chapter 10

CHAPTER 3.2

“Since we don’t have no remaining time left, be ready for the quiz! Goodbye, 10 Locsin!” He leaves our classroom and Ma’am Pescadero---our English teacher entered.

“Okay, good morning 10 Locsin! As I said yesterday, you’re going to present your assignment in front of the class. I will call random students using your index cards!” thanks to God I didn’t forget to do my assignment yesterday. But the only problem is I’m not prepared.

“Okay you’ll be the first, Manalo” and we looked at Cecil’s direction.

“Ma’am sorry but I don’t have an assignment,” she said quietly.

“Why? Why you don’t have an assignment?” Ma’am asked calmly.

“Ma’am I forgot to do it” Cecil answered like she’s a stray cat.

“That’s not an excuse huh? You will be zero in both performance task and assignment” Ma’am Pescadero wrote something on Cecil’s index card using her red ballpen.

“Next... Velarde?” I sighed deeply because I’m not the next presenter.

“Ma’am she’s absent!” my classmate answered and my heart beats fast again. The teacher marks Velarde’s index card as an absent.

“Next will be, Verdetto” and my chest starts more aggressively because of the nervousness and tension.

“You can do it, girl!” Gedie cheers me. Even I’m not prepared, I don’t have any choice. I need to present or else, I’ll be failing this subject. I brought my yellow pad and I went in front.

“Good Morning Ma’am Pescadero. Good Morning classmates! I’m here to discuss my perspective about the Effects of Mobile Phones in Studying.” I greeted. I sighed deeply and I started reading my essay.

“We are living in the 21st Century which is technology is modern. Some schools already implemented their modern learning program. Some private schools use a tablet or mobile phone for their modules. In just one click, you can access all your modules. You don’t need to bring it every day and it makes the student’s life at ease. We can help our nature because we don’t need to consume a lot of trees to make it a paper. But some students prefer using a book because gadgets can be distracting while they are studying. And if you’re not a meticulous student, there are risks and possibilities that you will get false information and not a credible article. Not everything posted on social media is legit and accurate. But for me, gadgets are helpful in our studies but use them in moderation. Thank you!” and my classmates clap at me.

“Wow, nice Argumentative Essay. On-point and each side is delivered equally.” The teacher said.

“So, this is the time where your classmates will critic your essay. Who would like to volunteer” Ma’am asked the class but no one is raising their hand. But suddenly, one student raised his right hand. It’s Gio.

“Oh Gio, what would you like to say?”

“Ma’am his essay is innovative. But my concern is where he takes sides. For me, the effects of using gadgets in studying are the big factor why students are distracted from studying. Since our phone has notification alerts, there are chances while you are reviewing, some notifications will pop on your screen. We can’t ignore it because it makes us curious. And my second concern is not all the students can afford gadgets and not all the places here in the Philippines have a signal covered by our network providers. Not all people have money to use mobile data either. Sorry not sorry but I’m against your stance.” Gio explained and he seated.

“Hmm, you have a point,” Ma’am Pescadero said.

“But Ma’am as I said, we can use our gadgets in studying but in moderation. Our cellphones have a do not disturb function. Better use it. And for his second concern... ahhmmmm---” Ma’am amputated me where I’m supposed to explain further.

“Okay, I got your point, Lewis. Yes, gadgets can help students in studying. It’s up to the students if they want to be bothered. But the point here is not all students in the Philippines have the privilege to buy gadgets. They prefer to buy food first before anything else. But your essay is good! Good job!”

“But Ma’am---” I’m trying to defend my side but Ma’am calls another student to present their work.

“Mr. Homber Giovanni Kardenies” Gio stood up and headed in front. We converged and he smirks at me. A devilish smirk.

He started to introduce.

“Good Morning everyone. I’m here in front of you to present my essay.”

“Implementing K-12 in the Philippines started in the year 2013 and our former President Benigno Aquino III approved the Republic Act 10533 or the Enhance Basic Education Law. He signed it and in that year is the first Batch of K-12. Some countries have also this law. Mostly in European Countries. In the K-12 program, there is a lot of academic curriculum to be chosen by the students. This added 2 years in studying can lead the students with their preferred course in college. Yes, there are disadvantages to this program in everyone. First, another 2 years of studying instead the students are automatically college freshmen. Another expense for the families who can’t afford to send their children to school. But for me, this K-12 program will be helpful especially to those students who still not ready and undecided on what course they will take in college. At least we have another 2 years to think. Thank you!” students clapped at Gio.

All he said has sense but I don’t want him to be outstanding. Duh!!! He ruined my presentation.

“Hmm. Nice topic! Your essay is direct to the point.” Ma’am Pescadero said while smiling.

“Who has any problems, violent reactions, or concerns about Mr. Giovanni’s essay,” asked Ma’am. This is my chance.

I raised my hand and my classmates looked at me.

“Ma’am I have something to clarify.”

“Oh, what is it?”

“Some students or let’s say some families can’t afford to send their children in school for another 2 years!”

