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

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

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)