editorial:
Students’ rights: being respected or violated?
by: Jean Artuz
Students have rights and responsibilities like those of other people. We may not always perform our responsibilities, but we seldom forget them because we always get reminded by the people around us. On the other hand, the rights that we have in mind are not always granted to us by the same people who remind us of our responsibilities. Ironic, isn’t it? Are our rights as students being respected, or are they being violated by the people who should be taking care of them?
As time goes by, us students become more aware of the rights that we deserve to enjoy. We are aware of our right to education, our right to freedom, our right to equality, and our right to enjoy the life that we live. We give utmost importance to these rights, especially now that we have grown the courage to fight for them. However, no matter how hard we try, it seems that we are being deprived of what we are crying for. We complain when we feel violated. We complain when we feel disrespect. There are students who join rallies and demonstrations when tuition fees go up. There are some who campaign against unjust school policies. Some even put up organizations that spearhead the fight against mismanagement of school administrators. We complain about teachers, those who are inconsiderate and unprofessional. We complain because we believe we have to. We don’t abuse our rights when we say what we feel. The reason why we cry foul is that we voice out our insights and yet, nobody seems to listen. Those people who are supposed to help us seem to keep their ears closed and their eyes shut to the needs of the students, the needs they cannot see but we know we deserve. They assume that they know everything that’s good for us. They do what they believe to be right, but is that really what we need? What’s good to them may not always be what’s good to us. What the students needed before may not be what we need now.
We still have a choice. There is still time to make a move. We can either stay ignored and violated, or we can stand being respected. That choice I leave to you.
the author bares it all
by: dindee galindo
I was a loser. I used to be a part of the society, which no one cares for. I was never a winner in any game. Yes, I never succeeded in a game called LOVE.
I had long been waiting for Mr. Right and it seemed that he wouldn’t come. Everyone in our school had their partners. I was always left with no one. No special someone gave me flowers on Valentine’s Day nor one gave me extravagant gifts on Christmas Day and even on my birthday.
“How come nobody likes me?”
“Why do I always have to shed tears for people who don’t love me back?”
I knew love was bitter for me. Fate seemed so selfish. It always hurt me. I never fooled anyone. I was not a playgirl. No one could call this “karma.”
Because of all these, I lost hope. I suddenly stopped longing for my Ideal One. I bravely faced the fact that I would be an old maid someday. I had to spend romantic events by myself. I started feeling down and insecure. I looked at myself as someone who could never be loved by anyone. I did everything to be liked but they never noticed the changes. The moment when I was down, I saw who my true friends are. They never leave me. They are always there to cheer me up. Who says no one loves me? My friends do! I think that is enough.
It was then that I finally accepted whatever fate would give me. I never cared if I were growing old alone. I looked at all the bitter pasts as something memorable and maybe Cupid wanted me to only taste a bit of love. I became contented.
During those moments, I have to know my friends more. Moreover, one friend of mine, whom I will call Flint, became closer to me.
He never left me. He would always be there to give me his shoulders whenever I was rejected. He popped out jokes to make me smile and gave me advices to feel better.
“I can relate with you. I used to feel that way when I saw Kristine with somebody else. Come on, girl! You are better than she is! Besides, I am always here for you. I am your best bud, right?”
His words were enough to calm me down.
Time passed by and we became even closer. I started noticing his cute dimples, fair skin, and guitar abilities. I started appreciating every second of his existence. I would miss him whenever he was not around. I hoped I was not falling. I hoped.
I tried to avoid continuing whatever feeling was forming inside me.
“This is the same feeling I used to have with Carlo. Is this love again? Why my friend? Why now?”
I started avoiding him as much as I could but he never gave up. He would run after me and would do the stuffs he used to do to make me laugh. I tried to ignore him but I simply couldn’t.
He confronted me and I said it all. He was quiet for a long time and smiled.
“When you were so down, I was there. Now that you’re not, I am still here. My heart bursts into tears whenever you’re sad. I never told you this because you were busy looking for other people. You never noticed my stares or my smiles when we are together. I started accepting the fact that we are only friends and nothing special will bloom onto it. I love you and I fear losing you.”
What’s the end of our story? Well, we ended up together and our relationship is still going stronger. If not for our courage to speak up what we feel for each other, do you think the end would be this happy? Of course not!
I shared my story to inspire others. I want to let them know the importance of making someone aware of what we feel for them. That breaking of silence will make a difference. It’s either you will lose that someone or you will have him as someone you want him to be. Before doing the revelation, think of what you are doing and
the possible results. Be ready. Just like me, that person you are in love with may not be the right one for you. He may be one of the people fate sent you but will later on be taken away from you. Don’t be afraid to face what you feel. If he/she is the Right One, in the end, you will really be with each other.
Just like any other couple, we are wishing to be with each other forever. Together with Flint, I am wishing for everyone’s happiness. May you find your Ideal One? Ooopss... Don’t go searching for love. It will come. When?
The moment you least expect it...