Name: Abao, Rhoge Yvonne F.
BSMT II
Subject: GE 10A – BB
Date: September 23, 2023

📝 Reflection #1: What is a Sillimanian?

What values truly embody a Sillimanian? Is it just the constant strive for academic excellence? Is it tantamount to the number of years one has been in the institution? Is it the being a cheese bread advocate? Or is simply wearing the bold red ID lanyard enough to be justified as one? What exactly does it mean to be a Sillimanian?

I have been at Silliman University since my freshmen year in college and I know that there is no single definition of what it takes to be a Sillimanian nor is there a linear or precise path to becoming one. To be a Sillimanian lies in our ever-burning school spirit and our pride in studying in one of the most prestigious schools in the nation. Although Silliman University is comprised of various colleges with various courses and diverse students, the only singular aspect uniting us all is evidently our school spirit. A Sillimanian’s school spirit burns bright and is evident in how each one of us carries on with our school lives by encompassing the values and beliefs the school teaches us such as the 5 C’s of Silliman University, and its vision and mission. Silliman University encourages its students to speak up on issues and gives everyone the freedom to express themselves. It is not a mere title, but rather an embodiment of being.

Our school spirit, pride, morals, and our individualities all merge together to form a Sillimanian. For one to be called a Sillimanian is not tantamount to how long you’ve been in the school. For one to be called a Sillimanian is not by simply having enrolled in this prestigious school. For one to be called a Sillimanian is not by simply wearing the bright red lanyard attached to one’s ID. Rather, for one to be called a Sillimanian lies in our burning red school spirit and the constant strive for the betterment of oneself and the community.

📝 Reflection #2: What is your view on the mental aspect of man?

The human mind is an enigma and a whole paradox. It is a realm so intricate and enigmatic that has, for centuries, puzzled as well as fascinated many. Although several studies have been conducted regarding the constant effort to understand how exactly the mind works, I’d like to think no one has truly encapsulated the exact explanation of how each of our minds works. The mind is an intricate and delicate thing. It governs all–actions, thoughts, feelings, and essentially our entire being. Cognition is a testament to one’s intellectual capacity. Emotions bring colour into our otherwise black-and-white life if we never seek the poignant reminder of our humanity. Perception is the lens through which one sees the world, a reminder of the inherent, subjective human experience. Although society has reached that point of understanding the human mind, the mind’s complexity will constantly astound many. The human mind is not static, it is not stagnant but rather a dynamic and ever-evolving phenomenon that I believe no matter how much research and study we do to understand the human mind, we can never be knowledgeable of its full extent. The mental aspects of man are a testament to the limitless potential each individual possesses. As I think of this, the intricacies of the human mind constantly remind me of the profound depth and complexity that lie in each one of us–the beauty, the fragility, of what it means to be human that lies within.

Name: Abao, Rhoge Yvonne F.
Subject: GE 10A – BB
Date: September 16, 2023
Reflection: Romans 1, 2, 3

The biblical passage known as Romans, penned by Apostle Paul, delves into fundamental Christian principles and provides profound insights into human nature, righteousness, and the capacity for faith to bring about transformation. In the initial three chapters of Romans, Apostle Paul lays a solid foundation for the theological discourse that will unfold throughout the book. These chapters, Romans 1, 2, and 3, are of great importance in the Bible because they collectively provide valuable perspectives on various aspects of Christian theology.

Romans 1 – 📜

Romans 1 is an introductory chapter in the New Testament of the Bible written by the Apostle Paul. Paul introduces himself as the author of the letter and expresses his desire to visit the Roman church he has heard about. However, it escalates into a discussion on human sinfulness and the consequences of suppressing the knowledge of God. In Romans 1, Paul emphasizes the power of the Gospel as he describes it as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” He highlights that the Gospel reveals God’s righteousness and faith. Another critical theme in Romans 1 is Paul’s further emphasis on human sinfulness. He discusses the current state of humanity and states how it is in humanity’s innate nature to sin. He speaks on how people have turned to idolatry and immortality, and on how it has led to unrighteousness. He then points out the consequences of the aforementioned idolatry and emphasizes that humanity should be accountable for recognizing His presence. The Apostle Paul ends Romans 1 by issuing final warnings about the consequences of the continuation of this sinful behavior and describes the decent that was to happen when people turned away from God in exchange for lies. Romans 1 offers several important learnings such as the reminder of the power and significance of the gospel in the act of bringing salvation to all those who choose to believe. Thus, it sets the stage for the letter to the Romans through the introduction of key theological concepts such as the power of the gospel as well as the sinful nature of humanity. Romans 1 enlightens us on the need for acknowledgment regarding God’s existence and righteousness all the while warning those about the dangers of repressing this truth. Romans 1 gives significance to recognizing the existence of God as failure to do so would lead to spiritual as well as moral deterioration.

Romans 2 – 📜

Romans 2 is another thought-provoking passage also written by the Apostle Paul that lets us reflect on the nature of judgment and righteousness but focuses on living and obeying God’s commands from a transformed heart. Paul seeks to remind us that God’s judgment is impartial and is solely based on one’s deeds. True righteousness is not in the outward appearance or heritage but rather in the sincerity of one’s relationship with God and our actions toward others. Reading Romans 2 has given me insights into moral accountability and self-examination as it reminds us to pursue authentic faith in order to live a righteous life. In essence, it has retaught me on the importance of genuine faith in order to strengthen my relationship with God.

