Why

This is a story about a stupid decision i made two years ago. 

My coach suggested that my teammates and I audition for Minute To Win It. It was summer and we had no plans, so we auditioned.

We arrived at the venue after lunch because we knew that many would want to join. We waited for about an hour until we did the first test. We were in a large empty room that had lots of different objects. Cups, spoons, a ring of soda cans, ping pong balls, and kick boards were scattered around. Each station is where the contestants practice the mini games. First, we tried the soda bottle game. Each team will skillfully kick a soda can and the can should still be standing upright after the kick. It was pressuring because we only had a minute to do it, but it was fun and we managed to pass the first test. Then, we practiced the cup mini game. There was a long table with several upside down plastic cups lined up along the edges. The goal was to flip the cups with control so that it lands on its mouth. Lots of flipping was done and cups flew around at random angles, but again, we passed.

Because we succeeded in performing the first two trials, it was time for us to go to the studio where Minute To Win It takes place. There were cameramen, judges, and assistants. While waiting, we watched as different people stood on stage and were interviewed by the judges. Then, the assistant called our names and we nervously walked towards the stage. The judges asked how old we were, where we study, our hobbies, etc. We were awkward in answering the questions because I had stage fright and my partner is a shy person. By that time I didn't think we were gonna get accepted because of how uneasy we were. Then, it was time for us to play the game. Using kick boards, our team should carefully bounce a ping pong ball back and forth until we bounce it in a container. We did it well and there were no mistakes made. Our time on stage was finished.

We went out of the studio, then the assistant told us that we were skillful but what they needed were active, enthusiastic people. It was okay because we had fun and we did this for the experience. I got home, did my duties and slept. It was 8 pm and a ringing phone woke me up. An unknown number was on the screen. Still feeling drowsy from my sleep, I accepted the call. "Hello, is this Bea Kristine S. Navarro?" "Huh? Sorry, wrong number". I dropped the call and went back to sleep. Seconds later, I realized that it was actually me who the person was trying to call, and she was just mistaken about my surname. I also realized that Minute To Win It does call backs, and the judges probably gave my team another chance. I took that for granted and missed an opportunity.

Bagyong Ondoy_NC1

Forgotten programmed robot

Then I was really dependent with my siblings and friends, especially in making decisions. That includes choosing what to eat or what to wear. I'm like a forgotten programmed robot. I always follow people around me it's like I don't know how to control or take over myself. Maybe this is the effect of growing up without your parents by your side. But now I learned a lot of things based on my experience, standing alone would make you stronger, and stand on what you believe.

I remember the last time I made a huge important decision. I was in 2nd year high school, when Mia my best friend always invite me to go and be late in class, go to the clinic or go to our guidance counselor and cut one subject. I won't defend myself but it's literally cutting classes, I always think that we're smarter than our teachers when it comes to identifying whether a student is lying or not. I always depend on Mia when I get home I message her and ask her if she's home and what's our homework. We often talk about teachers, students in our school, batch mates, and of course our other friends. She say hurtful words about other people, including our friends. Somehow it's called backstabbing. But I never agreed on what she's saying. 

I knew I was hanging out with the person who will cause me a lot of trouble. Since she's my friend, I adapted her attitude. No doubt, I changed a lot, I think like her, talk like her, and that resulted to disrespecting my siblings, my batch mates and other people. My siblings are trying to have a serious talk with them since we don't have our parents around but I never entertained them. Whenever my siblings talk about Mia's influencing me I always protect her, my relationship with my siblings faded, and I separated myself to them maybe because sometimes I find them annoying. 

As my friendship with Mia got longer, I was involved with the things teenagers shouldn't do, I was so messed up. We got into fights with our batch mates, and a lot of issues was spreading about us. My other friend Sheri, talked to me about leaving her because Mia was not a good friend to me, she described Mia influencing me with bad things. That I'm better without her, but I never listened. There's this time when Mia, Sheri and I got involved with truancy we went out of school to see Sheri's boyfriend. And we got caught because someone told our school about it. Then the school student welfare chairman talked to us about it and Mia was blaming everything to Sheri. Since I knew that Mia was right, I talked to Sheri about what happened. I asked her to apologize to Mia but she never did.

