Adapting to new structures and environments

        Yesterday was a blast and I had lots of fun because of my general assembly in Ajma.It was a great learning experience that I won't forget because I learned something new and that is the skill of adapting or adjusting to new structures and more importantly,basic marketing skills.We normally have to adjust when we are in new surroundings so we can get used to their structures.Adapting is an important skill because it's necessary for our survival and learning.I also remembered my experiences during my freshman year because it was a great welcoming to the Ateneo community and culture.By getting used to these structures,I got a feel how things should be and got myself to be familiar with it as well.Therefore,structuration is an opportunity for me to practice my skills in adapting to my own environment and in the process get assimilated or immersed to new behaviors or actions so I can also use it in social events.Right now,I want to elaborate further on my freshman year and my general assembly(GA) in Ajma (yesterday)! :D
 
       My first experience in adapting was when I was in first year.I was welcomed by my seniors along with my blockmates during the Orsem which is one of the most popular events in the Ateneo.We had activities,games,bonding and icebreakers with each other.We also ate and hanged out when we all had free time and long breaks.We submitted and coped up with the requirements our profs instructed us to do.Each prof had their own requirements and he or she expected us to follow.We experienced our own doses of hell weeks,challenging long tests,backbreaking research papers and lots of home works and quizzes.All of these made us stretch our limits.After a while,we finally got the hang of the Ateneo way and that made us certified Ateneans in the process! :D

       My second experience in adapting just happened recently! I was so glad to be part of Ajma's GA which was "Marketing Myself" talk led by two speakers,Tricia Gosingtian and Ms Bing Paraguas.Before the two speakers came,we were entertained by two hosts,both male and female who are senior members of Ajma.I got attracted to the female host because she was engaging,persuasive,sophisticated and outgoing!=D I felt a bit nervous when I came in because I went there all by myself.Good thing,I saw a friend whom I got to talk to which made me feel at ease.I had to get used to the outgoing structure of Ajma because I'm really a reserved and shy person,quite the opposite of what it means to be a marketing person.Nevertheless,I forced myself to structure my own behavior based on the lively ambience of my GA.I proved that during a game called ""Making First Impressions in 30 seconds".We taped a bond paper on our back and the speaker told us to write our own first impressions of the people we have met in the GA.I really got out of my shell and started talking to the other members and wrote my own impressions on the other members.After the game,the speaker asked us which trait surprised us the most.She asked and I told her,"outgoing" to which she asked "Bakit,hindi ka outgoing?"I just nodded which means a "yes" and the others laughed!:D I was personally surprised too because I got good impressions and they think that I'm "outgoing and confident" despite the fact that I was shy!The speaker also gave us tips on how we can make good first impressions when we apply for a job.I also asked her for more tips after the GA and she,along with her former student and a senior,told me to throw myself in situations where I can go out of myself.On the other hand,the senior advised me to "overdress" and take up an elective in public speaking/presentation.That GA is something I'll really never forget!:D

        The system and structure of Ajma enabled me to become a better marketing person which inspired me while that of the Ateneo inspired me to be a more academically prepared and well-educated Atenean student.The new traits,behaviors,attitudes and actions were a result of fresh act,which is the development of something new as a result of behaviors or actions.So,what is that "new thing" I learned or developed?What I learned are the skills of adapting and making a good impression.Right now,I also have to engage myself in my other orgs and groups to keep learning new things.I learned that good communication is also vital in getting used to the structures of orgs and groups.By assimilating myself to these things,I challenge my own concept of myself.Once I do that,I will get used to novel situations,gain control/size up my challenges and problems,overcome as well and finally,be successful in all my endeavors! =D

Valuing one's organizations (orgs)

      According to the definition of what an org is,"an organization is a group of people with a particular purpose." In the Ateneo,all of us since first year have been told to join and value orgs.At the same time,we also have to be active members in that organization we're in.In my case,I realized that I missed this great chance of being active when I was a freshman.I had a wrong perception that my home org (ACTM) was only a party org and that it was only limited to parties and superficial activities but I was wrong.I was looking for something more substantial and little did I know those parties and activities that I labeled as "superficial" were actually the trainings that I've been looking for!I felt bad when I said that because it took a toll on me.The parties and the other activities I call "superficial" are one of the things that define an organization because it means that people love hanging out,spending time with each other,meeting new friends,extending one's network and developing one's talents and abilities.

     Orgs help in developing a person fully by exposing them to their likes and interests.It's only this second year that I got to know and discover the orgs that I wanted to be part of.From the orgs I joined in,I also discovered my interests on the way and how it is related to my course and what I like!Either way,my likes and interests are slowly beginning to crystallize or become crystal clear.The orgs that I joined included my home org,Actm(Association for Communications Technology Management),Ajma(Ateneo Junior Marketing Association),Acomm(Ateneo Communication for communication majors),Cosa(Collegiate Society of Advertising) and Acmg(Ateneo College Ministry Group).This totals to 5 orgs in all.

     The first four(Actm,Ajma,Acomm,Cosa) are the ones related to my course and future career.So,how about Acmg?Is it really related to what I like and my course as I have mentioned a while ago?Well,I also wanted to be part of Acmg since I wanted to maintain my relationships with my old friends,develop my spirituality and serve through singing and lectoring.Acmg may not be related to my course and career but I still joined anyway because of the reasons mentioned above.I felt inspired because these orgs can now help me focus in developing my abilities,skills,talents,knowledge in the areas I like.I realized though that you would have an edge in your org if you already had experience.Unfortunately,even though I'm becoming aware of what I like,I didn't have the experience as compared to my other orgmates!:D

     So right now,I'm relying on my curiosity,passion and enthusiasm TO LEARN from my seniors and experienced orgmates!=)As I got my self exposed in my orgs,I slowly picked up the values that I learned from them.These values would guide me in my journey of developing myself in what I like.These values would also be my guiding principles so that I would always do what's right.Of course,there are rules that I have to follow so I can participate in the goals that my orgs would aspire to reach.I'm also doing my best in befriending people so I can learn from them.The process of social integration will come in handy for me because this can give me the chance to get the mutual cooperation of my orgmates in order for us to understand each other.As I learn from my orgmates,their expectations for me would evolve and I have to get myself prepared for that.In the meantime,I'm enjoying the privilege of being a new member;Learning new things and discovering important values and lessons that I may give myself back in return for what they have taught me.

      Orgs are really a great way of diverting from the stress of academics.I'm already seeing its importance and I'm maximizing the time that I have for these orgs.My goal is to also refine my knowledge,skills,talents and abilities through the help of my orgs so I can get ready for promising careers and good jobs!I hope to learn a lot and give back as I mature in time so I can fully realize my reason and purpose of joining these orgs!=)