To quote a phrase from Ed Catmull’s article, “Creativity involves a large number of people from different disciplines working effectively together to solve a great many problems.” (2008) His article on How Pixar fosters collective creativity is an enlightening reading applicable to both the educational sector and the work force. Come to think of it, creativity does all the magic. Why so? Without creativity, everything would be so dull and boring. Before answering the question on how school and work encourages creativity, we should first know if both of these sectors promote creativity. Do both sectors really develop creativity?

Let me answer these two questions by citing circumstances in which they particularly cultivate one’s imagination. The home is where an individual starts to grasp new learning from the beginning of his moral existence. By the time he starts to think, learns how to speak and write, the family can now teach him a lot of things. One of which is being uniquely creative. And yes, the home encourages every individual to become creative in simple ways such as creating a hand-made card for special occasions, baking and cooking as a hobby, designing and arranging home furniture, and the like.

As an individual grows, one is sent to school to cultivate further the skills necessary for learning and survival. This is where the academic institution starts to nurture and train students more. And yes, the school does develop creativity. Academic institutions, or the ones that we call the school, actively foster creativity in ways planned and governed by different individuals from different areas of concern. Schools offer different programs that cater to the different needs of the students. They do not only focus on the scholastic needs of their students, but they also support and develop their imagination, skills and abilities. Aside from the core subjects, some schools have minor subjects such as Art, Home Economics, Music, physical Education and Foreign Languages. Aside from these minor subjects, schools also offer different clubs and organizations that could attract every student’s various interests. This is where talents and skills begin to be honed. And every performance/ test is graded and evaluated by every teacher, in order to monitor the progress of every individual. People spend a certain amount of time within a school to fully develop and mold themselves into a versatile individual. As a student nears his completion of his studies, all the tasks gets challenging in the long run. This is to prepare themselves to the real world they are about to face. Yes, creativity is present all throughout their scholastic experience. It is very essential, as I may say.

Lastly, work sets quite a more challenging standard of creativity within the labor force. The individual now applies what he learns all throughout his academic experiences, and this is where one’s imagination and creativity is reflected. Creativity is needed in every little aspect of a work/company, so as to be able to produce a better outcome for the benefit of all. And yes, work does develop creativity. 

Since we’ve come to know that our home, school and work develops creativity, we are now ready to answer and look for ways on how to sustain creativity in a person or within a sector. How can school and work promote and concretely develop creativity in an individual?

There are a number of ways in which school and work can actually encourage everyone to become creative. According to Ed Catmull’s article, a group/ sector, may it be a school or work, should be able to empower creatives, create a peer culture, liberate communication/ have an open communication,craft a learning environment and get more out of post-mortems. These are quite general ideas of cultivating and strengthening creativity from an individual. And then I thought of a number of ways on how this can be concretely encouraged both in school and in work.

Here are as follows: 

1. Give trainings/ prepare programs for students and employees such as creativity workshops, art, music, baking appreciation and the like. These kinds of activities will nurture the curious minds of every individual, thus, making them learn more things that they can add as skills. Always remember that learning doesn’t stop when you are working. It is a process in which one is continuously engaged at, without age limit.

2. Have a daily dialogue with your people/ students. Having an open communication is one key to self motivation and thus, will make them more creative as they are inspired and not afraid of making mistakes. Let them speak up and prevent autonomy. 

3. Learn to take a risk. Schools can take a risk by trying out or venturing into a new and more innovative way of teaching and handling their students. By trisking something, they also imply that they are thinking of ways how to improve their service to the students. As for the work force, they should not be afraid of taking risk by hiring young and more dynamic employees because these types of employees have a fresher and optimistic way of handling work and challenges. Companies should veer away from the traditional way of handling people because limiting them could also mean that such a company is hindering them to form and create better output for their job.

4. Give rewards no matter what. Apply the positive reinforcement to your students and employees, even if they make a mistake or pitch in on a new customer. The key here is that one should appreciate and recognize the works of your people because even if they committed mistakes, they still worked hard for it. For example: When a basketball team in your school loses over a game, treat them out for lunch. As for the employees, when they get a big client and closed a deal, let them have a free day pass. These people will very much appreciate your simple act of kindness and in return, they will work hard even if the going gets tough.

