Teen Creed

A little set of instructions I came across the other day...

Don't let your parents down, they brought you up

Be humble enough to obey, you may give orders someday

Choose companions with care: you are what they are

Guard your thoughts,
what you think, you are

Choose only a date who would make a good mate

Be master of your habits; or they will master you

Don't be a show-off when you drive,
drive with safety and arrive

Don't let the crowd pressure you,
stand for something or you'll fall for anything

~Author Unknown~

19th July, 2012...

So, yesterday was a very unique day in the rambunctious life of one Miss RKT. I took part in a simulation program held by a non-profit organization which I will refer to as organization X. What simulation basically entails is creating a make-believe disaster scenario in order for trainee volunteer workers to gain first-hand experience of what actually happens in real disasters. The storyline in this case was that there was a certain Islam-dominated country that was bombarded with internal civil unrest, thus many had to flee and seek refuge in another country, which on the other hand was largely Christian. This is where my colleagues and I came in. We were acting as refugees in this neighboring country; Organization X stepped in to offer relief aid in terms of food and medical services.

The role I was assigned was to act as a heavily expectant woman who was in pain and on the brink of giving birth. In the same "clinic" in which I was stationed, there were those who had been shot, others brutally raped while the rest had an array of serious wounds and diseases, most of which were communicable.
Acting out this part gave us all a somewhat flimsy depiction of how it felt to be a refugee. The hospital for one, was understaffed, ill-equipped and countless journalists came to interview us, some with little regard for our pain and only selfishly aiming to get a story to tell the world. It was a bit scary at first-getting into character, but as soon as I got the hang of it, it seemed to be a walk in the park. At some point I remember feeling so helpless as I shouted and screamed for help, yet no one seemed to care. Sadly, that's the situation in many refugee camps and even in hospitals in our society today.

Nevertheless, we had a debriefing session with the Communication Directors and they congratulated us on making the scenario seem so real and bringing to life in a vivid yet humane way. In turn, we got to give them feedback regarding how the journalists and volunteer workers behaved, which we did explicitly and in a candid fashion.
All the same, when the day came to a close, I was tired beyond reason but let my mind wander a bit as I reflected on the day's events. The main thing that struck me was in regard to ethics in journalism and the extent to which our very own journalists uphold them. A quick look at the papers today (figuratively) reveals just how little regard many journalists have for humanity and ethics in general. Grisly images showing human beings like you and I in dire need, grace the media a little too often. Some justify this argument by claiming that it is their obligation to show the world the situation as it is. It is indeed true that the first obligation a journalist has is to the truth, then to the citizens. However, other considerations should be put into play;for instance, if a photo is to be published, showing an accident and seriously injured people, how is the family of the affected person supposed to feel? Furthermore, when people have been bereaved, we sometimes get to see journalists rushing to ask questions in a bid to get a story for their bulletins; in spite of the shock and trauma a person may be undergoing.

This reminds me of a journalist, who sometime back took a picture showing a thin, emaciated and malnourished child, with a voluptuous vulture behind the child. That image moved the world to tears, but sadly the child was eaten was eaten by the monstrous scavenger. Subsequently, many poured out their solidarity and support to those dying of hunger, while others criticized the journalist and asserted that as a human being, he should have helped the child out first and foremost. Needless to say, his conscience must have eaten him up inside, as he subsequently ended up taking his own life.
Issues revolving around ethics and media still continue to be argued time and again. However, before one makes any ethical/moral decision, the following considerations (which I picked up from my ethics class) must be made:

-Study the details, understand them and get the facts right.
-What are the relevant obligations?
-What are the values involved?
-What are the possible consequences; i.e. who is likely to be affected and how.

When all said and done, my advice to you is to exercise ethics in your decisions, profession and everyday life. Let us make this society a better place to live in for ourselves and the generations to come.

A person educated in mind and not in morals is a menace to society
-Juanita Kidd Stout

The 7-letter word...

*sigh* I've been putting off this topic for a while now but oh well, guess it's about time I talked about it. The dreaded 7-letter word for anyone in a happy, loving relationship. Yes, you got it right, "break-up" it is. The dictionary definition for this "the act of finishing or coming to an end because the people involved decide that it is not working successfully." Pretty succinct and to the point.
Having undergone a couple of them myself not so long ago, I understand the pain, drama, tears and emotional turmoil involved. The most important thing to note however is that no two break-ups are ever the same; and the all-too-common cliche, 'What don't kill you makes you stronger.' I find myself questioning, what it is that turns two happy smitten lovers into sworn enemies overnight? It's funny how at the prime of most relationships, there is so much joy, lovey-dovey feelings and the certain belief that you'll both weather the storms, the rain and the rainbows.

Nevertheless, Some relationships work, some don't. Actually many do not work out, and can be attributed to numerous factors such as infidelity, money issues and the realization that those they saw to be somewhat "perfect" are quite the opposite of what they reckoned them to be.
Nonetheless, I will give general tips I've learnt along the way on how to move on after a break-up with a loved one.

1. Honor how you feel- It is very important to let yourself realize that you are hurting and it's okay to let it all out. Whichever method you need to use to vent- do it. You can cry, talk, write, scream...Let it all out. Many people try to cover up their pain with the "I'm okay" facade, but it tears you apart inside eventually.
I remember undergoing a break-up which left me in so much pain, and I would cry myself to sleep for weeks on end. However, God, my family and closest friends helped me up greatly and saw me through that tough phase of life, which eventually came to an end.

2. Avoid the other person- Okay, people have differing views on this but for me, I don't believe that ex's can go back to being friends again. Maybe as acquaintances but not bosom buddies. Well, of course that squarely depends on the circumstances surrounding your break-up, though in most cases, it makes it harder for you to move on. So I feel that if you want to move on? Keep away from him/her or things that remind you of them, where possible.

3. Remember that it's a passing cloud- If it wasn't meant to be, for sure it will not work out. It may seem painful at the time, but hold on to the hope, no matter how faint; that it'll be okay and the pain will go away eventually. The sun for sure will outlast your rain only if you let it.

4. Forgive- A very difficult thing to do but has countless benefits once you choose to do it. I cannot over-emphasize on the importance of letting go of a "former" loved one. Biblical principles teach that forgiving an adversary is like heaping burning coals on the other person's head. Simply, they expect you to treat them with animosity but when you do the contrary, you save yourself a lot of anguish and emotional burden.
This doesn't go without saying that definitely at one point you will feel angry at the other person, but just do not let that anger last. Also, resist the urge to revenge no matter how tempting it may seem. It's been said over and over that vengeance is like taking a glass of poison and expecting your enemy to die. Enough said.

5. Do something new- it could be a new hairdo, shopping (for shopaholics like myself), work out...find the one thing that tickles your fancy; is out of your comfort zone and exploit it to the maximum. Believe you me, you will feel much better and you'll realize that there's so much more to life only if you open your eyes to this realization.

6. Lastly and most importantly, Pray- Put your trust in God and realize that it is only He who has the power to heal and give peace. My Biblical backing for this is the verse that says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

As I conclude, I'd like you to know that if you are going through a tough time, remember that it will fade away, find your solace in Christ and for sure he will see you through. I did it and have never regretted one bit!