 We made a decision to leave Sheri because she's the one who got us in trouble. Friends was so important to me, that's why when We left Sheri, I cried like someone I loved died in front of me. Sometimes I wonder if I made I wrong decision staying with Mia. I always think about going back to Sheri and leave her, that maybe Sheri was right. We got in trouble again, were accused of something that we think is legal. 

That came to the point where my parents called me and told me how disappointed they are. Me either, I was disappointed to myself. I didn't know what I was doing. After what happened, I kinda fixed myself. My new friends helped me get my grades higher, I was very happy because my grades are really higher than what I expected. Summer came, my dad came home. I wasn't able to spend his whole time he's home because Mia always invited me to go with her. Somehow I regret bonding with her.

This new school year came, Sheri and I were friends again but she transferred school. I was friends with my 1st year friends and I changed. A good change, my relationship with my siblings got better as well as with my parents. Mia was not my classmate, I guess that's a good thing since I want to give my best in school without any distractions. Mia was acting different, she's always seems off whenever we were together during recess and Lunch. We barely talked and it was like she's obliged to go with us. That's the time I realized what people look and think about her because of what she's showing everyone. Maybe I look at her differently because she's my friend, I always think she's right and I never know that she's like this; she's very off, negative, acting like though and more. 

I was invited to my friends house an unexpected invitation, and Mia was not invited. She was very affected about it, she removed us to all social medias. I realized this is it, I'm about to leave Mia. We decided to talk to her and Immature side of her came, she said some hurtful words but I know she said that to look though and not affected. She told us she needs to find a group of new friends. I have no reasons to please her to stay, so I let her go. It was so hard for me to to let her go because I pity her from what she's challenging in her life. 

For me this is one of the most important decision I made. It's like letting myself go, to free myself from everything. It feels good that you know you're in a good place. I will never forget Mia because she's the reason why I'm Stronger than before, she will never be forgotten. I loved her like my sister. My friends now are a grace from God, the were good to me and never left me even though I don't deserve them. I learned that people doesn't have the right to control you, because you hold your life. Learn how to stand for yourself. People will come and leave you, everything is temporary, you just have to treasure the moments you have with them.

- C. Snow (N, prompt D, essay no. 1)

Outcome

Outcome
When I saw our class list this year I was not happy because I don’t really have close friends in my section. Then I checked the other class lists then I saw that some of my bestfriends are classmates. So I tried convincing my mom if I can transfer to their room. Then my mom told me that it’s okay even if we are not in the same room besides there’s recess and lunch where we can mingle and stuff. Then I tried convincing my dad if I can transfer then he told me the same thing that my mom said. But then I really want to because I was scared that I might have no friends. After a week I decided not to insist on transferring to another room, because I told myself that I need to explore. So the first week of school passed and I realized that not transferring rooms where my bestfriends is alright, because I made new friends. So I think that exploring new things and making new friends isn’t bad at all. Yes, maybe me and my friends are not in the same room but at least we get to talk and share new things during our breaks. I really haven’t experienced yet where I have to make a really big decision that would affect my whole life. While growing up we learn more things. We become more mature in handling things and making our own decision. Of course if we’re going to make a decision we should consider what outcome will be before doing it. Maybe if the day comes that I will be making a very big decision I will first consult my mom because I know that she’ll advise me things that she knows that is the right thing because she always wants the best for me. I know my mom will never let me down because while I was growing up she has always been there to guide me to the right way and tell me things that will be good for me. Whenever I have problems she tell me things that I should do. With the help of my mom I was able to make the right decisions whenever I don’t really know what to do. Those decisions that I made, made who I am right now.

