A Good Laugh

Oh, this is quite nostalgic.

I just discovered that I can still view my polsci grades online even after years of graduating.

I can't help but to smile on how loaded the names of my subjects were.

International Political Systems. Sounds like the highest form that my institutionalism orientation can get. Moreover, this subject bears to a premise that if you take it, you are adequately versed in International Relations. In reality, we were maximizing our artistic aptitude in bordering the most narcissistic news clippings that are not even deserving to be published to begin with.

Intermediate Spanish. Como estas. Haha. Padre Nuestro, que estas en el cielo (?) santificado sea tu nombre (?) Haha. Yo vivo! Haha. Que se llama tu padre?! haha. Interesting subject, fun class, nasty (smelling) teacher. But yeah, I could never claim, even until now, after years barely passing the subject at 2.25, that I know Intermediate Spanish. We danced Macarena though.

Experimental Psychology. In all fairness, the class justifies the subject. However, how could you not be afraid of finishing your post-modern/Marxist/democratic economy xeroxed readings, if the name of your teacher in this class is very sacred. Haha. Good thing, she is also good at scientific explanations, not just on letting us believe the existence of 'indulgencia'. If there's one thing that really made me afraid of her, it's... clairvoyance!

Mathematics of Finance. I barely understood this subject. I used to think that if I seriously know the implications of "maturity date" and "interest rates", I could be ready in the corporate world. Partly true, though. But I never thought I will literally be in a corporate world! I even thought before that I would be a Bayan Muna/Anakbayan member. Or be working at Ibon Foundation.

International Political Economy. This might be one of the last subjects I'll forget. This is my Forrest Gump subject: life is like a box of chocolates... How the hell did I got 1.0, when I was even seriously struggling to understand monetarism?! I love Sir Jim though. He could be a good endorser of Marlboro reds.

Public Policy and Planning. Serious regrets on this subject. Had I known that I will get an MA on this, I could have done more than brood on the cruelty of my prof. I mean, Sir Martin is 'the' practitioner and 'the' silent killer at the same time. I can never forget that sole all-caps comment, which he wrote in red ink in my first paper: VAGUE!

Rational Psychology. It took me a while to identify this subject. But the moment I did, it was "wahahaha!". I was just second year then. I even recall this was the last subject in my T-TH-S class and my eyes were often red because I had a strenuous swimming class during Tuedays at 8am. Why a good laugh? I just began wondering why the class was named as rational psychology? Rational is okay, since the subject is anthropocentric. But 'psychology'? Haha. And the teacher.. I could have never imagined that that teacher, who was just sitting right in front of me (and was even monotonously discussing those nose-bleeding philosophical terms), would be, in just a couple of years afterwards, a very good friend of mine.

Why can this always be so right?

Joyce's Existing Situation
Not only considers her demands minimal, but also regards them as imperative. Sticks to them stubbornly and will concede nothing.

Joyce's Stress Sources
Feels that life has far more to offer and that it is imperative that she should find the responsive and understanding relationship she is seeking; she therefore follows up any opportunity which presents itself. However, she maintains her attitude of critical appraisal and refuses to be swept off her feet unless genuineness and integrity can be absolutely vouched for. Therefore keeps a strict and watchful control on her emotional relationships as she must know exactly where she stands. Demands complete sincerity as a protection against her own tendency to be too trusting.

Joyce's Restrained Characteristics
Able to achieve satisfaction through sexual activity but is inclined to be emotionally withdrawn, which prevents her from becoming deeply involved.
Unhappy at the resistance she feels whenever she tries to assert herself. Indignant and resentful because of these setbacks, but gives way apathetically and makes whatever adjustments are necessary so that she can have peace and quiet.

Joyce's Desired Objective
Needs a change in her circumstances or in her relationships which will permit relief from stress. Seeking a solution which will open up new and better possibilities and allow hopes to be fulfilled.

Joyce's Actual Problem
The fear that she may be prevented from achieving the things she wants leads her into a relentless search for satisfaction in the pursuit of illusory or meaningless activities.

Joyce's Actual Problem #2
Intensely critical of the existing conditions which she feels are disorganized or insufficiently clear-cut. Is therefore seeking some solution which will clarify the situation and introduce a more acceptable degree of order and method.