PIWC 2016 Essay Writing Contest

By: Christian & Cha Cha Miranda

 

The Philippine Independence Week Committee ( PIWC ) held an ESSAY WRITING CONTEST on May 21, 2016 at the EBG SYSTEMS, INC. with Josefina P. Abaya – Wee Sit as chairman . Twelve youngsters from various schools participated ; namely in alphabetical order :

Florence Almeda ———- University of Chicago Laboratory School
Alianna Bulanhagui ——- Lane Technical High School
Seri Cho ——————— Wheeling High School
Maya Leighton ————- Oscar Mayer Elementary School
Joseph Lortie —————- St. Hubert’s School
Benjamin Lortie ————- Streamwood High School
Christian Luciano ———– Northside College Prep
David Rivas —————— Chicago High School for the Arts ( ChiArts )
Nicole Rivas —————– Joseph E. Gary Elementary School
Valerie Silvano ————– Evanston Township High School
Kayla Tejero —————– Yorkville High School
Reijhay Anthony Vargas— Lincoln Jr. High

All essayists were recipients of a $20 bonus during the contest day while the 5 grand prize winners will be awarded their prize checks on June 18, 2016 during the PIWC Gala Night at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare ( 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave. , Rosemont , IL ). Worth mentioning ; all grand prizes , bonus outlays , and the free Gala Night dinner tickets of the essay winners are from personal donations of benevolent PIWC members ( Tito M. Wee Sit , Lourdes Livas , Drs. Manny & Remy Escalona, Jean Tesoro Paredes , Anita Belisario Rosa , Tony & Susan Silvano , and Ella L. Basilo ) . Please read the five winners’ essays….

First Prize-PIWC 2016 Essay Writing Contest
May 21,2016- EBG Systems, Inc.
by Florence Almeda
Sophomore, University of Chicago Laboratory School
Parents: Pauline Camacho & Francis Almeda

Closing Our Screens and Opening Our Hearts: The Use of Email and Technology on Today’s Youth

Wrists poised, fingers flexed — the familiar tap of the keyboard is a constant rhythm behind my everyday life. Even as I bring to write this essay, my hands translate my thoughts faster than I could write with pen and paper. I still remember when I first learned how to type in third grade. I dreaded the monotony of the typing exercises and resented the light blue glow of the computer screens, wishing I was outside in the yellow sunlight instead. Despite my hatred for this class, as I have grown older, I realized its importance. In my eyes, typing is the basis for a whole new language that is vital for communication in this century. For many people of my age, it’s hard to believe that our parents did not grow up with the same type of technology. I would estimate that there has not been one day this entire year that I have not checked my email. But for better or for worse, it has become ingrained in our everyday lives. We cannot imagine a world without it. The increased use of technology, including email, has served to raise a generation of youths that are prone to insensitivity and resistance to face-toface interactions, yet they manage to remain more interconnected than any generation the world has ever seen.

The original purpose of the email was to allow people to communicate efficiently and effectively, without the burden of meeting in real life. Though the use of email was slow to start, the goal of the email eventually proved to be a success. In a study done by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, only about 15 percent of American adults (18 and older) don’t use the internet or email, implying that 85 percent of American adults do use the internet and email. Though this study only shows the statistics for adults, it still serves as a strong representation of the integration of email into today’s society. Due to this integration, it is clear that there are everal reasons why email helps rather than hurts. On a larger scale, it is useful for small business, school or church groups, and organizations to get the word out regarding recent events and upcoming announcements. Without email, these businesses, groups, and organizations would not have the support that they need to continue to function. In addition, for many work-related meetings or correspondences, email is a necessary force for organizing meetings, and making important decisions instantaneously. Therefore, in both these examples, email does not encourage impulsive and thoughtless communication, but rather the opposite.

