Month: October 2016

No Results, No Gains

Personally, results are WAY more important than efforts. This might be a controversial standpoint, but it is however the social convention that operates the world. Think about it. When have efforts been evaluated in college or occupational admissions? Executives will only look at one’s resumes as it is the best indicator of his potential to succeed. Effort is definitely necessary, but individuals put effort simply because they want results. No one does work for nothing!

 

From my personal experience, results are always set as priority; effort is simply a tool to receive better results. I study math daily to fulfill my desire for algebraic knowledge and to, more importantly, prepare for future exams such as AMC or ASDAN.(two prestigious math contests) It is highly unconventional of me, and of most people I believe, to labor for nothing. Although it is true that I might learn something during the process(effort), I will never initiate the process without a specific goal.(result)

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Studying by Steven S. via Flickr CC BY 2.0

I don’t “work” for “work;” I work for success. 

The notion-results = everything-is justified by a dialogue between Ah-cang and his grandpa in “The Drowning of An Old Cat.” Ah-cang says that ” ‘I really did buy a bonito, but a truck ran over it and squashed it.’ ” Grandpa then replies ” ‘Isn’t that same as not bringing one home?’ “(Huang 9) This conversation depicts the confrontation between effort and results. Ah-cang mentions his effort as an excuse of failure, while grandpa, a clear-minded evaluator, is more inclined toward the results. It shows that results are more important than effort since as grandpa says, trying hard and failing a task is same as not doing it. As mentioned before, instructors do not care about how much one works, but how much one achieves. Although this might seem very harsh for people who fail many times, it is the universal truth applicable in society. Perhaps you will learn from mistakes and get a great result next time!

♥A♥ by Shaika AlBuainain via Flickr CC BY 2.0

♥A♥ by Shaika AlBuainain via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Sadly, this is what people care…

In short, people work diligently for results since results are what people look at.(people only look at your test scores with disregard to your effort) Failure cannot be justified by “trying my best.”

Results are definitely more important than effort. There are millions of people that devote their life into a field, but only few are remembered for their contribution and their groundbreaking results.

 

Reflection for Digital Footprint

  1. What does your current digital footprint say about you?

It says a lot about my “glorious historical records.”(mostly Go awards and in-school competition)  There is of course my Facebook.

  1. Has it changed from last year?

Not really. I have not really done anything significant or posted anything on Facebook or other digital media.

  1. How will you manage your digital footprint from now on.

I would still use the same strategy-be as invisible as possible.

Flag Reflection

Now that you have your flag created, how could you determine if it is successful?

I believe by doing peer reviews(Google form), I am able to determine the effectiveness of my flag’s communication. Google form allows me to know how effective the flag conveys its meanings and how acoustically pleasing it is. Some questions that can be asked through Google form include “what symbolisms do you see in this flag” and “From 1~10, how would you rate this flag based on its artistic components.”

How well does your final flag design match the specifications you made in the assignment “A Rough Plan”?

All symbolisms requirements are met in my final design, despite with several minor variations. The main difference is the visual representation.(the design itself) For example, I add a coconut in my final design to show its importance for BIOT’s economy, but that is simply a subtle change. Generally, my rough sketches articulate the major frames of my final design; my design specification and my final design could be concluded as similar.

How could your flag be improved?

I would say that minor refinements are necessary. Although I try my best to smooth out the tiniest details, there are still unwanted parts not properly erased, which makes the overall flag less pleasing and perhaps flawed.(the width of stripes is not consistent) Also, as a very bad artist, I am incapable of identifying good visuals and bad visuals, thus making me very difficult to create a “beautiful” flag.

If your flag was actually used, what might its impact be?    

I believe it will receive a better reputation than the original BIOT flag, which is regarded as one of the worst flags in the world. Also, a new flag without significant display of UK heritage might trigger the patriotism of BIOT citizens and possibly be the spark of a contemporary revolution. Although my flag might revolutionize the traditions of BIOT citizens(ignoring UK colonization), in all aspects, my design is better than the current BIOT flag in terms of visuals and symbolisms.