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Grade 10 FLE | SMAS Mutiara Harapan
Smartphone photography collage
Cathleen C S Simanjuntak
Smartphone photography - Yay or nay?
Written by Cathleen C S Simanjuntak
The invention of the smartphone has revolutionized the way we think, act and communicate with each other. Conversing with people who live thousands of miles away from you is no longer an issue with the presence of these exceptionally light, convenient pieces of technology.
These smartphones are also frequently used for photography. The first phone to have a camera was the Sharp J-SH04, invented in the year 2000. This camera had a resolution of only 0.11 megapixels, which is not quite suitable for photography. However, as time progresses, technology has developed immensely in these past 20 years. We are now able to take high-quality photos just with a device as small as a chocolate bar.
Pretty neat, isn’t it? Well, not according to Henry Jacobson. Based on his opinion, smartphones should only be used as a means of communication.
In certain ways, I have to agree with what Henry Jacobson has to say. Yes, the smartphone was originally created to help us stay connected with people, whether they are family, friends, or relatives. It allows us to remain linked through social networking apps, video calls, and messaging services without even physically meeting one another.
It can be quite unnecessary for a phone to take photos when we already have a separate device, namely the usual camera, with the purpose of capturing clear videos and photos. Without a camera, smartphones would most likely be lighter in weight. Eliminating the camera would also save storage space for other certain media such as work files or documents.
Regardless of this, smartphone photography is an absolute win for many people. It serves as a multi-purpose device; in this case, being a camera and a communication medium. Having a smartphone can be extra helpful for those who love taking quick snaps of everything in sight. Smartphones are very practical as they are always with you and are notably simple in comparison to large, heavy cameras.
With the plethora of smartphone devices available, we are able to select their specifications according to our needs and preferences. Having a decent camera is one of the most crucial aspects people look for in a smartphone these days. Capturing everyday sights and sceneries will soon turn into precious memories. Keeping these priceless digital archives can certainly be meaningful to innumerable people.
As I see it, smartphone photography is one of the most ingenious creations to exist in this technology. Photography has no limit. Having a $10,000 camera without the suitable skills is the same as riding a bike with no wheels. With the proper expertise, taking photos off a usual smartphone can appear professional. Nevertheless, both sides have their pros and cons. It all comes down to us as individuals and our personal choices.
Language as a Powerful Communication Tool
Written by Cathleen C S Simanjuntak
Let’s quickly travel back in time - back to the 1800s. A time where the simplest message could take hours, or even days, to be delivered. Imagine having to sail your boats, day and night, through the violent storms, crashing waves, and freezing weather. All that to reach your destination and finally, meet your message recipient. But the weather is not the only problem you face. Unfortunately, you and your recipient are not able to speak the same language.
Fast forward to the present; here I am, sitting on my chair with my phone next to me. It buzzes to alert me with a notification from my friend, who lives two thousand miles away from where I live. I easily read the message and respond in seconds.
What’s the difference between these two circumstances? In the present day, it is much easier for us to deliver and receive messages with the presence of technology along with the internet. However, the main difference I’d like to highlight is the issue of language barriers.
The most spoken language today is the English language. The British empire had spread the English language throughout the world’s continents. Today, it is now taught in schools, used in offices, and frequently used in people’s homes. English is considered a universal language.
Anyhow, there are roughly seven thousand other languages used all around the world, including those that are not written and spoken verbally. These languages include sign language and Braille. Sign language involves our sight over every other sense as it is mainly used for people with hearing difficulties. Meanwhile, Braille, for the most part, requires our sense of touch. Braille uses dots arranged in a variety of patterns to distinguish individual letters.
There are countless different ways to convey the importance of having language in our daily lives. Regardless of that, the answer is actually quite simple: it connects us. Just think about it. If languages were absent in our lives, how would this world even function? Picture all the businesses, companies, or even relationships that would collapse simply due to the struggle of communicating with one another.
Aside from language being a ‘connector’ between us humans, it also acts as a medium for us to express ourselves. Poems, short stories, and essays are just a few types of written pieces used by people worldwide to exhibit their ideas, thoughts, and emotions. Through language, these compositions provide people a different method of transmitting a certain message to others without literally communicating with them verbally.
Although communication seems to be such a sensational device in bringing people together, it can also do the opposite. I bet you’re familiar with the experience of arguing on the most insensible topic. At the top of my head, communication would be the main cause of an issue of this sort. However, if you were to really break it down, language is one of the causes of miscommunication.
We often dismiss the fact that communication has become an integral part of all our lives, with language playing a significant role in it. Despite communication having its downsides, I’d have to say that language brings many more positive impacts over the negative. With the wide array of languages within our communities today, it is our part to respect them and the authenticity each language possesses.
