In Retrospect

 

Excitement and nervousness hung in the air like a palpable energy. The rain poured relentlessly on our first day of class, transforming our classroom doorway into a makeshift waterfall, as if nature itself was adding a dramatic touch to our new beginning. Amidst the sound of raindrops, we were all timid, barely making eye contact, and our voices barely audible. I remember feeling a mix of awe and discomfort, my classmates and I were all strangers thrust together into this unfamiliar environment. How would we adjust to this environment we were forced into?

When it came time to introduce ourselves, shyness enveloped us like a heavy fog. I still recall that one moment very vividly. One of our subject teachers asked us to present our introduction in a creative way. After a few, maybe three of my classmates introduced themselves, we all sat there quietly. I hesitated, my words caught in my throat. After a few minutes of us sitting there idly, I watched in disbelief as one of our teacher, perhaps taken aback by our collective timidity, quietly walk away. We all stood up and said “Goodbye and thank-“ before getting cut off by our teacher who, in response said “Don’t say thank you”. That was a very remarkable first impression, isn’t it?

Initially at the start of the school year, I found myself in a challenging situation. Surrounded by classmates who were also academic achievers, I initially felt quite intimidated. The pressure to excel was palpable, and I questioned my ability to measure up. However, as the months passed, I started to interact more with my peers and discovered a surprising truth. Behind their impressive achievements, they were incredibly humble and friendly individuals. We shared not only the pursuit of knowledge but also a camaraderie that made the academic journey more enriching. 

As the school year unfolded, there were moments that etched themselves into my memory. One of them was the surprise celebration of our adviser, our dearest ma’am Remy’s birthday that brought us closer, engaging in activities like the YES-O tree planting and coastal clean up, the little concert we had in our classroom because of our Music performance task, the countless activities in Science and I wouldn’t forget the English film-making project that we had to make a week before our exam period and which we had to film twice because the first take was rushed.

Of course, it wasn’t all rainbow and unicorns. At the beginning of the year, I texted my group of friends, promising to be a different person this time around. I vowed to avoid last-minute cramming and to take notes diligently, but reality fell short of my intentions. I encountered obstacles that tested my resolve, moments where I failed to live up to the promises I made to myself. One such instance was during our tree planting activity in YES-O, where my fear paralyzed me on a narrow path. I couldn't bring myself to take the steps needed, missing out on the opportunity to plant and contribute. Reflecting on these experiences, I realize the importance of overcoming my fears and staying true to my commitments. It's a reminder that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, and the key is to learn from them and continue pushing forward.

As I sit here, reflecting on the whirlwind that was the first quarter of school, it's hard to believe how swiftly those two months flew by. Time truly does have a way of slipping through our fingers when we're having fun, and these initial weeks of school were nothing short of exhilarating. I found myself immersed in a roller coaster of experiences, where every day brought forth new challenges and valuable lessons. One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey was the opportunity to forge connections with incredible individuals who quickly turned into friends. Together, we laughed, learned, and navigated the complexities of each day, forming bonds that I'm certain will stand the test of time.

Looking ahead, I am filled with a sense of determination. The first quarter was undeniably fantastic, but I know there's room for improvement. As I stride into the upcoming quarters, my goal is crystal clear: I am setting my sights on the High Honor award. The path to success may be demanding, but as they say, "Never Back Down, Never What? Never Give Up." These words echo in my mind, reminding me that resilience and perseverance are the keys to unlocking my full potential.

Armed with newfound knowledge, cherished friendships, and an unyielding spirit, I am ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. The first quarter was a delightful prologue, but the real story of my academic journey is yet to unfold. With unwavering determination and a heart brimming with passion, I am prepared to make the upcoming quarters even more remarkable than the last. Here's to embracing the future with open arms and an unshakeable resolve.

REFERENCE/S:

     Pin by Madson Silvaa. (n.d). Pinterest. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from,

https://pin.it/7dTPz0H

     (n.d). Accounts.google.com. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from,

https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/5797100524160439019/6813524393394302425

     Jaramillo, Alhycah Christie R. (2023, October 2). Teacher's Day

[Photograph]