-ALAXANdarapark_NC1

Trigger

There are always these obstacles hindering our way towards our goal. The same obstacles that made it close to impossible for us to actually live our lives. While for some, they have permitted it to rule over them, I- however- have a different plan in mind as I dominated one of my fears and stepped out of the shadows. Ever since my childhood, I've always had a fascination with firearms as I'd often encounter my brothers playing with their pellet guns, sling shots, 'sulpak', and other shooting 'toys'. However, I rarely had an opportunity to shoot with the aforementioned 'toys' as I rarely played with my brothers. I would often stay in the sidelines which I've grown used to as I'd frequently watch them all day long satisfied in my own world of observation while they paint a picturesque view of laughter and pleasure. Everything changed, however, during a significant event at one point of my 12 years of living. There was such a remarkable turn of events as my father invited the whole family to come with him on one of his own firing sessions. It was the 180 degree-turn that I needed to actually go out of my own shadows. Although my brothers went straightforward for a permission to shoot, I was very anxious and just took a seat at one of the corners. Though I actually had a great desire to try it, but the vast amount of dread and hesitation of coming out of my comfort zone was equally battling with my strong desire like the World War 2 occurring inside of me with both sides equally matched. After an hour or so, my father approached me asking if I wanted to give the pistol a shot. I was at loss of words as I was utterly clueless. Yes, I wanted to fire the pistol as it was like a lifetime dream. My fears-however- kept my mouth sealed and prevented me from coming forward. There was a tormenting inner battle within me for a handful of minutes until I finally managed to reply a shrug to my father, but he countered this with a few words of encouragement that actually caused the clash within me to infinitesimally tilt to the pro-side of firing the gun. I hesitantly stood up and followed my dad towards my place of doom while he gave a set of instructions and precautions. I held the pistol aiming it to the target as time seemed to slow down to a stop. I have never really gotten that far in my life. The anticipation of firing the gun alongside with my dad guiding me at my back was the only thing keeping me glued to my spot. My heartbeat was rapidly beating as it seemed to be the only thing that I was hearing. Dread was the only thing keeping my finger away from the trigger as I stood there for what seemed like hours when it was only just a couple of minutes. Finally, I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath. I pressed the trigger and felt the recoil pulling me backwards. It was such a life-changing experience that made me who I am today. Fear has always been insurmountably part of our lives. It just depends whether you let it rule over your life or not. Life is an experiment to try something new and to find out who you really are and what you're capable of. Always be reminded that fear is just a perception, and it is up to you to make the decisions. Vladolf the cool_NA1

A New Way of Living

Getting another chance after an unfortunate or depressing event is like having a new beginning. Personally, I haven’t experienced any misfortunes in my life so far but last summer 2014, I think I’ve been given a new beginning. After committing myself to the church to assist and teach children for an annual vacation church school, I now enjoy contributing to the society.

During the recent summer break, my cousins and I went to this orphanage called CRIBS at Quezon City. Next to the orphanage, there stood a shelter for sexually abused women, specifically, young ladies. Their shelter or group is called New Beginning because obviously, after their unfortunate experience, they were given a chance to start again. I just got inspired by how brave these young women are. We may have different experiences but in my case, I realized that I wasn’t like my old self who was always spending time in the house doing useless things and not contributing to the orderliness of our home. Also, I didn’t do too much chores and I wasn’t that helpful in our home. I was lazy and hard headed but after my experience of helping others, I set aside my old self. I was determined to make a change in me.

In short, I experienced a new beginning because now, I was different from my old self. I am pretty surprised that I committed myself in helping others, which I personally find satisfying. This also made me closer to Him because of course, our other purpose in this world is to be stewards of God and apart from that, I would also want to change my perspective of life. I now think about being optimistic and doing things the right way. I didn’t want to go back to the past. I want to renew the way I live. I became more determined, more helpful and even braver compared to the person I was.

It’s just heartwarming seeing a smile from the people I helped. Like when I teach the children about God and how they react to gaining more knowledge about Him, it just places a smile on my face. And how the orphans smile when I spend time with them, it’s just heartwarming.

Then I thought to myself, if I didn’t come across this idea of a new beginning, I would still be the lazy person that I was. It’s a good thing that I decided to begin a new way of living and made my everyday life worth living. It’s not everyday that we get a new beginning but if we’re given that chance, we should use it wisely.

