First Day of School

by Grace L. De La Cruz, Accounts Officer

Yesterday, June 1, 2009 was the first day of class for most schools. The first day of class is an exciting event for students geared up to learn new things, bond with old friends, meet new buddies and most especially, buy new school things.

I remember my own first day back to school during my elementary days. Preparing my school things was the most exciting part. I would make sure that I had a new pair of shoes, a new bag filled with new notebooks, ballpens and pad paper, and of course a brand new set of uniforms. I clearly remember a particular time when I was young. I was watching the news on TV and the program featured children who cannot go to school, nor buy new things. The image struck me, and from then on, I valued money and things-whether brand new or used. I decided to be more resourceful so that my parents could save money. Also, I decided that in my own way, I should try to help other children as well. Instead of the children I saw on TV, I could help my cousins in the province who could not afford all the school items I do. I would pass on my old shoes, bags and clothes to them. Today, I still give to my cousins in the province. Their joy never fails to overwhelm me. It is amazing how happy my simple sharing makes them.

Let us value money not just by understanding its worth but more importantly how money can help other people.

Pencil and Paper

by Calon Baltazar, CFE Media Affairs Officer 

 

The power of pencil and paper always amazes me.

Not only does it bring to life my crazy imaginary world and my fondly characters during Monday morning meetings, but it also immortalizes my desires and concretizes my thoughts, dreams and ideas.

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After the Money Matters for Women Event at SM Southmall Las Piñas last Saturday May 30, I went straight to my friend’s house nearby. It was a pad full of IS (international school) teachers and one of them was the 2007 LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) topnotcher, Cloefe. She told me how Sir Colayco was such a great influence on her family. She shared how their finances are currently “in the budget”.

As our conversation deepened, I discovered how she was able to ace the LET. She said, “You know Calon, months before I took the LET, I took a pencil and a paper and wrote down my target grade for the exam. I wrote a large 91% and placed it in the wall of my studying area.” True enough without any help froma review center, she had managed to top the exams with a 92% grade. One of the highest in recent years of the LET.

Meeting her led me to realize how powerful having a goal written down on paper can be.  Having an idea is not enough. You have to write it down and put it in a place where you can see it always. In that way you are constantly reminded of your goal. Whatever it maybe-a desire, goal or target, the end has to be visible. Even Oprah would agree that in setting up goals, writing it down on paper helps you achieve it.

Cloefe ask me how she can be more control of her finances and eventually be rich. I told her that she just had to do what she did months before her LET. So I took out my HB pencil and a Mecury Drug receipt, gave it to her and she started writing her financial goal.