References
Buchanan, A. (2019, December 6). 5 reasons why is English the "Global Language" of Today. Speak English Center. Retrieved October 20, 2021, from 5 Reasons Why Is English The “Global Language” of Today.
Lewison, K. (2021, January 31). Why is language important? your guide to the spoken word. University of the People. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from Why Is Language Important? Your Guide To The Spoken Word.
Davis, B. (2021, May 8). Home. MVOrganizing. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from What is the role of language as a tool of communication? – MVOrganizing.
Charity Letter
Written by Cathleen C S Simanjuntak
Indonesian Dogs Adoption & Rehabilitation Centre (IDARC)
BARC 4 Bali Dogs
Bali Dogs Adoption & Rehabilitation Centre (BARC)
Dear Supporter,
All over the world, dogs are renowned for their kind heartedness and loving nature. Despite this, the escalating abuse towards these innocent, furry souls is undeniable. Over 250 million stray animals remain in the streets, helpless, neglected and abandoned. With Indonesia’s high intolerance towards dogs, they are often left without the adequate aid they need.
Recently, we came across Baby Moca, a little puppy who was slowly dying when we found her with her rescuer. She was said to be found near a local market with 4 bite marks on her neck and a body bloating up like a balloon. Luckily, we were able to race her to the vet clinic and treat her. She has now regained her appetite and can stand on her legs properly.
However, there are thousands, or even millions, of other dogs who undergo the same experience. The difference is, they are not as lucky as Moca. They are instead left in immense pain. We can only imagine the sadness and loneliness these dogs must have felt in the scorching heat along with the dark, freezing nights.
IDARC is a no-kill shelter providing vaccination, sterilization and other medical assistance to all rescued animals. All around IDARC’s operation, we were able to rescue over 350 animals alongside finding safe and secure permanent homes for them. As of now, we care for over 60 adult dogs, 2 rescued horses and 2 rescued pigs.
Our organization is a small team of 20, yet we have accomplished so much for these animals. Not only did we provide educational programs about the importance of taking care of animals, we have also built a sanctuary for our rescued critters to stay. We continuously donate to animal clinics and rescue centers to help them acquire the materials and equipment needed to save the animals.
Nonetheless, there are still vulnerable animals out there that depend on YOUR help. The sooner you help us, the sooner we can save thousands of other animals at the edge of life and death. With even the smallest donations, you are giving a deserving chance for a dog to live in a safe, loving home.
Yours faithfully,
Cathleen Simanjuntak
Founder of IDARC
Disclaimer: IDARC is a fictive organization.
Through Sweat and Tears
A memoir by Cathleen C S Simanjuntak
In early 2017, my parents brought my siblings and me into a room to discuss something important. I didn’t think much of it since I was quite a careless child then, but this time it was different. The room was filled with tension and sorrow. I sat down on the bed and then they began to speak.
“We’re moving back to Indonesia,” said Papa.
That five-word sentence destroyed me. After ten years of happily living abroad, for the first time in my life, I felt so empty. As if a large, dark hole had sucked me into the point where I could no longer breathe. A part of me was happy that Papa got a job since he had been searching for a few months now. However, a great chunk of my heart still belonged to Thailand.
Not long after the news, my family and I had to start packing. It was certainly a very tedious and emotional process. Looking back at photographs and reminiscing the old memories would tear me down. Though I was only ten years old, I had a lot of emotional baggage to unpack.
Fast forward to May 31st, 2017 – a date I’ll never forget.
It was about 5 a.m. when we arrived at the airport. Arriving at the airport is usually exhilarating yet this time it was the total opposite. It was a mixture of happiness, sadness, curiosity, anger and so many other emotions which I can’t seem to express in words. We rolled in our boxes and luggage to the airport from the car with visible sadness in our eyes.
At the time, I’d say I was in the first stage of grief – denial. Although we had our plane tickets and had already dropped off our belongings at the counter, I still refused to believe the fact that we were leaving for good. I had already dreamt of graduating high school in Thailand with my friends. Visions of us throwing our graduation caps felt so faint as I became even more aware of the fact that I might not be able to see them again.
It was now 7 a.m. and my friends began to arrive to say their goodbyes. Seeing my parents, siblings, and friends cry were not easy. I didn’t want them to see me crying so I secluded myself from the crowd and used the nearby fast-food restaurants as a distraction.
Then, the time came. At around 7:30 a.m., we had to depart to the airplane with eyes full of tears. I hugged my friends one last time and headed towards the gate with my family. We waved at our friends the whole way there till we could no longer see them.
And that was it.
Months of anxiousness, exasperation, and misery led to this final moment. 10 years of memories and unforgettable experiences led me here, downhearted in the middle of a busy airport at 8 in the morning. Though I was devastated, I’m glad I went through all that. If I didn’t struggle through this, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Nor would I be as tough as I am today.