These are just some of the concrete ways to encourage and develop creativity in school and work. It may not work with some, but it works on most of the types of people.As Ed Callum once said, Creativity must be present at every level of every artistic and technical part of the organization. Therefore, we should cultivate it in ways that will make it beneficial for us in the long run. :)

DESIGN OBSERVATION #3: SNOOP

For our last Design Observation activity, I chose the office space/ work area of my colleague, Sir Noel from the Visual Merchandise Department (VMD) of Rustan Marketing Corporation (RMK). I find him very interesting, apart from his being gay, he’s just the most adorable and most interesting person in our company.

 As I enter the kingdom of our Queen Bee, I instantly noticed his keepsakes from different countries. There was a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a koala holding the flag of Autsralia, stickers with the names of Las Vegas, Seattle, Florida, Singapore and CWC (Camsur Watersports Complex). There’s also this glass figurine of a globe on his desk! Well, just from these keepsakes, we can easily say that Sir Noel is such a globetrotter, an adventurous individual that loves going places! As I go over his work area, those memorabilias from different countries weren’t displayed for others to see. They are self-directed, probably because he enjoys reminiscing his getaways even if he’s at work. Also, his desktop background is a photo of himself with a beautiful view of Spain. And oh, you can also find in his desk a traveller’s book about Europe. He really must have enjoyed his recent trip to Spain!

There were also a number of religious items and images in his office space. Apparently, he’s surrounded with the images of Mother Mary, the crucifix. At the right side of his work area, you can find images of Mother Mary, with a novena booklet and a rosary. On his left side is a calendar with the image of Mother Mary as well. From this consistency, I think Sir noel is a devotee of the Virgin Mary—or, he is a very religious person.  

Working as the Visual Merchandising Manager for Rustan’s, he tracks his deadlines and meetings through a lot of ways. He has 2 desk clocks facing him, two different planners separated from each other: one placed right at his desk while the other one is placed near the outgoing and incoming shelf. He must be valuing time so preciously! Labeled with outgoing and incoming messages/ files, his tray isn’t cluttered. There were more or less 3-5 folders placed in the incoming messages tray. Probably he still hasn’t checked them yet

There were also a number of calendars in his area, one infront, two of them placed in both sides and the other one located at the back. Well, he must be really very responsible in following his meetings and deadlines! Probably because his department is the busiest among all the other departments!

 I also noticed that almost all of the things in his area have labels of his name and department on it. I think these identity claims of his are a mixture of self and others directed since the printer, CPU, monitor, keyboard, chair, thermos, and the like have labels on it. It could signify that Sir Noel values his things very well, thus ‘telling’ people that everything in his area is his and nobody can get a hold of them without his permission.

A handful of writing materials, mostly pencils of different sizes and colors can be found beside his computer monitor. I believe those writing materials are very essential for him since they do layouts and set-ups of the different booths for all of the brands that we have in our company. There were also some sticky notes beside his writing materials, probably to take not of his ideas and other office matters.

In his desk, you can also find a photo frame with a picture of him and his closest colleague in the office: Ms. Marlyn. They strike different poses, wacky, serious and the like. Together in the photo frame is a set of ‘earrings’ or was it a design for one of his set ups. It looks so classic and girly. One can easily say that this person is very fond of pretty and elaborate trinkets.

His chair is his comfort zone. Sir Noel placed two little pillows in his office chair. There were also 3 types of sweaters/ jackets hanging on his chair, probably because it was cold in his place. There was also a vacant chair on the left side near his table, so maybe he could entertain his ‘visitors’ and ‘clients’ anytime of the day.

There were some boxes and plastic and paper bags surrounding his desk. One of them is covered with a black cloth. The others, lie there untouched, and seem to be quite full of other things. There were also work materials such as scissors, mighty bond/ glue, double sided and mounting tape and the like. It clearly shows that they do set-ups and booths. Other office stuff included samples from our different brands such as Zero Frizz, Hawaiian Tropic, Hugo Boss and Philippe Charriol.