Romans 3 – 📜

In Romans 3, Apostle Paul introduces the notion of being justified by faith, a key theological premise that has shaped Christian thought for millennia. Paul begins by noting that \”everyone has sinned and falls short of God\’s glory\”, once again proving that sin is a universal problem. He emphasizes the importance of God’s grace and on how all, regardless of background or inheritance, are capable of receiving salvation through faith in Christ. Romans 3 has reminded us that we all are capable of mistakes and that we are all in need of God’s forgiveness. It is important to reflect and evaluate my decisions and actions at times as I believe that even if God is always there to welcome us after every sin, we must still strive to do and be better.

Romans 1 primarily addresses the universality of human sinfulness as well as the consequences of suppressing God. Romans 2 shifts the focus from that to the impartiality of God’s judgment. It talks about self-righteousness, particularly that of the Jews and Gentiles. It highlights and encourages transformation–that of the heart and living out one’s faith, rather than on just knowledge or heritage. Lastly, Romans 3 speaks about the concept of justification by faith and on how all humanity is under sin. It brings an emphasis on the need for God’s grace and as well as salvation that is for those who believe. Romans 1, 2, and 3 are all interconnected and all contribute to Apostle Paul’s message to the Romans. Together, they all aid in furthering one’s knowledge of understanding the Christian faith.

Name: Abao, Rhoge Yvonne F.
Subject: GE 10A – BB
Date: September 5, 2023
Reflection: What is Whole Person Education and Multiple Intelligence?

The so-called intelligence is not simply limited to the knowledge gained from books and other reading materials. Rather than being singular, intelligence should rather be seen as a spectrum. Intelligence is intelligence, none is superior to the other. Most people believe in the notion that solely reading books and various articles could increase our intelligence, however, doing so would only strengthen and develop one’s IQ or Intelligence Quotient. The article written by KnewSTEP Education believes that for the development of a whole person, this should consist of and include the six (6) areas of intelligence such as IQ (Intelligence Quotient), EQ (Emotional Intelligence), SQ (Social Intelligence), AQ (Adversity Intelligence), CQ (Cultural Intelligence) and FQ (Financial Intelligence). KnewSTEP Education believes that intelligence is not merely restricted to one’s IQ score but rather one’s development in a certain area of intelligence. The existence of other forms of intelligence should not be forgotten or underestimated. Being better at certain matters rather than those that are more highly regarded by others does not already mean that you are unintelligent but rather means that you are more skilled or more intellectually advanced in other areas. Possessing a high Intelligence quotient (IQ) but low Emotional Intelligence (EQ) does not make one unintelligent but rather we can surmise that that person is still intelligent despite being low in a certain area. KnewSTEP Education emphasizes that “the formal interpretation of multiple intelligence refers to the distribution of comprehensive abilities of a person.” They wish to help individuals develop themselves in all areas in order to grow as a whole person which is akin to the goal of Whole Person Education (WPE) which is to foster a whole person through whole person development.

Name: Abao, Rhoge Yvonne F.
Subject: GE 10A – BB
Date: September 2, 2023
Reflection: Whole Person Education: The Goals and the Challenges (Dr. Ben S. Malayang III)

The article written about an interview done with Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, former president of Silliman University, provided insights on Whole Person Education (WPE) and its goals as well as challenges. In the article, he talks about the definition of WPE, how the United Board can provide assistance to schools, on the integration of WPE into their curricula, whether or not the faculty are receptive to this education, and so on.

On the definition of Whole Person Education, Dr. Ben Malayang states that to him, it is “an education that builds competence, builds character, and builds faith in God, together.” This definition does seem to be in line with the entire concept of Whole Person Education as, in its very essence, simply refers to an education that centers on elevating and transforming a person into an individual with higher abilities such as to learn, to live, to serve others, and to serve and see God, as also stated in the article. These definitions provide enlightenment on what this course is and aims to do.

Dr. Ben S. Malayang III also emphasizes the existence of the term “silent curriculum” which is, to him, an “underpinning objective of shaping graduates who are competent in their own area of study, imbued with character and integrity so as to command respect and esteem to be leaders in their profession and communities, and a strength of faith that makes them people who can be relied upon in good or difficult times.” In doing so, they are able to set up internal and external standards for education which to me, seems like a comprehensive and clear approach to education, a different approach from the norm. Dr. Ben S. Malayang III also states that being associated with Christian institutions should not be seen as an impediment and that the most significant challenges in education are time and our region–which I think holds some semblance of truth as stagnance is not necessary if we wish to progress and see change.

Another great feat of the course is that it is not exclusively for the students but extends to the educators as well. Dr. Ben S. Malayang III provides an excellent point to this by stating that “Because when you say education you are not only needing to educate those who will be educated but the educators as well”—which I agree.

After reading the entirety of the article, Whole Person Education (WPE) is meant to elevate, transform, and shape us as individuals and as professionals. It is meant for the learners to gain higher ability meant to learn, live, serve others, and serve and see God. It is necessary for one to build competence, build character, and build faith in God. Dr. Ben S. Malayang III’s interview showcased new perspectives on the concept of education which is deemed to be necessary to move forward in society. I particularly liked the fact that his interview was not merely idealistic as it also addressed issues and challenges in education. The concept of Whole Person Education (WPE) promotes character and purpose which to me, seems imperative for the betterment of individuals and of modern society.

helloo!