Random (Academic) Thoughts

RCCESI Extension Office
May 28, 2013
Around 10:30AM

 For the past two weeks I've spent less time for research to do some errands for the family, I had the opportunity to read and to think things through.Partly, I was sad of the time wasted for the past weeks-but it did gave me time to finally finish all the readings I have. Also, there was time to reflect and just check on the things that needs to be accomplished and why I'm not delivering well. First reason that I thought of was how I manage my time given that I have duties as a daughter, a friend, a leader, a girlfriend, a research assistant, and a student. However, I realized that I've been juggling those roles even before summer. Although, time was wasted thinking on how I should allocate time for each role. Second reason that came into my mind was my lack of time to simply pause and relax. I realized that I'm causing myself stress by thinking too much of everything that needs to be done. The only solution that I could think of that time was to schedule everything that I will do for this week.

THESIS. Earlier this month, I've decided to use the 2012 Gender Statistics on Labor and Employment instead of the FLEMMS data. Primarily, this is due to the fact that I am not used to quantitative research. My friend, Sam the Statistics major, advised me to stick with the basics (and with what I know) and turn the analysis into a strong one by weaving it well with the literature in the interpretation. He said that using complicated statistics may look good on paper, but if I can't explain it properly, better leave it alone. I also consulted Dr. Ang on what I could do with the statistics, knowing that the RICART team was also using statistics presented in the same manner. He said that I could get the growth rate given that I have at least three years to compare. With these advices, I thought of getting the growth rate then look for a fitting measure/tool for the level of significance. Though I should consult with my adviser about this. Dr. Ang also mentioned that I can't use different data sets in one analysis. So I should probably do different analysis for the data sets that I want to use (namely: youth household population, youth labor force and labor force participation, youth employment, underemployement, and unemployment rates). Doing mixed methods is also an option, for quantitative-statistical analysis combined with a qualitative analysis in the form of literature review. Sam did advice me to use my strength, knowing that I've been trained to do qualitative data analysis, and add a twist by doing something unexpected by doing the quantitative data analysis. I am actually excited to learn quantitative research for sociology, though I believe that I can't do it in just a month or two. Doing a strong data analysis takes mastery of both the data and the method. I envision some sort of reporting of this statistics through the lens of sociology.

ISTAMBAY RESEARCH. At first, I was overwhelmed by the deliverables for the project. I've been working with sir Yayet since 1st year, but it felt like I'm just starting to understand the core of this phenomenon. I did enjoy looking for literature and creating mind maps one after the other. With the shift from youth inactivity to delayed school-to-work transition, I was affirmed of what initially envisioned for my thesis and believed more in this research. I've always seen the istambay phenomenon as a transitional problem. I am excited to where this project may lead, and whether I'd work on this project even after I graduate. Cliche man, pero walang magandang bagay ang madaling nakukuha. More readings, and trainings are needed for this to work-balancing the theoretical with the actual work. The entire research may take years to finish, but it will be something that could affect how Filipinos look on this issue. And I should probably submit this as my write up.

I only have ten months in UST-two months finishing my undergraduate thesis, and eight months (hopefully) to polish, to present and publish it with my adviser. I'm not after any award, but presenting and publishing will be great. Given the opportunity, I hope that it would eventually help me to study in another University next year-still for Sociology. But before that, I need to work even harder and strive for excellence. Ora et Labora.

01/08/2013
SB Diliman
Around 8.40PM

I should be writing something for my research proposal, I know. But I guess writing will save me from the stress of writing. The more I read about my topic (or themes), the more I confuse myself with everything. And this is pretty lame, writing my research journal on my blog. Frustrating, but worth it.

Slowly, the possibilities of the future are being unveiled. The journey ahead excites me, but it is not without any challenge. To get there, choices should be made. To get there, I might have to let go of some the things near and dear to me. But no, I don't believe that sacrifices will be made along the way. You just need to prioritize.

And so it begins.

Youth and Politics

Please forgive me if my thoughts do not coincide with one another. I have to write my thoughts or else they'll disappear.
Where do we place ourselves in a world controlled by grown ups? How do we speak up without disrespecting their seniority? And most importantly, how could we contribute to the status quo? Youth and politics have long attracted the attention of researchers, however, these two aspects of society are not readily associated with one another. Why? Adults often see us idealistic and apathetic when it comes to politics. At first, I found myself disagreeing with this state. I'm still in my youth, and I'm not like that. Well, it so happens that I'm not the only youth in the country. Yesterday, I was in the extension office-reading the data from the TALIM Seminar. The respondents were officers of different organizations and duly elected SK officials. Most of their answers reflect the optimism that they have for our nation. It maybe a good sign for some, but I can't help but worry. Optimism could lead to possible disillusion. And false hopes. HAHA. They were talking about a nation that's progressive and peaceful; where citizens help one another, where honest and responsible thrives; a nation free from the inequalities that life has to offer. I'm not saying that this is not possible, however, the probability of these things to exist within our lifetime is little. We're Filipinos; we choose to believe in the good side of things, to believe that there is relief beyond the suffering were experiencing. We made ourselves to be optimistic, just to have something to hold on to when things get rough. Apathetic? I don't think so. But our public servants keep on talking about things that we have no concern for. Alienation, yes. People would rather not participate in a system they do not know (or doubt), than to pretend to know things. In the case of TALIM, the respondents are willing to participate because at least they have some experience regarding politics already. The Filipino youth of today does not lack knowledge when it comes to pressing social issues, but getting us to participate in making a difference is another matter. I need to catch up with my reading list, just to add more ideas. I have a lot of reading to do! I'm actually writing my thesis proposal about political youth participation, too.

Thesis.

Earlier, I was reading The Manila Boy's blog on tumblr. His latest post goes like this:

Ang Thesis, nagsisimula sa Proposal
Papatunayang may patutunguhan ang Proposal
Pag napatunayan mo na, Kailangan nang Patunayan na totoo ang Proposal mo.
Para magtagumpay, kailangan mong panindigan para tanggapin ng lahat ang Thesis mo. 

Ang thesis ay parang pag-big.

Research is an important part in the discipline of Sociology. The moment you take Sociology courses, the professors are actually 'training' you to think critically and to do research. During our first year in college, we've written tons of mini-papers (ranging from 3 to 7 pages). This semester, we're taking up Research I (Introduction to Research) and our expected course output is a draft of our research proposal. In other words, we need to write the draft of chapters 1-3 of our beloved thesis. And yes, I'm still in 2nd year. Next semester, we'll polish the proposal and defend it. As written above, I need to prove that my proposal leads somewhere; that my proposal is worth my time and effort. And like love, I would do anything for a great thesis-except have it written by another person, that's just crazy! One should consider his/her thesis paper as his/her own baby. After all, that thesis is a product of your own labor as well as your mind. It is your own, no one could replicate-in terms of content and essence. THESIS IT! I could do this! Plus, I believe that writing a good thesis paper could help me determine what I really want for my future. I just hope I don't write my thesis like this, without any draft or revision. HAHA.