Life will throw the hardest situations at you and it’ll unquestionably be difficult. But these challenges are thrown at us for a reason. No matter how confusing and burdensome it may be, push through because all the tears, fights, arguments, and refusal will be worth it in the end.
Life Story Timeline
Carlos' Bakery
Written by Cathleen C S Simanjuntak
Ring, ring, ring! The chime of the bell suggested that the bakery was open for service. A flock of birds swooped over the bright, yellow sign that read “Carlos’ Bakery”. Up front stood a pack of customers patiently waiting for the doors to open to the glory of delicious, authentic baked goods. The entryway swings open with the crowd rushing in for their first pick. Customers are welcomed to the smell of butter and dough hovering in every corner of the room. Rows of croissants, chocolate chip cookies and mouth-watering pastries lay on trays in the clear glass display panel for everyone to see. A tiny 7-year-old boy starts jumping up and down to the sight of freshly baked bread and brownies brought from the kitchen. An elderly lady walks up to the array of desserts to take a whiff of their tempting scent.
“Order up!” shouts one of the staff members. People of all ages shuffle over to the counter and the waiter starts to lose control over the customers. He sticks his hand out as an attempt to signal the horde to wait in a straight line. Another waiter rushes back and forth from the kitchen and service station, bringing additional delicacies. Cooks disperse in the kitchen, moving as quick as lightning, trying to keep pace with the tremendous number of orders. “The customers won’t wait long!” scolds the head chef at his subordinates.
Out of the blue, a short, old man with little to no hair appears from the back door. He wore a dirty apron covered in flour and egg yolks over a light blue tee and dark jeans. On his head laid a tall chef’s hat that puffed up at the top like a fluffy cloud. Everyone’s eyes glistened like glitter as they were aware of the man’s presence. “Carlos!” declared the customers. That man is Carlos, a jolly Mexican man who brings happiness to everyone he encounters. He is the owner of Carlos’ Bakery and the man behind all the appetizing desserts and pastries the bakery has to offer. As usual, he has a smile on his face while he greets the lineup of patrons.
Soon enough, the day elapses and the sun dies out as the night caves in. The bakery starts to empty out and the number of orders decline. He lectured his colleagues as a way of motivating them to work hard, then proceeds to dismiss them. With another successful day at the office, Carlos removes his chef hat and perches in satisfaction. He shuts off the lights, locks the doors and smiles while he struts his whole way back home, full of pride.
Culture Shock and Adapting to New Environments
with Hagan Hototo Barus - exchange student (Oregon, USA | 2018-2019)
Cathleen: Hello! First of all, thank you for joining this meeting.
Hagan: No problem.
Cathleen: Okay, let's just jump right in. The first question is what was your first impression of the US when you entered the country?
Hagan: It was surely luxurious in a way. When I first landed in the US, keeping in mind that I come from a small city, it felt very luxurious and fancy because there were many tall buildings and skyscrapers. The people were also very friendly. I think the media depicts the US as a country with many sorts of dilemmas like racism but in my opinion, it was the total opposite.
Cathleen: That must have been very eye-opening for you. The next question is what was the main difference in terms of everyday culture between the US and Indonesia?
Hagan: I think the main difference is how people actually live their lives there. In the US, people are very individualistic. In some sense it can be positive because you actually chase your own dreams whereas in Indonesia, we have this burden on our back forcing us to make our parents happy or to make a specific group happy. This way we work for ourselves and become self-motivated. During my exchange in the US, for the first time, I felt so free to do anything I want because there’s no pressure or supervision. It’s just me living my own life. On the other hand, it could be bad because there are certain people who go in different directions. But the US is also very socially vibrant because they are so open about everything and express themselves however they want. It’s different in Indonesia where it is more restrictive about what you say. In the US, as they say, there is more freedom of speech.
Cathleen: What was your biggest culture shock when living in the US?
Hagan: To me, as I mentioned earlier, it’s about how open people are towards anything, including sensitive topics. People would randomly come up to me and voice their opinions about certain things very openly. But after I thought of it, I learned that this is just their way of expressing themselves and it's their way of showing pride in themselves.
Cathleen: I actually had quite a similar experience back in my old school and it’s nice to know that you experienced the same thing. Alright, next question. What do you admire most from the culture there?
Hagan: I think I really admired the culture of volunteering or ‘gotong royong’ as we call it in Indonesia. There are so many opportunities where you can contribute back to your community. For example, I contributed a lot through volunteering where I helped clean up beaches in Oregon. I also helped prepare free dinners for the homeless or send out Christmas gifts to homeless kids. There were so many opportunities that allowed me to give back to the community. But in Indonesia, at times, I feel like I don’t have that same opportunity where there’s less of a chance to do those kinds of things. In Indonesia, it’s like my job, as a teenager, just to study and there’s nothing more than that. The level of opportunities and how the young and old are equal are what I admire most from the culture in the US.