For these reasons, many may believe that email has been only a positive force in the modern world. However, there are countless unexpected consequences that have occurred because of email. By definition, emails are: “Messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network” . Nowhere in this definition is talking or face-to-face interactions mentioned. These messages are “electronic,” connecting people only through an invisible “network.” I believe that this is where the repercussions of email are truly shown. Due to this lack of face-to-face interaction, or even the sound of a voice when one makes a phone call, there is a significant amount of detachment when sending an email. Being the basis for other platforms of communication like: texting, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc., the repercussions of the email have reached the younger members of many communities much more quickly than it has reached adults. Not only do the email and platforms allow us to send rude messages to others, but with a simple click of a button, we can outright ignore conversations that we don’t want to confront. We now have the option to be disrespectful to others without feeling bad about ourselves. Furthermore, our ability to speak to others in real life has grown rusty. With the email, we have the luxury to take all the time we need to craft witty responses carefully while in real life we get less than a second. Overall, our ability to communicate to one another has been seriously impaired.

The effect of the email has been seen worldwide. As the basis for all other platforms, the email has affected people of all ages, but most of all, today’s youth. We are able to talk to friends across the oceans, yet rarely make time to spend time with our families. We can type 40 words per minute, but struggle finding the words to say in conversation. We are more interconnected than ever before, yet we spend our time alone, tapping away in front of the glowing blue screens. It would be impossible to completely detach ourselves from email and technology, but in order to truly enjoy relationships and build lifelong connections, we must take a moment to step back, sign out ofour emails, close our computer screens, and open our hearts to others around us.

Second Prize-PIWC 2016 Essay Writing Contest
May 21,2016- EBG Systems, Inc.
by Kayla Tejero
Freshman, Yorkville High School
Parents: Ryan & Pressian Tejero

E-mail: The Efficient Way of Communicating

Throughout history, technology has evolved in many ways. In a generation that is heavily dependent on technology, people have transitioned from writing physical letters to sending emails electronically. There are many pros and cons to an e-mail, cons being that it can result in impulsive and thoughtless communication, as well as poor grammar. On the other hand, the use of an e-mail is very beneficial since it is fast, easy to use, andis convenient. Some say that the nature of an e-mail can bring about careless communication and poor grammar.

Assuredly, in life, mistakes will be made. Out of laziness, one would surely make the decision to type the word “u” instead of “you,” or even “ur” instead of “you’re.” This example of poor grammar is acceptable depending on who the recipient is, and the relationship of the recipient and the sender. If sending an e-mail to one’s supervisor regarding work, using the word “u” instead of “you” would evidently be inappropriate. However, in a situation where two friends were conversing about having lunch together, shortening words would be suitable. In spite of this, one would check his/her e-mail for mistakes and ensure his/her message is meaningful. However, first, email is a quick and easy method to send and deliver messages for both the recipient and the sender.

The process of sending an e-mail is faster than a physical letter since it can be done by a simple click of a button. As a result, the recipient receives the message immediately. Additionally, when writing a physical letter, it is not delivered instantly and will consequently take longer than an e-mail. For instance, if one were a CEO of a business, and had to cancel a meeting the day of the meeting, he/she would send an e-mail to inform the employees that there would no longer be a meeting. Vice versa, the employees would also receive the message instantly. In contrast, writing a letter to each one of the employees regarding the information of the cancelled meeting would not be as effective. Moreover, the use of an e-mail allows the recipient to receive the message in a timely fashion. This is critical, especially if the e-mail includes important information.

Secondly, the concept of an e-mail is very easy to navigate and use. Whether someone is twelve or forty, vsending an email requires basic knowledge. Before creating the message, one would select “compose.” To send the e-mail, one would need to enter the following: the e-mail address of the recipient, the subject, and the message itself. The message box guides the user to where to enter the requirements listed above. When finished, the sender would select “send”, and would also receive a notification of, “Your message has been sent.” Further, this feature of an e-mail guarantees the sender that his/her message was delivered. When sending a physical letter, one does not know if the recipient received their message.

Emails are also very convenient. Since emails are done online, there is no need for paper, envelopes or even stamps. In addition, there is no fee to send an email. An email is also very useful for someone who lives a busy life. Instead of driving to the post office and going through the excruciating and long process of sending a letter, one can simply send his/her letter with the click of a button.