As I scanned through his other things, there were piles of magazines stacked up neatly near his desk. This can signify that he has broad interest aside from fashion and lifestyle. His playlists, just like the piles of magazines found near his desk, are a variation of different kinds of music. At present, he’s currently playing the latest songs, mostly Pop, Rock and RNB. He’s more into the feel good/ party music mood right now. Probably because of last week’s weekend, he’s still in the weekend mood.

Sir Noel’s things are somewhat orderly yet chaotic. He categorized his things according to its use. He grouped all his condiments in one side, his work and writing materials on the other side, his ‘junk’  at the far side of his table, his memorabilias on one side, his files beside his chair and an incoming and outgoing tray for his urgent tasks. It was cluttered but sill manageable. Note that his area is never dull; it’s full of life and color! Seems fun and comfy when you’re in his place!

There were a lot of things in his office space. It was very full, but it was organized.

Based from my observation of Sir Noel’s office space, I think his personality is a mix of Openness and Extraversion, with a little bit of Conscientiousness. With his profession and love for the arts, we can see his creative side through the things in his area: the materials that he has, all the little trinkets displayed as his inspiration for his projects. He is also very responsible and submits his work on time, even in advance, that gives him a bit of the conscientious personality. He is best depicted as an extrovert with the songs in his playlist: upbeat, modern and never boring. Sir Noel is a very busy person who made his office space a ‘kingdom’ so he could enjoy working even in the wee hours of the day.

If I were to give Sir Noel a gift, I would probably get him a travel bag! Since he is such an adventurous and sentimental person, and he really loves to travel, I bet that he’ll be ecstatic to get a travel bag which can accommodate a lot of things most especially his pasalubongs! Maybe then he could include me in his next trip—‘cos I can fit in his handy dandy yet mighty travel bag! Haha! Just kidding. Well I guess he’d probably appreciate receiving a travel bag from me even if he has a lot of things already. Well because it came from a person who really admires his personality and his creativity, and his love for travelling, the arts and also living his life to the fullest!

As defined in http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/554soap.html, “A soap is a mixture of sodium salts of various naturally occurring fatty acids. Air bubbles added to a molten soap will decrease the density of the soap and thus it will float on water. If the fatty acid salt has potassium rather than sodium, a softer lather is the result. Soap is produced by a saponification or basic hydrolysis reaction of a fat or oil.”

So there goes the geeky definition of the soap. In layman’s term, a soap is something people use to cleanse their face, body, clothes and the like. I bet everyone’s able to use a bar of soap or a liquid soap. It is a necessity for every human being existing in this world. 

Anyhow, I thought that this product perfectly fits the YUCK Observation for this class. Why? Well as everybody knows, a bar of soap can disinfect any part of your body— hands, feet, thighs, face, and the like. But have you ever thought that this certain product can actually do the opposite of its original purpose?

Let me give you a rundown of some of its contradictions:

PROs:

• Cleanses/ disinfects your body
• Gives a fresh feeling after taking a bath
• Makes you smell good
• Kills 99.9% of germs
• You can use it for your whole body

CONs:

• Spreads germs in your body
• Shared with everybody, therefore unsure if it really disinfects
• Some soap bars are not skin-friendly
• Germs can easily stay in the soap bar, when left

I know the points stated above are just simple contradictions, but haven’t you thought of these possibliities? Where does the germs go once an individual uses a bar of soap? Does a soap really disinfect once it is used? Will the soap be contaminated with bacteria once it is left open and unused, most especially at night? These are just some of the many questions that run in my mind everytime I use a bar of soap. But apparently, I can’t NOT use a soap. Well you know, hygiene purposes. 

So therefore I consider a soap as a YUCK product, even if it does cleanse us humans. I still use a bar of soap for hygiene purposes, even if I don’t know if bacteria is contaminated within the soap. I purchase a bar of soap even though some brands irritate my skin. 

I recently read a study about the use of a bar of soap, and it says that it does not spread germs when shared of use. I don’t think I’ll ever believe this study since bacteria is prevalent everywhere. Maybe I’m just sticking to my hygienic purposes and ethics that is why I’m still using a bar of soap even until now. 