Made of Starlight_ND1

A Change

         A few years back, they prepared us for a total change. A change that would require us to adjust. A change that will totally give us a new beginning. They told us that we were the first graduates of the K-12 program and that started it all. It was a change that many people even our parents do not understand but we as students must accept. They all said that they already prepared us for this but how can our young minds be ever ready for this.

         Having all these pressures on our back, we were having a hard time adjusting to this change we are all going through as a batch. At first, we all felt that it was impossible for us to balance our academics and our extra curricular activities. Since, our dismissal time will be later than other batches. This change also accelerated all our subjects that for a grade 10 student it was hard for us to cope with it or even maybe to understand.  Our batch was known to be the "experimented batch" of our school. We were given this title because ever since we started high school we had unforgettable moments that when we think about it now, it's hard to believe that we really survived all those years. Like, we were the first batch to be in Grade 8, studied 3 math/s during grade 10, we had already 2 graduations and after this year it will be our third, we were also the first batch to have Ed tech classes for observations if it will be better for a student to use or not, then they made us study Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in one year. Our batch was also rushed to think of the course we want to take in college and for us to study in Grade 11 & 12. This is a decision that will or might change our lives. How do we really decide what we want to be in the future? When do we really decide what we want to be when we grow up? Is it now or later? And for this year, we are the first batch to be in and to graduate in the Senior High School Department. Probably, other students might be thinking that its hard to be in our position because the real question is how do we balance our time in studying and having extracurricular activities or how do we finish all our homework/s if we go home so late. For me, this "change" is the new beginning for our batch because as we are in Senior High School right now, we prepare ourselves for the reality to come. They prepare us for what we are going to go through when we are in college. This will be a big step for us when we only started taking baby steps.

         This sudden change that our batch has gone through made us re-prioritized everything in our life, now we should value our time properly and also make good decisions that we would not regret in the future. Yes, we will make mistakes along the way but because of all these changes we are now more than ready to face all these challenges that will come our way.  Now, this change that we are experiencing gave us the chance to awaken ourselves in facing what really is there for us. In the past 2 years i have a quote that i have been living "Take all the opportunity given to you without fear in it". This led me to face this new beginning of my school chapter as a Grade 11 student with my head held up high. I have learned to believe in myself more. I have learned that before we say we can not do it we should try first and in the end we will see that we have done it with flying colors. It may be hard but we were brave enough to try it and succeed in the end. People should not underestimate our young minds because our hearts are big enough to accept all these changes that will come our way. Now I guess I have another quote to guide me in life..."Change is good".

-PabebeG_N41

Constant Beginnings

I was always quick to adapt to change. Whether it was a new hair cut, a new home or a new school, I accepted it all. Every time I had to go through a serious kind of change, it always felt surreal like I couldn’t quite believe it but I still went along with the flow of everything despite the many happenings. But the hardest thing to accept was the people, memories and things that left or were left behind during the change.
When I was four years old, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. My life drastically changed after that. My mom who spent a lot of time with my sister and I at home, dedicated all her time to work and my dad’s health. After school, my sister and I’s usual hang out would be in the hospital, wandering around the hallways and playing hide and seek. My mom had told me to cut back on our expenses and wouldn’t buy me toys because cancer treatments weren’t all that cheap. I didn’t understand fully what cancer was and how greatly it affected my daily lifestyle at that time, mostly due to my ignorance and carefree personality as a child. Frankly all I cared about at that time was playing with my friends and having fun. Fast forward to three years later I already was used to it, the weekly visits to the hospital, the smell of alcohol in my parent’s room and the daily prayers for my dad to get better. But he didn’t get any better. When I came home one afternoon from school, I was all giddy, happy and my sister and I were laughing the whole ride home but upon arrival I saw my mom with tears in her eyes and sad smile. My dad had already passed on, leaving my mom and my sister and I. My life changed once again. I had to deal with daily masses, people giving their condolences and the fact that my dad was no longer here. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t adapt in this situation too, not as fast but I did.
I knew that my dad would die eventually, the doctor said that he wasn't supposed to live that long anyway. After the funeral, and after everything had already calmed down my mom did a serious of changes like renovating our house, making me quit some of my extra curricular activities and such. She said this was our chance of a new beginning and with moving on. New beginnings are always hard, even if a person was quick to accept and adapt. The one thing that I learned was that nothing is ever permanent in this world, people will leave or get left behind, and people will always have constant new beginnings and there's nothing that can be done. But it's not all that bad, because like a new day it is a new beginning it is a chance to change, a chance to become learn and get better and have hope for the future.
(noname - narrative, prompt D, first paper)