While there are many views on the nature of an e-mail, the use of an e-mail has proven to be very advantageous since it is quick, user-friendly, and practical. The delivery of an e-mail proves to be very fast, compared to a physical letter. Regardless of age of the user of the email, an e-mail is very easy to use for him/her. Sending a message electronically through an email is also opportune for those with a hectic schedule.

Third Prize-PIWC 2016 Essay Writing Contest
May 21,2016- EBG Systems, Inc.
by Reijhay Vargas
8th grade, Lincoln Jr. High School
Parents: Anthony & Jocelyn Vargas

Neglecting Standards Through Electronic Communication

The concept of electronic mail, often dubbed email is that it is a method of communication that is accessible to those with the privilege of obtaining internet. The ease of use, speed, and uncomplicated process seduce those who have the opportunity to use such a technology. Of course, with the luxury of communicating through the effortless push of a button, many take the advantage and forget the formal protocol of writing letters and they substitute abbreviations and symbols for phrases and words. Electronic communication encourages hasty and careless mistakes, seen as uneducated from the perspective of those well-versed in the vast world of language.

With the appearance of the electronic computers in the 1950s, the world was only a few decades away from replacing their pen and paper with a computer. Beginning in the 1970s, email became popularized in the 1990s, an era where owning personal computers became fashionable. However, with the arrival of such an innovation came its own set of complications. Many people began to forgo their grammar in favor of acronyms and shorthand.

Today, this is seen as an issue by many who still follow the classic ways of handwriting. Children of Generation Z, the most recent generation which began in 1995 and continued to 2015, were born into this revolutionary age of computers. With this, many children grew up with technology at their fingertips. Those born in this era often show a drop in intellect, correlated with electronics. More ideas began to emerge with time. Ideas, such as social media, center around the idea of being able to see what acquaintances, friends, and the rest of the world are up to. This leads to the point of discussion: electronic communication promotes lazy writing as well as lax behavior.

On the subject of grammar, and as previously mentioned, the appearance of acronyms to replace phrases has become increasingly common. This new method of shorthand also diminishes the integrity of writing, that being, the ability to convey ideas clearly to others. When one reads a message with such shorthand, he/she can ecome confused. Many of this shorthand detracts from the way someone may view them. With this confusion and seeming unintelligent writing, one can only assume that the writing is either uneducated or careless. Either of those views is a poor way to view someone. Nonetheless, it is the only way one can perceive the other without previous interaction.

Without fail, others still defend this method of relaying information. One may mention the use of spellcheckers and the knowledge that others may hold of this shorthand. However, the use of spell-checkers cannot always be relied on. Some programs do not have a spell-checker, therefore, adding the inconvenience of the loss of time. The grasp of shorthand that others may hold may not be as reliable as supporters may think. This especially holds true with those in a generation previous to Generation Z. Even those in Generation Y may have only a thin understanding. If electronic communication is intended to be fast, why rely on other programs when one can already hold the knowledge?

With the addition of electronic communication through the internet, many believe it causes thoughtless conduct as well as a deficit in terms of education and writing skill. Once great ideas can become blurred through the absentminded use of shorthand. These traditions of penmanship and the classical composition of words are forgotten in the new age of writing. These laws should be upheld by those that believe in them. Those who are educated should educate others of the ironically “unwritten laws” of writing.

Fourth Prize-PIWC 2016 Essay Writing Contest
May 21,2016- EBG Systems, Inc.
by Benjamin Lortie
Freshman, Streamwood High School
Parents: Jeffrey & Margaret Lortie

How E-Mail Is Destroying All of Our Lives

Is e-mail convenient? Yes. Is it easy to access and use? Yes, it is. But, by writing and sending several e-mails every day, are we becoming less and less smart and communicating without any real feeling? Yes. I will admit that I check e-mail at least five times a day for work and school. However, I have noticed that I have become much more anti-social and when I do talk to others, I usually use no emotion. E-mail is destroying our communication skills with others. And even though most of today’s society is heavily dependent on e-mail, our world would probably be a better place if e-mail had not been created. We are so reliant on it that we are destroying our communication with others, having less emotion, and using poor grammar.

