As far as I can remember our course for today is Gender and Society which is very early in the morning! It's already 7:30 AM and wala pa si ma'am!!!
"Ganiyan ba? First day na first day wala! Hanep," reklamo ko pa habang naka-off ang mic ko. I didn't mention to you guys that we're now having online class since our rooms aren't prepared yet, also some universities are on online class as well. We were informed that for the entire semester we will be having this online class, however for some of our courses such as PE and NSTP if it's necessary to meet physically or our instructor required us to go to the university.
"Hello, hello class. Am I audible?" biglang may nagsalita sa loob ng google meet. Instructor na ata namin 'to.
"Yes ma'am, you're audible po," sagot ng isa sa mga kaklase ko na hindi ko kilala.
"Okay okay that's good to hear. I would like to apologize for coming so late since we don't have internet connection here. Time check is 7:36 AM, so since konti nalang naman yung oras natin and I'm sure you have other subject, and hindi padin kayo nakapag-breakfast. Kindly prepare introduction for yourself, including name, age, location, and why did you take this program. You will be presenting that on Wednesday since MWF is our schedule. That's all class, thank you for now. If you have any question you may raise your virtual hand on the meet and I'll answer it one by one."
I stayed on the meet since I have some few questions in regards with this course.
"Oh Mr. Echo, do you have any question in mind?" tanong pa nito kasi I raised my virtual hand.
"Ah yes ma'am, about this course what are some of the most common misconceptions about gender that you hope to address in this course and why? So that we have some ideas as well," tanong ko. I think most of my classmates are still here and would like to hear for those who wanted to ask question.
"Oh that's intriguing question, about this course for the most common misconception that I would like to address is one of the most prevalent misconceptions is the idea that gender is strictly binary—limited to just male and female—based solely on biological sex. In this course, we'll explore how gender is actually a complex and fluid spectrum, shaped by social, cultural, and individual factors. Another common misconception is that gender roles are 'natural' or 'fixed,' when in reality, they are socially constructed and can vary greatly across different cultures and time periods. Additionally, many people believe that gender identity is something that should align perfectly with societal expectations, which can marginalize those who don't fit into these norms. We will challenge these ideas and encourage critical thinking about how gender intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, class, and sexuality."
"I see—," hindi ko na natapos dahil...
"A further misconception that we'll address is the assumption that gender identity should conform to societal expectations, which can marginalize or invalidate those who don't fit neatly into these norms. This course will explore the experiences of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals, helping us understand the importance of respecting and validating all gender identities. We'll also discuss how these rigid expectations can negatively impact people's mental health and well-being, and the ways in which society can become more inclusive and supportive," dagdag pa ni ma'am. Hindi na muna kami nagsalita kasi baka mahina lang ang internet connection ni ma'am, at ayun nga nagdagdag pa siya.
"Finally, another common misconception is the idea that issues of gender are only relevant to women. This overlooks the fact that everyone, regardless of their gender, is impacted by societal gender norms. We'll explore how these norms affect men, women, and non-binary individuals differently, and how understanding gender is crucial for addressing broader social justice issues, including those related to race, class, and sexuality. I hope that by the end of this course, you'll be able to see gender not as a simple category, but as a complex and dynamic aspect of human identity that intersects with many other dimensions of life. Did I answer your question Mr. Ethan?" tanong nito sa akin.
"Yes ma'am also thank you for that detailed explanation. It's interesting to think about how much of what we consider 'normal' in terms of gender is actually shaped by society rather than being innate. I hadn't really thought about how different cultures might have completely different ideas about what it means to be masculine or feminine. I'm also really interested in learning more about how gender intersects with other aspects of identity, like race and class, and how that affects people's experiences," grabe ang english ng bakz, medyo nawalan ako nang hininga sa english ko shems!
"One thing I'm curious about is how we can challenge these deeply ingrained gender norms in our daily lives. It seems like even small actions could make a difference, but it also feels overwhelming to try and change something so embedded in society. What are some practical steps we can take to be more inclusive and supportive of diverse gender identities in our communities?" dagdag ko nalang kasi gusto ko pa ma enlighten para naman sulit ang pag-gising ko ng maaga.