Swimming In The Vast Sea Of Fear

New beginnings can be in different forms, such as transferring to a new school, starting a new sports season, or changing a habit. My new beginning happened in the year 2013. My new beginnng was joining a swimmng team. It still surprises me how my choice has affected me, and to this day, I don't regret making that choice.

The year 2013, my parents started talking to me about this certain sports team. This made me really nervous because I've never joined a proper sports team before, but I still wanted to hear what they had to say. They told me that this could help me get into a really good college, and it would also help them pay less for it. Thinking that it would benefit me, my parents and my future, I decided to join the team. What really scared me the most was that I knew that I wasn't good enough to be in the team. I knew that it was one of the top swimming teams in the region, so I ended up thinking that I wasn't really cut out for it. I also felt intimidated because there were a lot of great swimmers in the team, so then I really felt like I didn't fit in at all. It was all really difficult for me to adjust to, especially because I wasn't used to this kind of environment. Once training started, I didn't have anyone to talk to. I was considered the "newbie", I didn't know anyone, and no one knew me. I did have a few schoolmates though, and after a few weeks of joining the team, we had already started interacting. That being said, my teammates from different schools also started talking to me, which was really nice because I tend to get really awkward when meeting new people.

Several training sessions and hangouts later, I can already say that I have improved myself immensely, compared to when I first joined the team. The team is now a huge part of my life. My teammates continue to believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself, they always do. My coach always pushes me to do my best and he never fails to inspire me everyday. The most important lesson that I've learned in my new beginning is that all new things are always tough at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll realize that your new beginning can be the start of something really amazing. You just have to know which ones are worth being scared for. I am sure that mine was, and even though it still scares me, it still is worth it.

— Sipon_NarrativeA1

The Greatest Feeling

      I have always lived by the principle ‘Hard work brings Satisfaction’. Hard work does not necessarily bring achievement. But with hard work, I have gained the knowledge that I’ve tried my very best, and that my very best was good enough.

    During my first year of high school, I went through a dilemma wherein it felt like it was fit enough to be a mid-life crisis. I had a realization, no matter how hard I try; it will never be good enough. No matter how hard I study for exams and how much I exert effort into my projects, the result will not be as nearly as good as others’. It takes an inborn skill to be an expert or to create praise-worthy products. I tried to rationalize myself. I thought that I was being unreasonable, that the solution to my problem was inevitable through hard work. But as the years flew by, I saw no progress. It made my mental distress worse, when I thought that not being able to develop or hone my talents will affect my social life and future work life.

    In order to get over the emotional and mental stress, I talked to someone I hold very close to my heart. During our conversation, I was at my most vulnerable state. I said everything I felt. How I will carry this burden with me to my grave, and possibly after. I knew no one could help. There was no point in wasting my words to gain sympathy. But I was grateful that someone listened to me. I had to let everything out. Little did I know, I was given the most impactful advice. It became the foundation, my motivation, to still continue to give my best and to still work hard. He said, “Nothing will ever be as good and pure as the work of the person who has worked sweat and tears.  It may not turn out as great, but people will appreciate an output full of effort than an effortless achievement. There is something you gain out of hard work compared to people who put less effort into their work; and that is pure satisfaction. It gives you the knowledge that you’ve done your very best, and your very best is good enough.”

    It made me come to realize that my previous realization was not as a big of deal as I thought it was. Yes, I accept my work might not be as perfect or as creative. But through hard work I have learned to appreciate the effort I put; and that through hard work, I gained the greatest feeling; satisfaction.

