PUNCTUATION: A GRAMMAR TO BE KNOWN

WEEK 9:
Grammar is like math and science. It is widely used, usually spoken or written, but commonly forgotten. Every word that comes out from our mouth is grammar, and each statement or expression we write is grammar. But have we asked ourselves why grammar is being studied?

Proper grammar is important because it is an indication of proper education and an understanding of the matter of which you speak. It is also important because people are judged by the way they speak or write. In this week, I learned a lot about this grammar especially the different punctuations that are very crucial in writing. The punctuations I learned include commas, periods, colons, semi-colons, dashes, hyphens, and brackets.

The punctuations mentioned play a vital role in making one’s idea clearer and thus, understandable. Improper use of these punctuations may lead to other meanings, hence making the readers confused. With this, I learned that writing and speaking are just of the same level; that both of them require grammar mastery and familiarization.

As a seafarer, proper knowledge about grammar helps a lot since there are lots of papers and documents to be worked on. If I want myself to be understood, then, I should be accustomed on using grammar, and this will start at this very moment.

ATTITUDE TAKES THE MOST OF IT

WEEK 8:

As an engineer, it is important for me to know the various types of tools especially the bench tools because knowing everything about them ensures my safety and that of others. In this week, I learned the uses, kinds, and limitations of pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, tap and dies, and hammers. Knowing all about the said tools cannot only give safety, but it can lead to economy in a way that if an engineer wants to replace the damaged part of a certain machine, he can fabricate to serve as the replacement for it. In this way, both the company and the engineer profit: the company saves while the engineer improves his skills and knowledge.

Knowledge is not enough for us to succeed; it must be accompanied by awareness and attitude. This idea was justified when our instructor, 1AE Cabatan, told us some stories about many engineers who were harmed due to their negligence and impropriety to the rules implemented. Those engineers know the proper use of the tools, but because of their attitudes, they tend to forget it. Instead, they do what they want thinking that it would just lead to the same result. At the end, they were the ones harmed, and who shall be blamed for this?

In this week, I saw the significance of attitude. Even if I am not good at this time, I’m sure that I could make myself better. It is not necessary for me to be knowledgeable at all times since knowledge only takes a small percentage in one’s life; attitude takes the most of it.

A GOOD LEADERSHIP TO AN EXCELLENT TEAMWORK

WEEK 7:

As the day pass by, I and the other cadets are becoming more aware of the profession we chose. Little by little, we are now understanding how and why it is important for us to develop leadership, camaraderie and self-awareness. In this week, I learned all of these things even if it was done simply.

Our Basic Safety Training instructor, Bosun Gonzales, taught us how to wear the lifejacket and when to use the accessories attached on it. I learned that the emergency light is used during dark time when the crews are on the lifeboat in case of abandonship, while the whistle is used to give signal that someone is just around. With this, people who will see and hear any of the said equipment will be able to rescue those people in distress.

Since I was chosen to be the leader of our group, I was asked by our instructor to familiarize the various commands so that during the practical, our group can perform well. In this activity, I learned how to lead my co-cadets despite the fact that all of us were just innocent about this matter. When I am giving my command, I saw that all of my groupmates were following it even if they knew that my command was wrong. Thus, I was able to understand that the leader should always be aware of his commands because it may affect all those crews who are boarding the lifeboat. A single command can cause life and death.

When my groupmates were rowing, I recognized the importance of cooperation. Yes, cooperation is very essential since it is the primary reason why the lifeboat keeps on moving appropriately. Most importantly, I was able to boost my confidence and develop my skills in the short span of time.

THIS WEEK IS MEMORABLE TO ME!

SEEING THE NEXT DAY

WEEK 6:

My first semester in this academy had already passed, and I want to set my own objective on how can I improve myself and my performance: both academically and technically. At the end of this school I year, I promise to myself that I will always have an average of ninety (90) and above so that at the end of the school year, I am one of the cadets who will receive a certificate proving that I belong to the dean’s list of this academy.

I will make sure that I am going to submit all the requirements in any subject. I will also do my job as one of the leaders of this academy by guiding and leading my co-cadet. I’ll see to it that I will be a good senior to the incoming cadets of this school by showing how disciplined and responsible I am.

Most importantly, I’ll make sure that I am going to learn everything from our instructors even if I am going to get low grades. I will be more on learnings rather than grades. The field which I had chose needs experiences and knowledge, so it is important for me to grasp all the requirements of my chosen field.