I try to be in contact with friends and family quite often. When communicating with my friends, I usually just text them and I really don’t think much of it. When I contact my relatives, I try to put some real thought into it. However, when I press that “send” button, sometimes I think if I really put some thought into it. That is one of the dangers of e-mail. We can’t fully express ourselves when we send an e-mail. The recipient may end up understanding what I say, but my real thoughts never seem to be present.

Next, autocorrect is causing us to learn to depend on someone/ something else to fix our grammatical errors. When we misspell a word or use incorrect grammar, autocorrect will alert us so we can correct it. But how exactly is this tool helping us? All that it is doing is telling us we wrote something incorrectly. If people become too dependent on this feature of the email, we will misspell words more and more because we are expecting the autocorrect to help us fix our error. In school, I was writing an essay. About a week later, my teacher handed it back and I got a C+ on it and on the top of the paper, was a note: CHECK YOUR SPELLING. I had become so reliant on autocorrect that I had forgotten the spelling of many words.

E-mail is destroying our communication with others, forcing us into using poor grammar and having less emotion. E-mail does have its own benefits. E-mail has turned out to be a great invention that has influenced the entire world in just a few decades. It is fast and it saves us loads of time. For group projects in school, we need to communicate or we fail the project. We use texting and e-mailing to talk about how we want to do the project. We are able to talk and eventually get a good grade on it. For work, I use e-mail to contact my supervisor regarding when I will work and whether or not I am available. This is useful so I do not get fired. That is all well and good. But, we should not use it excessively or we could turn out to be completely brainwashed. So, I have one final question. Do you want to have real conversations with people or do you want to have a life influenced by e-mail in which you become a completely thoughtless human being? I think you know the right answer.

Fifth Place-PIWC 2016 Essay Writing Contest
May 21,2016- EBG Systems, Inc.
by Nichole Rivas
7th Grade, Joseph E. Gary Elementary School
Parents : Jaime and Maria Lucy Rivas

Email: The Disadvantages

Technology has not always been the best thing for society. At times, it can make people lazy. It does not always help the people even though people keep on inventing new technology to help our world be better and help others more.

Email is not always the best way to communicate with someone. Yes, it is fast and easy but when we write an email, we don’t always put our heart into it and the grammar in writing the email isn’t always the best. Email is not the best way when we are trying to write a heartfelt letter to someone. When we try to communicate to someone that we love or we really want to get hold of, the best way to communicate is through meeting the person face to face. For example when we are trying to get in touch with a person we care about, we write something we do not mean and accidently send it. This connects with my statement in showing that people may think it is the best way to communicate with someone but they might see something that they don’t want to hear and end up hurting that person that they care about.

Email leads to poor grammar. When we write an email, we can get lazy, and we write like a stenographer in court who tries to write everything that the people are saying during the trial. For example, when a person writes an email using, “r u ganna come tmr?” he/she has poor grammar. Instead of writing “Are you going to come tomorrow?” he/she writes “r u ganna come tmr?” This is poor grammar and some people may not understand. Sometimes even people who always text like that or write like that might not even understand what the person who emailed it is trying to say. Also, when a person who always writes with poor grammar tries to write a letter for a college application or a resume, he/she might not get into that college because of his/her grammar. They might not think that person is not challenged enough or educated enough because of the grammar used in that letter. This example shows that email can get a person used to writing improper grammar to be misjudged by others because of the way he/she writes.

Therefore, writing an email can cause misjudgment and misunderstanding. Email does not help that well. People use email as a way of communication but it is not the best way of communication. Yes, email may be helpful in reaching others quickly but to assure that we send a message, we can communicate in so many other different ways. We can mess up in email but we can never mess up in seeing someone to help him/her or have fun with him/her. Email may make things difficult for us.##