any worse. Unfortunately, the world proved me wrong - again. By the time I arrived back in the campus, I had to wait in huge piles of line just to have my form submitted, and it's already quarter to four. All I could ever do at that time was cuss nonstop, but good thing for me, my mother had the guts to barge in and talked to the facilitators to let me in first explaining that we still have a boat to catch. Fortunately, they agreed so I cut through the line and immediately submitted my requirements. At first, I was thinkin of what the others might think of me but I realized that I don't give a damn for all I care was that I could finish this within the freakin' day. We then went downstairs to pay the school fees and again, waited in line. After minutes of waiting, my mother payed the school fees in full cash (which is a huge pain in the pocket, all thanks to the ever helpful STFAP, ouch!) then finally went to the ADO (Associate Dean's Office) to give a copy of the form 5 to the office. After wrapping up the enrollment process, we wasted no time in going to the pier and fortunately, the boat is still there. This has got to be the longest day that I've ever experienced. Sure I am finally admitted to the school but the cost is enormous - lots of time wasted, knees and ankles hurting, and worst of all, thousands of money burned. I returned home sharing all of these things to my father with anger and frustration still lingering on the horizon. The enrollment did not leave a physical wound but that event would haunt me for the rest of my life. The fear of disaster, the fear of the possibility of depleted cash, the fear of huge crowds, and the fear of not getting to the boat in time is just too much for a single day. If there's a moral lesson behind it, it is to brace yourself for the possibility of a frustrating experience - even though the day started with blue skies and the sun smiling.
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