Then I thought of using a liquid soap instead. Well the only difference between a liquid soap and a bar of soap is its form. One is a liquid, the other one is a solid. Basically they both disinfect and cleanse when used. And I think a liquid soap is physically appealing rather than a bar of soap, thanks to its packaging and pretty colors/design. Though liquid soaps are a bit more expensive than a bar of soap, I think spending a little bit for you and your family’s health and safety is worth it. 

I think it is about time for every individual to switch to using a liquid soap for a more hygienic, germ-free, less hassle, physically appealing and secured feeling of freshness and cleanliness. Not only it is safe and effective, but a liquid soap can also be cost efficient! Now say hello to liquid soap and bid bye-bye to a bar of soap! 

Mapping a Mind Map 

One of the main body organs in an individual is the brain, since this is where all the processing takes place. Just as every individual needs to rest and relax, the brain also seeks a time for leisure. All work and no play for the brain can bring disaster to the whole being of an individual.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been amazed with the concept of the brain— how it works. I was very curious of how the brain can actually ‘manipulate’ an individual, that’s why when I was introduced to the world of psychology during my first year in college, I almost wanted to shift course! But then again all I wanted was to answer the questions and all my curiosities about the mind, memory and the concept of how cognition affects an individual.

Upon reading Gilkey’s and Kilts’ Cognitive Fitness article, I found myself, once again, seeking for answers to my never ending questions about the brain. But one thing is commendable about their article. They did elaborate on the brain, how it functions and how it affects every individual, but they also discussed how to take good care of our brain. I think the information in the article can’t be found in any textbook since it doesn’t really technically and scholarly discuss the functionality of a brain. But I thought that this information also needs to be included in the textbook.

Anyways. Being cognitively fit requires a person to follow a specific regimen in order to achieve such. Just like doing aerobics to be physically fit, the mind/ brain also needs to follow certain measures to preserve the neurons and also to become wise. Of course, who would want to live having a damaged brain? It’s just like you have nothing to live for if you’re brain won’t work well.

So yeah the article discussed ways on how to achieve cognitive fitness. I must say they are simple and attainable, but I guess achieving such differs in every person.

That’s why I though of sharing my own brain and beauty regimen:

1. Be open to new learning

In this fast paced world that we live in, being left behind is just like not upgrading your laptop to a newer and faster version. Seeking and being open to something new makes our mind think more critically and would even develop some things that we thought we already developed. Say for example the use of computers. The earlier generations lived life without the computers, but since technology has been prevalent, they have to learn to operate a computer since most of the things now depend on computers or the technology. Those who refuse to operate such gets left behind and limits themselves to all other possibilities awaiting them. This analogy goes the same with being open to new learning. Individuals should not limit themselves to just a specific thing. Who would know, maybe your new learning can bring you to the path of success?

2. Don’t OVERTHINK

I am guilty of over thinking things that go my way. People always tell me that I shouldn’t think too much, like stop making things complicated when everything can be simplified. Yes, it is necessary to think— to much, but overthinking can lead you to stress, and stressing your mind can hamper the ‘health’ of your brain.

3. Learn how to RELAX.

Stress is one of the main facors why neurons easily deteriorate. According to a study, the brain stops producing neurons at the age of 21. So how can we ever possibly process everything when stress is just lurking around the corner? Might as well de-stress. Eat out, listen to a relaxing kind of music, explore nature, PRAY, and just clear your mind for everything. I try to relax every weekend, in preparation for another hectic week at work and school. Other things you can do to relax is to buy a coloring book and color it as long as you want to. In this way, your brain is relaxed even if you’re desiging or coloring something. Better yet, answer crossword puzzles, sodokus, and the like. Reading books can also relax your mind. There are a lot of other ways to clear your mind, so choose what best suites you :)

4. Try to look from a different perspective

Thinking critically means looking and understading the different perspectives of a given situation and the like. We are all confined to what we deem as right, but as far as we are concerned, there are also things that we think as wrong, but can  become possibly right. For example, when faced with a dilemma, try to understand the other side of the problem. In that way you can think of ways how to solve them, without missing out the necessary factors in the problem. This also gives you an opportunity for you to exercise your mind by practicing your critical thinking skills.