Cathleen: Yeah, I agree. I really like how they have community services where we can get ourselves involved in the community and help those in need. So, from your responses it seemed like you enjoyed your time in the US but were comfortable living there?
Hagan: For me, it really depends. I don’t really think I was actually as comfortable there. The issue is that, just like the movies, they party very often. Basically, they have this very vibrant, energetic social life. A lot of times they drink or smoke and although there are people like this in Indonesia, it was different in the US because I felt that there was no community for me. In Indonesia, there are still certain communities that can affect me positively, for instance, a Christian group or a group of friends who have the same motivation and interests as me. In the US, the majority of the groups there enjoy partying and as an introvert, it really isn’t my thing to do.
Cathleen: So, if you were to put how comfortable you were living there in a percentage, how would you put it?
Hagan: I’d say it would be 60% comfortable and 40% uncomfortable mainly because of the social life.
Cathleen: How hard was it for you to adapt to the different environment, society and culture there?
Hagan: It was very difficult, of course. It’s different if you were to do an exchange program to places like Malaysia because the culture shock isn’t too drastic since Indonesia is also on the Eastern side. However, moving to the Western part of the world is a 180 degree difference. The fact that travelling miles away and staying there without a support system or anyone to rely on was very hard. I couldn’t just go back to Indonesia. I can recall a number of times where I would be stuck in my room, feeling homesick, crying and wishing that I could go back to Indonesia. But that’s where the real challenge is and it's a very great way for people to grow. Over time, you learn to adapt and I learned a lot about myself as a person.
Cathleen: How did the society treat you there?
Hagan: Well, there was some racism in the story but that was just one person. I’d say 99% of them were very welcoming and curious about what Indonesia’s like. They also weren’t hesitant to share about their own culture as well. Aside from the racist part, they were all very kind and welcoming.
Cathleen: Looking back at the recent cases of racism in the US towards Asians, it’s something we would have to anticipate and learn to overcome. Moving on, what are the main differences in education between the US and Indonesia?
Hagan: Probably the fact that there was so much variety to what we could learn in the US. We could choose what path we wanted to go to and there were so many options. You could learn psychology, or typical math, construction building, even botanical gardening, and there was also drama. It really gives you space to try out new things. It was much more flexible and gave us room to explore many things. In terms of CCAs (Co-Curricular Activities), there were clubs for everything, whether you wanted sports, music, education clubs, and also clubs for movies, which to me was very interesting. Whatever hobby or interest you had, they always had a club for it and I think that was one thing they tried to emphasize in the system.
Cathleen: That’s one thing I also like about the American culture. There’s so much freedom and variety to choose from and if our interests change, there’s always a system available to support our interests. Next, you’ve actually mentioned part of this earlier, but how often did you feel homesick?
Hagan: I think it was everyday, especially the first few months I arrived. It was very exciting but it was also very tough. When I first walked in the airport, it was astonishing, to be honest, but it was this sense of short-term euphoria. But when you reach your host parents’ house, that’s when the reality-check comes in. The happiness suddenly stops when you realize that you’re a thousand miles away from home and you’re standing all alone in a stranger’s home. I was scared and frustrated at the same time because I was questioning myself and asking ‘Why did I even come here?’ I fought through 2 years of the selection test and now I’m here almost regretting my whole decision. For the first three months, I felt very homesick but after I learned about myself more that’s when I knew I had to persevere. I fought for this chance to stay in the US and there are thousands of people who would love to replace my spot.
Cathleen: I can imagine how difficult it was because one moment you’re with your parents everyday and in the next, you’re not.
Hagan: Yeah, because of this, we start to build this sense of appreciation towards your parents.
Cathleen: There’s a saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". Do you think this saying is applicable for newcomers to the US? Why or why not?
Hagan: I think it definitely applies and I think it applies everywhere because wherever we are, we have to be respectful towards others and their cultures. Whatever their culture, I think I have to try our best to just follow it. The least I can do is respect them.
Cathleen: Alright, if in the future you were given the chance to live there permanently?
Hagan: Not at all. When people say America is the land of opportunities, I definitely agree but if I were to spend everyday there, not a chance. I’d rather stay in Indonesia, to be honest because it’s just much more comfortable in Indonesia.
Cathleen: Okay we’ve nearly come to the end, this is the last question. What was the main lesson you learned while studying there for a year?
Hagan: I think it’s to go out of your comfort zone. I admit new things can be scary because some people may judge and some people also may think we are not capable of doing whatever we want to do. I think we have to block our minds from all the negative sentiments out there because going outside of your comfort zone is where you really learn more about yourself and grow as a person. We should say yes to challenges and just explore the outside world.
Cathleen: Alright, I think that’s it. Thank you so much for doing this interview. I really appreciate you for lending in your time to do this.
Hagan: Awesome, thank you as well.
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