~ChubbyBunnyCarrot486_NB1

Automobiles or AutoNObiles?

Automobiles have impacted the world at full speed. From the time Henry Ford sponsored the development of assembling affordable automobile at mass production, the world has really been revolutionized by cars. Overtime, it has directly affected different aspects of the society such as human life, economy, and even the environment.

The invention of cars paved way for the convenience and increased mobility of humans. They are able to go to work faster, migrate to another place, or travel, regardless of the distance. Some people also make money out of cars by turning it into cabs or taxis, or by driving it for someone for a fee. Aside from this, the transportation of goods has been made easier as well. This must be the reason why more cars are being produced each year, to meet the demand of the mass. In fact, the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) reported that in the Philippines alone, a total of 234,747 units of automobile were sold in 2014. Nielsen Global Survey of Automotive Demand also stated that 46% of Filipinos intend to acquire a car within the next two years, which is quite high for a country comprising mostly of the lower class. The increased production is also good news for rubber and gas manufacturers, as well as labor workers, for this means income.

Though there are benefits brought about by this invention, there are also consequences which we now pay for. Automobiles have made life quicker and more efficient, but it also resulted to the increased rate of road accidents and fatality. In the Philippines, as of 2014, there are 227 accidents on the road every day, and 1 of which is fatal. Apart from this, transportation is actually slower now because of heavy traffic. Vehicles are also responsible for a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, because of the use of non-renewable fuels. Cars don’t just pollute the air, it also creates noise pollution from the sound of its horn and engine.

Automobiles have truly become a fundamental part of our society today. Its invention has influenced, shaped and changed the world enormously. While it advanced human life, it also puts their life at risk due to unforeseen accidents on the road. Nevertheless, automobiles are certainly here to stay. Automobiles have responded to the need of humans for transportation and independence, but now, humans have to find solutions to the need of the environment, due to the effects of cars.

-CHERIFERnando Poe Jr_ID1

Unfolding A New Phase In Life

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings –Lao Tzu”. Truth be told, some people don’t like new beginnings. Fear of the unknown, as we say. They are scared of losing something that they’ve been used to seeing or doing; and I myself think that I’m part of these kind of people.

The quote somehow summarizes what happened 4 years ago when my parents wanted me to transfer to another school. I was so attached to my previous school because it is where I spent 9 years of studying and almost all of my friends are there. That school was a big part of my childhood that it was so hard for me to let go. Knowing my parents had plans of transferring me, I felt so sad and scared. I was sad because I wouldn’t be going to school with my friends anymore, it was just so hard to think that they’d all still be going to the same school without me, and knowing this; I got jealous and can’t help but feel out of place in my new school. I was scared because I’m anxious as to what my new school would be and what kind of people I would meet. St. Paul College Pasig (SPCP) is really big compared to my previous school; the school environment is one big factor. My previous school, Taytay United Methodist Christian School (TUMCS) is a just a small school in Taytay, Rizal. It is like a small community wherein each level would only have about 3 sections as compared to SPCP; The latter has 8-9 classrooms per grade level. Just thinking about this school set-up, was overwhelming and it really scared me.

I still remember that painful feeling I had during my Grade School Graduation day in TUMCS. I thought I’m going to lose my friends already and that I wouldn’t be able to perform well in academics because I’d be too uncomfortable with the new environment. The moment wherein you have to let go of something that’s been a part of you since you started learning your ABCs and 123s. But then, thoughts suddenly came clear. Painful feelings became feelings of excitement. What seemed to be a painful ending became a start of a new chapter of my life- a new beginning. My first year in St. Paul got me new friends, new environment, and new memories. It felt like looking at a video tape of my school life; the feeling is no longer unfamiliar. I felt so relieved having not to think of the unpleasant memories before. As if I was given a second chance to actually do better than my previous school years. When I was experiencing this so-called “new beginning”; it wasn’t that easy at first because apparently I would have to adjust and be comfortable to my new environment. Over the process, I was able to make new friends which I consider a big part of my new beginning. It was really nice to think that you’d be making new and fun memories with these people and that they’d actually help you to become a better person. It has affected me in ways that it has encouraged me to become a better version of myself.