I believe that these 4 ways I have makes me an intelligent, wise and cognitively fit person. Following such a routine can greatly help your mind to develop further, making you in the loop for all the inevitable changes that this fast-paced lifestyle that we have. It does not only make a person cognitively fit, but it can also make a company and corporation progressive, in terms of dealing with people, your team, and all the challenges you encounter at work. Hopefully it can influence in achieveing the goals of each and everyone in this society.

With these ways, it helps your brain and mind to develop well, even after it stops producing neurons at the age of 21. :)

REFLECTION ENTRY #3: COGNITIVE FITNESS

Say CHEESE! *click*

One more time, wacky pose! 1,2,3! *click* *click* *click*

Photos Uploaded: 200 ++

Any event or occasion won’t be complete without taking pictures. And, it won’t be possible without the presence of a camera. It has been the nature of every Filipino (well not all but most of the people I know) to seize and capture the most important and unforgettable days, occasions, events and happenings of their lives by taking photographs. With the rise of the ever evolving high technology at present, taking digital photographs and keeping special memories are easier and more efficient. 

OUT WITH THE OLD!

I’m a very sentimental person. Hence, I always make it a point to keep a memorabilia of every event, occasion or simple gathering that I’ve attended or was part of. Simple notes of friends written in tissue papers, dedication notebooks, and even a used mcdo large fries container, paper mats, old uniforms with dedications on it is what I prey every time there is a get together or event. I started collecting those little memorabilias when I was in grade school. Until suddenly, I realized that keeping those stuff is such a mess. Just imagine a room containing all the rubbish I’ve collected from my grade school days up to my high school years. My room was one hell of a trash bin. I have to dispose them, or else, I’m building my own Payatas kingdom in my home. It was not an easy task to let go of all the keepsakes that I have. I tried to throw some of the really rubbish and nonsense things like candy wrappers given by my crush, the first origami I made, the broken and rusty keychain my bestfriend gave me before she migrated and the likes of it all. Some things I kept like that of the letters I received and photo albums with photographs of the most my unforgettable and younger days.

Good thing there were photographs. Photographs I could look over and over again as I reminisce those good old days. But these printed photographs quickly fade as time passes by. It can be easily misplaced or lost, any liquid can destroy it once something spills over it, and it can get burned and turn into ashes. And with this thought, I couldn’t imagine how to preserve memories without keeping all the trash and tearing them all into pieces.

IN WITH THE NEW!

Humans are incredibly smart, because they were able to invent something to keep our fond memories last longer than the traditional one—the birth of digital cameras. It was magnifique! Awesome! 

GOIN’ GAGA OVER A CAMERA

In the year 2000, I was able to get hold of my first digital camera— a Nikon. It was absolutely impressive! I can preview photos that I took over and over, without having to wait to be printed or ‘developed’. Over exposure of the film wasn’t a problem anymore because instead of using a film to store the images, a memory card was inserted which can accommodate up to a hundred photos! It was so cool! I used it to take photos during my high school days. It was absolutely fun because I get to preview it and save it on my personal computer too! Not only that, I was able to save more since I get to print it on my own, and not having to go visit a photo laboratory to develop it. This was such an impressive creation that everyone became so crazy in love with it. Every one started to purchase their own little bestfriend, so they can include themselves with the IN thing.

I never left home without my handy little companion with me. I almost used it everyday, taking photos of all the craziness in me and of my friends. even the simplest lunch out and just bumming around the school were not missed! My handy dandy camera can store up to 300+ photos, that’s why my friends and I enjoy taking pictures of everything under the sun. But this hobby of taking pictures was hampered all of a suddens since it got broken. I thought that was the end of everything.

HELLO OLYMPUS, WELCOME TO MY LIFE!

