20 March, 2024

EMPOWER A COMMUNITY

Community-based research offers a special way to find out what makes a place tick. It involves immersing oneself in the fabric of a community, listening to its tales, and comprehending its needs rather than merely gathering facts. My personal community-based research experience has been fulfilling and illuminating, providing insights that textbooks could never convey.



Above all, community-based research made me realize how crucial it is to establish rapport and trust. I took some time to get to know the community members before diving into the nuances of the study process. I made a conscious effort to build relationships, whether it was by striking up informal talks at get-togethers or taking part in neighborhood activities. This trusting relationship set the stage for productive cooperation all the way through the research project.



The chance to interact directly with community people was one of the most memorable parts of performing community-based research. Instead of simply seeing things from a distance, I made an effort to get opinions and insights from people with different experiences and backgrounds. I learned a great deal about the difficulties, goals, and desires of the community through focus groups, interviews, and interactive workshops.


Community-based research was not without its difficulties, though. It took skill and compassion to negotiate the intricate social dynamics and power structures within the community. Conflicting interests and points of view occasionally emerged, requiring cautious compromise and consensus-building. Furthermore, real obstacles that required innovative solutions were presented by logistical roadblocks like scarce resources and bureaucratic procedures.


The benefits of community-based research were numerous despite these difficulties. The inclusion of community people' views and experiences in our research resulted in more nuanced and significant conclusions. Our research produced information that wasn't limited to scholarly publications; instead, it influenced real-world projects and actions meant to meet the needs of the community.


In addition, the process of carrying out community-based research involved a voyage of introspection and personal development. It made me face my own prejudices and presumptions and helped me to understand the richness and variety of human experiences. It also gave me a strong feeling of empathy and a dedication to social justice, which motivated me to fight for significant change both inside and outside of the community.


To sum up, working on community-based research was a life-changing opportunity that went beyond academic confines. It helped me understand the importance of sincere participation, teamwork, and empathy when tackling difficult social challenges. It was a voyage of empowerment, connection, and discovery that went beyond a simple study approach and left a lasting impression on the community as well as myself.


References: 

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15 March, 2024

Honoring Tradition: Highschool Day at ISNHS

 I can’t help but to think about the times when we were supposed to celebrate Highschool Day as students. 


On foundation Day at Ilocos Sur National Highschool, excitement and eagerness were in the air on campus. There was a hint of a remarkable day ahead in the fresh morning air. I couldn't help but feel proud to be a part of such a dynamic community as youngsters poured onto the school grounds, bursting with energy and wearing a clean uniform. 


I was running late when people at my school gathered around the school to prepare the first part of the day. It was a parade — a long walk outside the school. It was tiring since the route we were walking to was actually kind of far from the school and it was hot as hell. 





After that parade, we had time to rest to prepare our energy and confidence to perform. It was a competition among girls and boys in grade 7, 8, 9, and 10. I found myself taking part in a spontaneous dance-off near the main stage. With music blaring from the speakers and students showcasing their best moves, it was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie. In that moment, it didn't matter who won or lost – what mattered was the sense of unity and belonging that permeated the air. I joined my friends in cheering as they dance their butts off. The energy was infectious, and even those who weren’t directly involved couldn’t help but get swept up in the competitive spirit. It was so much fun having to watch them despite the crowdedness. Even though I, together with my girls, didn’t win the competition, at least the boys from our age did.

Time to say “Goodbye”?

  It seems sense to pause and consider the journey as the last quarter of my Grade 10 year draws to an end. This time has been full of diffi...