ElementND1

Book called Life: Beginnings a new chapter

       Each one of us have our own understanding of beginnings. Some may not consider what others see as beginnings but it will all depend on our perspectives. It could be when you first met a person, a time that changed you or encountering an experience you'll never forget. For me, it all happened during school year 2015.

      I always had a goal of being an academic awardee for the entire school year. It was my goal that always felt so hard to attain. It was always so close yet so far every year but school year 2015 was different. It was also the school year that had opened me to new possibilities like being an officer in class as I balance my studies and extra- curricular activities or being a student-athlete. It was the year when I met new friends who I'd never expect that I'd be so close to. A year I'd always want to look back to no matter how hard it was. I could say that those were what I consider my "new beginnings". 

     I had never been a leader in a class. I guess it was the lack of self- confidence that always made me believe that leadership wasn't meant for me. But as school year 2015 goes, I finally had the courage to go out of my comfort zone. It helped and is helping so much in everything that I am tasked to do. It gave me hope that I should be optimistic and always take the opportunities given to me. I would forever be thankful for the people who believed in me and saw my capabilities even if I, at one time, thought that I wasn't capable. 

        Another experience is being a student-teacher. I had never imagined myself standing in front of the class and teaching. There, I had realized how difficult it was to teach. I realized that a teacher can't only teach for the sake of it but one must have the passion to inspire. It is something that I will always admire in every passionate and patient teacher that I will encounter or had encountered. 

       Also, another unforgettable experience is having to meet people who I'd want to share my life with. People who I could trust. They are the people who saw me in my worst and meanest side yet still chooses to stay. I couldn't say that they're just my best friends because for me, they are also family. They helped me through my rough beginnings and also opened and guided me to

 new ones.

   Those were the new beginnings I'd always treasure. That school year didn't go easy but it was really worth it considering all the experiences that had opened me to greater things. I'm looking forward to continue learning and growing with all the experiences I will be bringing with me as my high school journey goes on and is nearing to an end. And as it does, I would be opened to another new beginning which is hopefully entering the college of my dreams. I hope that people will realize how new beginnings could come in many ways depending on how you look at it and that it may be unexpected and endless.

Bella Con La Papaya_ND1

The Glittered Dress

I know that almost all of us had a time in our life where we had to wear something we don’t like. The feeling was the worst thing ever.

Last February, my brother had a family graduation picture. They said that we have to wear formal attire during the picture taking. My mom said that my sister and I have to wear heels, put on make-up, and of course wear a dress. My sister was so happy when she heard that we'll be wearing heels, dresses, and make-up. She loves all this stuff. I got so pissed because I had to wear a dress full of glitter. I mean, the dress is nice, but I don't like wearing dresses and heels.

The next day, after she told us the big announcement, we went to the mall to shop for dresses. Since I didn’t like the idea of wearing a dress, I was scowling the whole time.
 During the day of the photoshoot, my mom, sister, and I were doing our make-up inside the car since we were running late because all of us woke up late. When it was our turn to be photographed, my mom told me to wear heels already. She let me wear a 4 inches high heels. When we were on our way to the venue, my grandmother had to hold me to keep me balanced. When we were going up the stairs, I almost slipped because it was sort of slippery and the heels were really high, and the dress was a little itchy. Plus, I felt so fat wearing that dress because my arms are so big. And since it’s a seminary school, it was very awkward for me to see guys everywhere while wearing a dress full of glitters, heels, and make-up. Another thing is that when I was entering the place, they were playing Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. As we neared the venue, I got a little excited because in my head, I was thinking that the faster we finish, the faster I remove the dress.

After the photoshoot, when we were on our way home, my mom complimented my look. I got a little shy because I don’t get compliments everyday. I was a little happy because I know my mom was really looking forward to that day. After a month, we got our picture. And when I saw myself, I smiled. I went to my mom and said thank you for buying the dress because I thought I looked ugly.