So yeah my dad decided to purchase a new camera after waiting for how many months of no digital camera usage at all! That was tough, most especially when there were special occasions and parties that I really wanted to take pictures of. Surprisingly, my dad bought not just a simple camera— but a camera that’s shock and water proof: OLYMPUS  µTough-8000! Oh what joy it is to be able to own a camera with the best features among all the cameras out there!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

• Waterproof to a depth of 10 metres*1

Every aspect of this camera’s construction has been optimized to maximize its resistance to water pressure, enhancing the overall level of waterproof performance and allowing it to be safely used for underwater shooting without an underwater case. From diving and snorkelling to surfing and water-skiing, the µTough-8000’s superior waterproof characteristics make it the ideal choice.

I felt very proud because I’m one of the very few who has that kind of camera, where I can literally submerge it in water! At first I was afraid of trying it, but then my dad was the one who tried it first. And voila! Nothing happened to my camera! Just last summer, my friends and I tried to take pictures of our summer escapades. My friend, who didn’t believe that the camera can actually withstand water, tried to take underwater pictures of us in the beach! After taking a couple of pictures, she was amazed and did not stop taking pictures during our entire beach getaway. 

• Shockproof at heights up to 2 metres*3

One more thing I like about my Olympus  µTough-8000 camera is its shock proof feature.  Since I am a very clumsy person, I’m pretty much at peace whenever my camera falls off from somewhere. “Made from high-rigidity material in the outer finish and a shock-absorbing mechanism to protect the lens unit from impacts, the camera structure is strong enough to withstand the impact of dropping from a height of 2 metres.” Pretty much impressive, since no other camera brand offers this one of a kind feature!

• Low temperature resistance to -10°C*4

Although I haven’t really tried this one yet since the temperature here in our country doesn’t go below 20°C, my dad can attest that this camera can also withstand even the coldest weather on earth— snow!

•  Dual Image Stabilization and has 12 Megapixels

With its Dual Image stabilization, this camera lessens taking blurry photos, even when you are running or on a rough road. With its 12 Megapixels, you can take photos as clear and as sharp as you can see it in your own eyes.

• Has a manometer for easy air and water pressure checking

 When I learned that this camera can be submerged in water, I got a little hesitant about it since I didn’t know the limitation of it being dipped into water. Good thing they optimized this manometer feature in this camera, a first among all the cameras. From here, I’m not at all scared of breaking the camera since I can check whether I;m close to the point of actually going over the limit of this camera.

Other notable features of this camera include: face detection of up to 15 people, different and customizable scene settings depending on the environment or use of camera, has a very impressive video capability, a rechargeable battery, tap control for easier access even underwater, increased internal memory of 45MB and removable microSD memory card. This camera can store up to 5000++ photos, and 1 and 1/2 hour of videos. This is definitely the best invented camera in the planet with all these features all in one!

—-

The features of all digital cameras can vary brand per brand. But one thing is common in them, every single digital camera can be uploaded, stored and printed easily in your own personal computer or laptops. The only thing that differs among them all is that it gets to be upgraded or enhanced quite as often. One way of choosing the best and the most worth it digital camera is its durability and efficiency. You can have the best camera, the indestructible one, amidst the pressure and all whatnots, but see to it that it provides clear images because it is the images and the memory of that certain moment, that shot, that matters. One can veer away from all the uneccesary features which can be manually manipulated using different softwares such as enhancing/ beautifying the image.

With a digital camera at your service, you’ll be able to preserve still life images and memories in this digital world we live in. Definitely no reason to forget every single birthday, lunch out, prom night and the like. With the Olympus µTough-8000, you can reminisce every unforgettable memory without building your own trash empire!

DESIGN OBSERVATION #1: WOW

OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH-8000: A PREVIEW

Reflection Entry 2: How can we concretely develop Gardener’s Five Minds for the Future?

Photographs conceal all the most cherished and unforgettable moments in a person’s life, giving way to a reminiscent future that lies beneath. When we say future, people tend to get a bit scared and defensive, primarily because they don’t want to be caught unguarded by such fact. Because the future holds the unknown, and what people hold on to are the memories of the past and all the other experiences, we yearn for something concrete that we can hold which we will never lose sight of— just like the photographs.

Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future holds exactly the same truth. According to his presentation, in order for a person to survive in this world full of changes and surprises, one should possess these five minds: disciplined, synthesizing, creating, respectful and ethical. Without these five minds, a person won’t surpass the challenges life has to offer. But how do we develop these five minds for the future? That is the question left unanswered.

