Social Media Networks and our Young Generation

                It is a fact that our young generation nowadays are spending too much time in the internet and in participating in different social media networks. These social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other sites seems to be a necessity for the young generation because of the benefits they get from them. But youth of today must also be mindful of the disadvantages that they can get from using these social networking sites.

                It is not difficult to enumerate the numerous advantages that can be drawn from these social networking sites by our young generation. These sites are often used by them to expresss themselves, improve their relationships with others and even as a resource in their studies.  Interaction with others include families, friendships and classmates. Another advantage is that these sites combine different internet features into one- personal profile, places for photos and videos, user groups and messenger. These are some reasons why our youth really spend much of their time using them.

                But along with the benefits from these sites are the disadvantages that our youth should watch out for. There is a wide range of mental and health problems known to be associated with spending too much time to social media networks. Excessive time spent on social media networks causes some individuals to retreat from actual interaction with fellow humans. Face to face interaction and socialization becomes a burden to them. In some cases, virtual communication substitutes interactions with close family and friends. Obesity in children due to lack of physical activities, insomnia, and eye problems are  also one of the health problems connected with social networking sites usage.

DLSU-D

                When I was in high school, I dreamt of studying college in any university in Manila. So I took up entrance exams in several universities there which I know would be a good university for my preferred college degree. I never considered taking entrance examinations in any university within Cavite at that time. It was never my perspective back then that universities here in our province offer poor quality of education or something that is not better than what is being offered in universities in Manila. It was just that at that time, I preferred to study away from home because I wanted to be independent and I thought that I was matured enough to handle things on my own and decide for myself. But all my plans and ambitions did not turn out the way that I wanted them to be. What is written in Proverbs 16:9 is indeed true. The Bible verse says, “A man’s heart plans his way. But the Lord directs his steps.” Truly, God has greater plans for my life.

                But now, honestly, if I would have a chance to go back and choose again for a university where I will study, I will definitely choose De La Salle University- Dasmariñas. I have visited the university several times and found out for myself that it is indeed a very good university with good school facilities and conducive learning environment. I have also heard good feedbacks about the quality of education that it offers. Just by reading the school brochures and even surfing the net to check and observe the school website, one can say that it is a university which really offers good quality and holistic education. And also, this university offers scholarships for those students who are underprivileged. These scholarships are a big help for these students. They will also appreciate this institution more because it gives them the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and dreams.

                Learning is indeed fun. And it will be more fun if it happens in an institution where students are not just developed academically or mentally but also physically, emotionally, socially and most especially spiritually. A student will never forget the institution that honed him holistically and that has been a part of his life. But a school is not the only factor that will help a student to succeed. There are many factors that will be considered. For me, it is a great privilege for a student to choose a university where he will fulfil his dreams. But aside from that great privilege is a choice that he needs to face. He always has a choice to be successful and to be happy learning new things or to waste his education and his life in things that do not matter at all. And like what I always say to my students and friends who ask me for advice where to study, “Wala yan sa institusyon na kinabibilangan mo. Nasa tao pa rin yan.”

Efren Penaflorida, Jr. - Isang Natatanging Bayani

        Tuwing may makikita kayong mga bata na naghihirap, nakatira sa slum areas, nagugutom at nag-iisa, huwag ninyo silang ipagwalang-bahala. Bigyan ninyo sila ng pansin at tulungan. Ito ay naunawaan ni Efren Penaflorida, Jr. dahil minsang naging ganoon din siya – nakatira sa open dumpsite, naglalaro sa imbakan ng basura kung saan marumi, mabaho at ang mga bata ay nagugutom, nahihirapan at halos hindi nakakapag-aral. Lumaki siyang mahirap at minsang naranasan ding ma-bully ng ibang bata. Subalit hindi naging hadlang ang mga pangyayaring ito sa kanyang buhay upang ipagpatuloy niya ang kanyang pag-aaral. Naging sponsored-child siya ng World Vision noong siya ay preschool at natapos ang kanyang elementarya at sekondarya ng may iba’t ibang parangal sa tulong ng CLUB 8586, isang youth group na nagbibigay scholoarships at suportang pinansyal.

          Taong 1997, nang siya ay nasa hayskul, sinimulan niya ang Dynamic Teen Company na naglalayong maibaling ng mga bata sa slum areas ang kanilang atensyon sa pag-aaral, at pagpapaunlad ng sarili nilang kakayahan upang makatulong sa komunidad. Ipinakita niya na may solusyon sa kahirapan at hindi nila kailangang tahakin ang landas na puno ng kaguluhan at kapahamakan kundi piliin nila ang daan na may pag-asa at magandang kinabukasan. Kaya naman, tuwing sabado, siya at ang mga kasama niya ay pumupunta sa iba’t ibang mga lugar sa kanilang lungsod na tulak-tulak ang kanilang paaralang kariton na may mga libro, laruan at gamit pang-eskuwela. Tinuturuan nila silang magbasa, magsulat at alagaan ang kanilang sarili. Isa itong simple pero napakahalagang gawain ni Efren at ng mga kasama niya at ng mga batang nais matuto, humanap ng pag-asa at makatulong rin sa iba.

            Kasabay ng pagtuturo niyang ito sa mga bata, ipinagpatuloy pa rin niya ang kanyang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Taong 2000 nang nakapagtapos siya ng Computer Technology sa San Sebastian College- Recoletos de Cavite ng may karangalan. Nag-aral din siya ng pangalawang kurso na Secondary Education sa Cavite State University- Cavite City Campus na may karangalang cum laude.

         Dahil sa sakripisyo niyang ipinamalas, ini-nominate siya para sa CNN Heroes ng Club 8586, ang youth group na tumulong sa kanya dati. Mula sa 9,000 nominees sa halos 100 bansa, pinili siya ng CNN’s Blue Ribbon Panel na isa sa 28 na mga bayani sa taong 2009. At noong November 22,2009  ay pinarangalan siyang CNN Hero of the Year sa toong 2009.

            Tunay na kahanga-hanga ang buhay at sakripisyong ipinamalas ni Efren upang bigyan ng pag-asa ang mga batang nais maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap. Isa na naman itong patunay na hindi hadlang ang kahirapan upang makamit ang pangarap at makatulong din naman sa iba. Nawa ang kanyang buhay ay maging isang inspirasyon sa mga batang nais matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap at nagtitiwala na walang imposible sa Diyos na tutulong sa kanila upang maabot ang mga pangarap na iyon.

           Mabuhay ka Efren Penaflorida! Isa kang natatanging bayani. Pagpalain ka nawa ng ating Diyos at pagkalooban ng mahabang buhay upang maging kagamit-gamit ang iyong buhay sa paglilingkod sa Diyos na Siya rin namang nagkaloob sa iyo ng lakas at talento para makamit ang iyong mga pangarap.

              Sa Diyos ang lahat ng papuri!

(Sanggunian: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efren_Pe%C3%B1aflorida)