"Great question! To challenge ingrained gender norms, start by educating yourself and others, using inclusive language, and challenging stereotypes. Support inclusive policies, be an ally, and create safe spaces for diverse gender identities. Reflect on your own biases and engage in community initiatives. Small, everyday actions can drive significant change over time," sagot ni ma'am sa huling tanong ko.
"Thank you so much po ma'am for the enlightenment, I really appreciate it po. Bye po ma'am see you po sa next meeting," paalam ko pa tsaka ako nag-leave sa class kasi hindi ako interesado sa mga tanong ng kaklase ko.
Time check is 7:49 AM, bumaba na muna ako nang mabilisan para kumuha ng umagahan. Kape, at ang ulam ay tuyo lamang for today's class. While waiting sa next class ay nag-tiktok na muna ako pampatanggal buryo habang kumakain na rin hehe.
Hindi ko namalayang 8:16 AM na pala dahil nasiyahan ako sa panonood sa tiktok, dali-dali kong binuksan ang gmeet ko at tumingin sa GC kung meron bang nag-send ng gmeet link. Kinopya ko nalang ang code tsaka ako nag-enter sa gmeet na 'yon. Nag-antay ako ng ilang segundo at nakapasok na ako.
"...and ang pinaka-ayaw ko sa lahat dito sa klase ko ay yung mga late pumasok. Class please remember that nasa bahay lang kayo, you need to be mindful of the time of your class schedule. Also don't treat this class as an easy one, walang course na easy-easy lang. Pwera nalang kung kamag-anak niyo si Einstein," bungad ni ma'am sa akin nang makapasok na ako sa class niya.
*Shet unang araw napahiya ako doon ah, heto na naman tayo sa minor course na pa feeling major! Grrr sobrang sira na talaga ng araw ko!!* reklamo ko nalang sa isipan ko at nakinig na sa mukhang 'tong balasubas naman. Wala lang, naiinis lang talaga ako, pasensya. Well, wala naman na akong magagawa, babawi nalang ako sa mga recitations and quizzes.
"Now since I have already Introduced myself and you are still first year I want everyone to introduce yourself. Who wants to volunteer or I'll call your name?" buti nalang ma'am tinanong mo kami kung sino gusto mag volunteer. Nag-raise kaagad ako ng virtual hand ko at tinawag naman kaagad ako ni ma'am.
"A pleasant morning to each and everyone inside this meeting, I'm Ethan, a 17-year-old science geek from Davao City. My motto is Knowledge is power, but curiosity is the key. I believe that the world is a fascinating place full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and science is the best way to explore them.
I've always been drawn to the natural world and the way things work. From dissecting frogs in biology class to building robots, science has been a constant passion of mine. That's why I'm taking BSED-Science: to share my love for science with others and inspire the next generation of curious minds," proud ko pang sabi tsaka ko mi-nute yung mic ko.
"That's a fantastic introduction, Ethan! Your passion for science and your desire to share that knowledge with others are admirable. Your motto, 'Knowledge is power, but curiosity is the key,' is a great reminder of the importance of both learning and exploring.
I'm excited to see how your enthusiasm translates into your teaching practice. Remember, effective teachers are able to spark curiosity in their students and guide them on their own learning journeys, understand?" comment pa ni ma'am at natuwa naman ako doon.
"Yes po ma'am, I understand," tugon ko nalang at yung ibang mga classmate ko naman ang nag introduce sa mga kaniya-kaniya nilang sarili.
While observing my classmate, someone pique my interest and his name is Kael. He's so fluent when speaking however there's a lot of fillers in it. Among us except me, he's the one stood out more because on how he speak and how he deliver his words. I think he's working in a BPO industry base on his speech earlier.
"Kael, that's impressive! Your fluency in English is a great asset, especially as a future social studies teacher. Your experience in the BPO industry has clearly helped you develop strong communication skills. I'm excited to see how you apply these skills to your teaching practice. Remember, effective teachers are able to connect with their students on a personal level and engage them in meaningful discussions."
"Yes ma'am, and also I actually didn't mention that I am working in a call center however you're actually correct."
"Well, base on how you deliver your words I doubt you're not one of them since I've been there working in a call center field. Overall, all of you are impressive. I really thought that this generation is declining because of the help of AIs and so on and so forth. Clap your hands everyone for making this far, I welcome all of you to this class The Teaching Profession. I hope everyone will participate, thank you and see you next meeting."