There are a lot of possibilities to answer this question. And it all boils down to every person— how to face this ever pervading reality. In the light of technological advancements, cultural and climate change, and all the inevitable transformation in this unpredictable world, there are still a number of concrete ways to develop Gardner’s Five Minds for the future. Let me give you a few of them.

Since every individual should be able to think and learn creatively, all the necessary knowledge, talents and skills should be honed to the core. Meaning, this kind of learning of the disciplined and creative mind should be honed at a very early age, with the full support of the family. People should be aware that whatever it is that we learn during the earlier years strengthen the foundation of an individual. Hence, Both the academics and the creativity side of every individual should be equally given attention to both in the school and home setting. For example, one is passionate for a certain subject such as the sciences or mathematics. Sometimes, family members hinder their child from achieving and honing their mental and intellectual skills and capacities to a full extent because they do not support their child. Instead, they would make the kid believe that he is better of in doing English or music for the reason that they are frustrated professors and the like. Same goes in the school setting since some (and not all) teachers religiously stick to the traditional teacher-student relationship, when in fact, not conforming to the traditional norms is far more effective than the usual one. I guess reviving and revising the school curriculum and policies would best develop a disciplined and creative mind. 

To be able to synthesize means that a person is able to filter out the necessary information and whatnots amongst the various choices and facts surrounded in him. I believe that the best way to develop a synthesized mind is to make themselves aware of everything that surrounds him, and later on provide him with the insights that could help a person think critically and filter out the necessary information. 

The respectful and ethical mind, lastly, reflects the critical thinking skills of an individual. Basically the best way to develop these is to openly accept and appreciate all the experiences, decisions and challenges a person encounters in his entire lifetime. One should also see the other perspective of thinking so as not to miss out on the necessary and important values and beliefs that people believe in. Some people easily give up when faced with all the confusion and complications in life. But to further develop  this skill, and as described by Sir Howard Gardner, people should learn to think, look and act different, and have a different set of beliefs and value systems because we live in a diverse world composed of diverse people with different values, beliefs and characteristics. 

Just like in taking photographs, one should be able to learn how to take a picture: how to focus the lens on a specific subject, change the settings as needed, take a shot of that specific subject, choose among all the shots and publish the image as soon as it is developed. This process of taking photographs is basically the same like that of developing the five minds of the future because everything should be done with passion and enthusiasm. 

With just one click, and with a series of shots for a subject when taking a photograph, one is able to develop the necessary skills in photography. And as time and as one practices this skill, there is no doubt that he will develop fully the five minds for the future.  

With the help of these five minds, we are all bound to develop not only for our sake, but for the sake of all the human living coexisting in this world filled with different subjects and possibilities. 

During my childhood days, and as far as I can remember, I was enrolled in an art class other than my pre-school. As I vividly as I can remember, I enjoyed drawing mountains, colorful flowers and painting different things I see around. We even made a shirt using different kinds of art materials such as watercolors, paint and different colors of glue! Oh what joy it is as I meticulously design and just do whatever I want for that project. But then I stopped, for the reason I can’t remember at all.

But all the creative juices from my wide range of imagination didn’t stop pouring out after that incident. The walls in our humble abode were constantly being vandalized by yours truly and my younger sister. In special occasions, we would surprise our parents and relatives with simple cards that we carefully and passionately made with love, and at times, we would sneak out to my mom’s room and try all of her clothes and put her shoes and make-up on. There were also times that we would just turn the radio on, slip in the cassette tape of our favorite band and sing and dance along with them. Those were the best days of my childhood life— despite all the noise, vandalism, trash and whatnots, my parents, most especially my mom, didn’t stop me and my sister from all our crazy little antics when we were just a kid.

I joined various clubs when I entered grade school. I became a part of the art club for almost 3 years, needle and thread club for about 2 years and the Japanese and math club for a year. As I entered high school, I became a member of the volleyball team and the glee club. College made me even more aware of how creativity can be used as an advantage, most especially with the course that I took—Communication Arts. Miriam College, my beloved alma mater, trained me to become a versatile and equally competitive individual in all aspects of life. Not only are we trained academically, our talents, imaginations and critical thinking skills were nurtured. Thus, it made me who I am today.

