Self-thoughts ep. 1: I Miss Expressing Myself...
You might wonder why I wrote this as title.
Well, lately, I have been trying my best to connect with others, especially in my new school. I grew up in a school where you can be at your best without judgement. You can do what you think will benefit your class without having the fear of being termed as "bida-bida".
To give you a nutshell definition of what this is, it means that you're overly giving your best at something, especially in academic matters to the point it annoys others. This is a term I consider as "smart shaming", since it puts down learners who are enthusiastic with their academics.
I saw a post in my personal Facebook account that talks about: "Is it normal to have "bida-bida" students active at the start of classes?"
Now, I do not know in what meaning this anonymous FB poster wants to use this term as, but if it means to put down people trying to help their classmates by giving updates, I'm not gonna stand here and just watch you walk around with a smug smile. It does not sit well with me that you perceive them as that.
First of all, you just met the person. Why would you give that prejudice that he or she is that? Do you know why that person is like that? Do you know his or her intentions with doing what they do?
Second, everyone is new. We all come from different schools. Some may have gone to a school where they can do their best in school without being judged as this. Some may have gone to schools where they have this judgement that smart people are the "bida-bida" people. Please, grow up. You're in college, and you're expected to stand out in your own feet.
Lastly, "bida-bida" people can have high outbursts of energy for academics. Can't catch up? Then try harder. "Bida-bida" people exert effort in what they can do. They show that they care for what they do. At least they let you know that they're there, right?
Now, I have this small realization that people who talk about these "bida-bida" people can't catch and cope up with the academic enthusiasm they have. That's why they choose to take the bullying card to pull down these wonderful people who do nothing but exert their best maximum effort.
Dear "bida-bida" people, I hope you read this text with a comforting feeling. If they think you as this, then prove them you are one! Be the Jollibee in the class. Be the enthusiastic bee in the class.
Dear people who call their academically enthusiastic peers as this, grow up. You gotta catch up, your life matters in academics.
Now that concludes the little Ted-Talk rant. I hope you enjoyed :)
Note: Graphic made by yours truly.
Edit (9.19.22): This mindset, unfortunately, still exists among students. There may be students who become "bida-bida" for no effing reason, but using this term to those who strive hard in academics is one big insult. I really hope this calls out people here who uses this term to their classmates. I'm unfortunately a victim of this.
Edit2 (9.19.22): "bida-bida" is a Filipino term btw :>