LISTENING “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” –Bryant Mcgill When I was at the age of the students I have been with during my field study, I wasn’t that aware of actually doing listening. It is true that listening can be the hardest due to many barriers around us but the depth of listening isn’t on how well we can hear through ears but on how well we understand by heart. Through the ages, I realized that this isn’t merely a skill. It is also a choice. Listening to me is a powerful ability that enables many to be respectful to other people, even with a stranger. Listening is where anyone can not only take whatever he will perceive but most importantly give other people consideration and compassion. It might be small thing for others, but massive for those who seek for it. Trying to listen to what other has to say has been one of my personal principles as what my elders have taught me and how I hoped to be learned by the youth today. So I’ve been grateful to have an opportunity to observe how the students use listening efficiently and effectively in the classroom.

READING
“Reading can be a man’s deepest pleasure. It extends his experiences, giving him a glimpse of the world’s excitement, pleasure, and wisdom.” –Virgil Howes I once shared to my former teacher-instructor that I am a bit pressured to my chosen profession because I’m not that into books. I’ve been told that not every one of us is born a reader. I learned that no matter how you wanted one thing, it demands something for you to accomplish. And no one says it is as easy as cooking an instant noodles. It requires hard work and sacrifice whether you like it or not. I don’t know why but I knew when I was young, that I really love to read books. I can still remember the time I discovered how to pronounce several letters by myself and the rest was taught by my Aunt in our province. Back when I was in high school, I even finished a series of 62 pocketbooks I borrowed from my friend. But whenever my teachers asked us to read a story or passage in our textbooks, I felt forced to.
It became a bad habit to me because I just read anything that I want to, even today. I feel obligated to read anything that some of my professors asked us. Mostly, I just skim and scan. I even got scolded by one of our professor for not delivering my report well about The Republic of Plato. The reason was I didn’t bother to read the entire book of 10 long parts with words that only some would understand. As usual, I only skim and scan and read some reviews and explanations of the book and that’s what I based on my report. When it comes to the interrogation part of the panel discussion, I cannot fully answer the question I was asked to. And that was the time I was rebuked on how important reading is. Now, I am learning to love literature. It has been repeatedly taught since the very beginning and I am getting familiar with the beauty of it.