Come to think of it, I never thought of myself as a creative junkie. But it shows that even in my earlier years, I was honed to become the creative person that I am. Surely, my extra-curricular activities during my grade school and high school years focused on the arts and the creatives, but my school did not stop me from developing only my creative side. I owe it to them for what I am right now—the jack of all trades. Singing, dancing, acting, and of course let’s not forget about the intelligence, I believe that both my school and my family were able to balance the arts and the academics.

As per Ken Robinson’s article, I believe in what he said that “A balanced education gives equal weight to the arts, the sciences, math and the humanities, and recognizes the many ways in which they can feed into and enrich each other”. Look at Bill Gates and all the most successful businessmen, professionals or individuals all over the world. Bill Gates didn’t even finish school, yet he was able to conceptualize and make something big as the Microsoft. He became successful even without him completing his education. But how come he succeeded? It is primarily because he was honed by his family to think creatively, make deeper connections and understand what life is about to offer him.

So, where did all the creative juices come from? It’s like the undying question: Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? I guess it depends on the person answering the question. But for me, it all boils down to the family, and the academic institution should equally nurture it all together.

Hello Philippines, Hello world!

My name is Suzzane Ann A. Andaya, or call me Suzie for short.

I was born on March 28, 1988 and is the eldest child of my mother and father (whom I love so dearly). My younger sister is currently enrolled as a 3rd year college student taking up Creative Writing in Filipino at the University of the Philippines while my baby brother is a 4th grader at San Beda College-Taytay.

I studied from pre-school up to college at Miriam College (just beside Ateneo de Manila University). I used to wear those green skirts partnered with a beige blouse, also known as the inverted tree, because we do really look like one! Anyways. Enough about my educational background.

People call me in different names. Some call me Suzzane as I was fondly called during my gradeschool years. Then came high school when I became Suzie. Come college, people started calling me Suze, omitting the ‘Zie’. My family call me ‘Zen’ at home for the reason that it was a girl version of my father’s name (which I can’t really see the similarity between Zosimo and Suzzane). Others would call me ‘Zie’, because they said it was shorter. Nevertheless, whatever you call me, I’d gladly respond. But please do not call me Ann. (That’s just so not me).

Friends. It has never been really hard for me to create and establish new relationships that eventually turned to friendships. With a number of peer groups in my lifetime, I am proud to say that I am blessed to have the best persons in my life. Azure is my grade school barkada composed of 11 pretty girls; Fishies, on the other hand is a different peer group composed of 5 over-achievers from different fields; Oreads is my singing group of friends from the glee club with 16 of us in it. Then came college, where I had the most number of group of friends, from different courses and year levels. I have my mestizas composed of charm, joan and me; the bbs (barbarians) made of 7 crazy individuals who love to eat and just be happy, my dear beermates from the student council and my saturday group which I cherish so much :)

Chocolates, and anything sweet do make me hyper. I enjoy chilling out with friends, catching up with them, sharing stories and just basically spending time with them. And oh, I also love slumber partys and partying all night! I study and work hard, but I do know how to party harder.

My friends say that I am the most random and talkative person they’ve met in their entire lifetime (Okay that was just an exaggeration, but you get the picture). Now I don’t even know how to end this blog entry. I feel like I have a lot of things to share! People call it mood swings, I call it impulse. I am best described as spontaneous and unpredictable, but that’s just really me.. enjoying the time of my life. You won’t see me cry. Unless you really hit me to the core.

And i do love to travel. Exploring places, things and the unknown fulfill all the questions running in my mind. I do ask a lot of things. And I do enjoy learning. It just makes me feel so.. strong!

There are a lot of things I want to share in this blog entry, but I guess making it a little longer will bore everyone else. Maybe I’ll just post more stuff about myself. For the meantime, this would be good. At least you get a picture of me— the crazy Suzie that I am.

Hello everyone and welcome to the color-coded adventures of my world— a hodgepodge of everything you can imagine. Come and let’s add more color to my wonderful life, and I’ll make sure to paint in yours, too!