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The Mental Self: Frozen Memories


COGNITION, MEMORY AND INTELLIGENCE

We are born with intrinsic qualities that allow us to govern ourselves in a variety of environments and circumstances. We rely on our senses from birth to create reactions and reflexes that are part of our developmental milestones.


Memory is composed of three levels: sensory memory, short-term or working memory, and long- term memory: (1) Sensory memory is the point at which information enters the nervous system through the sensory systems—eyes, ears, and so on, (2) If an incoming sensory message is important enough to enter consciousness, that message will move from sensory to the next stage of memory, called short-term memory (STM), through the process of selective attention and finally, (3) Long-term memory is the system of memory into which all the information is placed to be kept more or less permanently.



Intelligence is the ability to learn from one's experiences, acquire knowledge, and use resources effectively in adapting to new situations or solving problems. Howard Gardner introduced eight different types of intelligences consisting of: Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist.

 
STORY TIME


Growing up as a student, I never really claim myself intelligent even though my family and friends believe I am one. When I was in grade school, I never really submit any assignments or any requirements, though I came from top sections in our school. I was very timid and I never really put an effort on my studies, but still my family and friends believe that I am good at studying. Then I enter high school and realized why did I not put an effort on my grade school days even if I can?



In high school I realized that I never really good as I expected, there are so many students that are better than me and we all have differences when it comes to intelligence. That’s when I realized that we cannot really generalized the intelligence of students. As Gardner state, there are eight different types of intelligences and that’s when I realized that I should not compare myself to others. Because everyone has their own field where they are good at, some are good in math which I am not. But I am good at writing poems and prose and not everyone can do that.

This lesson taught me that intelligence is diverse, one should not seek for validity from other people because goodness comes from within, it is yourself who will decide and define who you are and not other people.

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