WEEK 3:

The third week is a week of prevention for me. I learned much from Chiefmate Abraham Togonon about the different lifesaving appliance, types of fire extinguishers and the different routes that will be taken in case a man fell overboard. He told us about the lifeboat, liferaft and other materials that are very useful in case of survival. From this, I learned that during survival, since there are about thirty persons in a liferaft, drinking of water is limited and collecting rain is needed. When there is fire, it is not proper to use any type of fire extinguisher you like because every fire extinguisher is designed based on the substances it contained. Having a proper knowledge on using it is a great help, but using it without any background could make the problem more complicated.

Another important lesson I learned from BST (basic safety training) is about the different routes that will be taken in case of “man overboard.” These routes include the Single turn, Williamson turn (which is the most common turn used) and the Scharnov turn. I learned that the main objective on having a turn is to make the propeller away from the person who fell overboard.

I thus realized the importance of brotherhood in ship; that although I came from a different place, I should make myself united with others. But the most significant lesson I learned is prevention rather than curing it at the end. Since life at sea is dangerous, working properly and dedicating your whole self to your profession are much required. The profession that I chose is not just an ordinary work for it takes a lot of preparations, knowledge and attitude and all of these requirements are now my primary aim.

WEEK 2:

The second semester’s second week made me aware of what should be the attitude of an NTMA cadet towards academic and vocational matters; that I, as a part of this academy, should be manifesting a scientist-like attitude.

And what is a scientist-like attitude? It is an attitude that is basically after the answer on one’s mind out of curiosity. Our English instructor, Mr. Matthew Nepomuceno, told us about what research is. I thus learned that research involves techniques and systematized ways of thinking like that of the scientific method. Before, my knowledge about researching is limited. All I knew about research was finding solution to problems but now, I see clearly that research is being taken to preserve, improve, discover, provide and acquire every detail of man’s life. I realized that its scope is vast and unlimited unless answers were found.

I learned much about research especially its purposes, characteristics, parts, guidelines and factors in creating a research. Following all of these will yield to a more profitable and good research. When we had our quiz, I am very satisfied with my score because I really appreciate my new learning.

But the most important value I learned from this subject is the attitude on what research can give. And since it uses scientific method, I am pretty sure that there shall exist scientific attitudes like patience, open-mindedness, curiosity, etc.I realized then that if only I can make a good research, then definitely I will develop these scientific attitudes that would help me to become more mature, responsible and life-acquainted man.

HEARTS AND MINDS

     The parts of our body are basically made for us to understand their importance. We may be wondering why is it that our hands, feet, eyes, nose and other parts of our body have their own place. Furthermore, we may ask a question specifically with regards to the position of our minds and hearts. Why is it that God preferred to put our minds beyond our hearts?

     Basically, people are often known to be weak especially when it comes to emotions and mostly self-centered during decision making. Our minds and hearts were not created to choose what is right and wrong but to balance our personality through consulting from each other. Our minds might tell us not to sacrifice our own life for the sake of other people but our hearts might acquaint us to help others. With this case, we can see how these two fundamental parts functions.
     Have we even asked ourselves why is it that our hands and feet are placed nearer with our hearts than our minds? It is to remind us that when anger and desire to hurt others conquered us, our hearts take its rationale. It enables us to hide our true feelings making us avoid any act that is not based on brotherhood. With this, our hearts control what is being dictated by our minds. For example, our minds might tell us to punch or kick a certain person but in contrary, our hearts would be saying to forgive and forget. This will only prove that balancing takes place.
     But we should remember that this is not always the case. The decision primarily depends on the person himself. His inner value or his knowledge on a certain thing would affect his decisions making him different from others. If that person had already developed the goodness of his inner self before then, his heart would always tell him to do what he know is true.
     Remember then what our characteristic is by believing in this passage that goes, “think first before we act.”