“Our government will give subsidies or vouchers for private and public students. 17, 500 pesos for public junior high school completer and 14,500 for private. If those students want to study in a private school in Senior High School, automatically their tuition fee will be deducted based on what type of school they finished junior high school. If you don’t have any choice or let’s say you can’t afford private school even you have a voucher, there are still public schools that offer free enrolment. Just like us. You need to submit all the requirements they need and no need for cash to be enrolled.” Gio explained thoroughly.

Of course, I need to fight back.

“So, what’s the sense of subjects in SHS if we need to take it again in College,” I asked.

“For me, it will be helpful for us. Another knowledge we will encounter. And for that case, CHED and DepEd already discussing that. The mirroring subject” He added.

Okay, I think there’s no fight since his topic is good. Though I just find some holes I didn’t think well. I’m not against K-12. I’m just testing his capabilities.

“Hmm. You know what guys, K-12 is an opportunity for the students who are still not decided on what course they will take in college. And as far as I know, each strand has a major subject which will develop your skills and you will define what course suits you in college. Yes, it’s expensive but it will give you additional knowledge that you can use for your future” Ma’am said. Gio seated to his chair with a smirk in his face.

“So pass your assignments in front. We will be having an activity. I’m going to group you in 5. Count 1-5.” Ma’am said and we started head counting.

“3” 

“Okay. Go to your corresponding place in 3...2...” We stand up and went to our respective groups. I got shocked when Gio came to our group.

“You’re here?” I asked him

“Yes but it seems like you don’t want?” he said in a cold and sarcastic voice. I smiled at him ironically. 

“Okay class you’re going to make a Persuasive Essay. A persuasive essay is more convincing and encouraging.” Ma’am Pescadero explained.

“Get a paper individually and write your own ideas,” I told my groupmates and they followed my command.

“What will be our topic?” Gio asked me.

“Families should spend more time together?” I said. He thinks for a while then he answered me.

“Great. Should we start?” he asked and I nodded.

Minutes later, Gio and I finished our essays. I looked at my group member's works. 

“Hey? You guys didn’t write anything?” I asked frustratedly. 

“We’re having a hard time constructing English essays. We’re not like you and Gio” one of my classmates said.

“O my gosh that was basic English but you can’t compose? What are you going to do when SHS came?” I said stressfully. I can’t take their attitudes!

“Just let them since we can’t force anyone. Let’s just present your and my work.” Gio replied calmly and I don’t have any choice.

We are the last presenter in front. My brain is now drained because of English.

Most of the groups are very creative and cutthroat. They have a stance though it’s Persuasive essay. But you know what, you’ll be convinced of what they’re saying.

“Okay the last group, Group 3” me and Gio stand and went in front.

“Good morning classmates! This is the presentation of Group 3. I am Homber Lewis Verdetto”

“I am Homber Giovanni, and we are the group 3!” -Gio

“The topic we chose is Families should spend more time together. The secret of being a strong and unified family is to have time for each other. First, Appreciation. Being a member of a family, we should learn how to appreciate each other’s efforts. Even small or big things appreciate it. Second, Communication. Talk to each other about big issues as well as small issues. Listen to all opinions and keep your communication optimistic. Lastly, Time Together. Mealtime can be considered as bonding or during mealtime, you can talk about your plans such as vacation, shopping, or watching a movie together.” I said.

Now, Gio’s turn.

“For me, not all the family members have time for each other especially when they’re in the stage of adulting. Some want to be independent and don’t want to rely on their family. They want to stand up on their own feet. Some parents are busy with their job and couldn’t get a chance to check their kids. For me---” Gio interrupted when Ma’am suddenly spoke.

“Wait. Your essay’s flow became different. This is not an argumentative essay. I asked for Persuasive but gave me an Argumentative. You should present it next meeting. Fix it first. It looks like you have misconception” Ma’am came out of our classroom. I immediately asked Gio what happened to his work. Take note, we argued later while doing this.

“What happened?” I asked him irritated. I just want to rest!

“This is my opinion” he answered sparingly.

“Yes, that’s your opinion. But we need to persuade the audience!!! Then you will negatively encourage them? You’re making my head hurts.” I answered angrily and went back to my seat to rest. I’m so stressed because my brain is drained, lack of sleepy, and I’m tired also.

*The next day*

Because of my stress yesterday, as soon as I got home, I slept until morning.

I didn’t attend classes today because we have papers to fix with my family. I’m currently eating my breakfast when a notification from messenger pops.

1 notification from Messenger. It’s Gio.

Gio: You’re not going to school?

I frowned as I read his message.

Lou: yes, we have something to fix with my fam.

Gio: How about the English reporting?

I think deeply and I remember we’re not done yet there.

Lou: I’m going to send you my opinion with a deep explanation. But if you do not want my positive opinion, you will take care of it. You can use your work. 

A few seconds later and he responds.

Gio: Just go to class! Let your family do it. Accompany me while reporting.

I laughed at what I read

Lou: This is important! You can do it!

And I send it to him and he reacted a heart on my message that made me smile again

“Why you’re smiling?” My sister asked me.

“Nothing! You’re ruining my moment” I said while laughing and I continued eating.