Natapos na lahat ng klase ko para sa araw na 'to na puro pagpapakilala lang, I'm sure bukas pagpapakilala na naman ulit since iba na naman ang course tomorrow.
The Next Day
"Good morning, everyone! I am your professor for this course Earth Science. Btw I am sir Evan, and for today I will just give overview in regards with this course. We will not proceed to introducing yourselves because I do intend to memorize all your name through your participation, am I clear class?"
"Yes sir," tugon ng lahat sa bagong prof na pumasok.
"By the way, just for everyone's information. This is your major course and hindi din ako nag pa introduce kasi 16 lang naman kayo, so without further ado, let's start," nag pause muna si sir for about 30 seconds and nagsimula na naman siyang magsalita.
"Imagine a world without mountains, oceans, or even the air we breathe. Can you picture it? Earth Science is the study of how our planet came to be and how it continues to evolve. It's like a detective story, but instead of solving crimes, we're unraveling the mysteries of our own home," pagsisimula ni sir at na shakira naman kami dahil sa thought provoking na words niya.
"Why should we care about Earth Science? Well, it affects everything we do! From the weather we experience to the resources we use, Earth Science plays a crucial role in our lives. By understanding our planet, we can better appreciate its beauty, protect its resources, and prepare for future challenges," he continued and pause for awhile.
"I've always been curious about how the Earth works. Learning about Earth Science could help me understand the world around me better," Juno Yambao said.
"I didn't realize how much Earth Science affects our daily lives. Knowing more about it could help us make better decisions about how we use resources and protect the environment," Veda Gatus shared.
Hindi naman ako nagpatinag at nag question rin ako.
"How do we ensure that we have enough resources to meet the needs of a growing population, and how does Earth Science play a role in resource management?" Oh pak sino ka diyan? Medyo kinabahan naman ako dahil baka masabihan akong pabida eh curious lang naman ako.
"Great question, Ethan, and by the way thanks for sharing your thoughts Juno and Veda. So, to answer your question Ethan imagine Earth as a giant treasure chest filled with resources like gold, oil, and water. Earth scientists are like treasure hunters, exploring the planet to find these resources and make sure we use them wisely. They help us find new sources, use them without running out, and even discover alternative treasures that won't run out. So, Earth Science is like being a superhero for our planet, ensuring we have everything we need without ruining our home! Interesting, right?" sagot ni sir at tumugon naman kaming lahat. Mas nagiging interesado at invested na tuloy ako sa course na'to, anggaling pakinggan ni sir.
"To continue, this course covers Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy. Let's start with Geology, have you ever wondered how the Grand Canyon was formed or why earthquakes happen? Geology is all about the Earth's solid parts, from the rocks beneath our feet to the mountains that tower above us."
"I have a question sir, is the Grand Canyon still being eroded today?" Fiora Escoto asked.
"Yes, the Grand Canyon is still being eroded today, but at a very slow rate. Over millions of years, the Colorado River has carved out the canyon, and it continues to shape the landscape. Although the erosion is slow, it's a constant process that helps to create the stunning features we see in the Grand Canyon today," sagot naman ni sir at napa-shet nalang ako sa isipan ko dahil sa talino ni sir. Grabe, pati sa ganyan field memoryado ni sir tsaka up to date.
"Wow, thank you so much sir. I think I will really like this course," nasabi nalang ni Fiora. Well, same thought Fiora though I really like it starting today.
"As you all know weather can be unpredictable, but there are patterns and reasons behind it. Meteorology helps us understand everything from sunny days to stormy nights. Our planet is mostly covered by water, and the oceans play a vital role in our climate and ecosystems. Oceanography explores the depths of the seas and the creatures that live there, and lastly; looking up at the stars, we see a vast universe. Astronomy helps us understand our place in the cosmos and how the Earth fits into the grand scheme of things. So, since time is almost over let's end things here. If you have any questions just reserve it for our next meeting. Nice to meet you all guys, I'm having fun discussing these things to you all. Bye for now and you may take your breakfast now," paalam ni sir at nag-leave kaagad sa meet. It was really fund, I hope next time there will be engagement or something activity.