I learned that all of us should always listen and appreciate our mother because she will always be there for you. And ever since that day, I started believing in the saying “Mother knows best”.

-IamGremlin_NB1

Just Appreciate

They always blame me for running late in any occasion. It's not my fault that I couldn't pick just the right top to match my black, skin tight jeans. Leather boots, rubber shoes, or sneakers? Perfume wise, Victoria's Secret Bombshell or One by Calvin Klein? Which bag do I use today?
"We're going to be late! What's taking you so long, Kate? You've been in there for hours!!"
"Seriously? I thought we'd be leaving an hour later! I'll be down really soon, just wait!"
Okay, I don't have enough time, I'll just wear this maroon top from Old Navy, and the boots. It sucks not having time to rummage through my cabinet, match this with that, and rate my appearance through the mirror for around 3 to 5 times. But set the mishaps aside, we're going to the mall and that is always an excuse to go shopping for more decent clothing.
My family and I would arrive in the mall almost an hour later than as planned. Hear mass, eat lunch in a Chinese restaurant, do the groceries, run some more errands, and.. "Oh hey! There's a half price sale in River Island and a 65% discount for selected items in Bershka and Topshop!"

"Kate, wait! Where are you going? We have to leave soon to visit your cousins in Antipolo!"
"Uhm, I was just going to the Mega Fashion Hall to check some shops out, and maybe buy a better top for the party later... If that's cool with you guys."
"Anak, masyado ka nang magastos. Your outfit is totally fine! You don't need to go shopping right now. Kaartehan na lang yan. I promise I'll go with you next weekend, the sale's not over by then. Okay?"
"Eeehhhhhh, please, isa lang ma, promise!"
"Kate, no. Not now, we are leaving and that's final. Stop being so hard headed, I'm telling you, your entire outfit is PERFECTLY fine. Let's go."
We get in our car and my grandmother starts comforting me and of course, I activate that sassy teenage-girl mode on and shut everyone out by putting earphones on and blasting the music volume. As we get to the party, I completely dropped the issue of the undesirable article of clothing I had on because of the absolute fun I had from bonding with my cousins. We took pictures with the family and I tell myself "Hey, your clothes really aren't that bad! You're lookin' pretty damn fine."

Being a teenager requires such hard work. You only start to notice every single error in everything and start to get conscious from head to toe at pubescence. But at the end of the day, mother knows best. I've learned that too much of the things that we already have enough of is wrong and unjust to the more unfortunate souls out there. Need and want are two very different concepts and now, I finally get to balance my expenses and enhance my monetary efficiency, simply by appreciating my possessions.

-Mellow Rives_NE1

Digging Behind the Facade: Cars

An invention is a discovery of new products, a new system, a new benefit or new use for a material that’s already been made, or any advancement of any of these. Inventors invent things because they have a variety of reasons to. They are motivated by their curiosity, interest, creativity and imagination, a desire to be known, and a desire to earn money from their inventions. Some inventions that have had changed the world are the light bulb, the computer, the telephone, and for the means of transportation, the car. 

Before, horses, oxen and donkeys became the means of transportation of people. The travois, a sled that was used to carry goods that had two poles dragged by a dog or horse, was developed. There was also a development on animal-drawn wheeled vehicles, which we still have, until now. Roads were constructed for better transportation. In the 17^th century, Nikolaus Otto and Etienne Lenoir invented the internal combustion engine or what we call the “car engine”. In 1768, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the first auto-mobile. Today, horse-drawn vehicles, bicycles, auto-mobiles, motor cars and trucks, and electric vehicles have developed. 

Because the car engine was invented and cars were built, it made people’s lives easier and convenient. In regions without railroads, the automobile made regular medium-distance travel a lot more accessible and affordable. Because cars can be used anytime and they didn’t require rest, they had more speed than horse-drawn vehicles. Over time, the car has developed beyond being a means of transportation or a possession that we are proud of and into a matter of interest and something that is treated as a hobby among many people in the world, who appreciate cars for their craftsmanship or art, their performance and conduct, as well as the boundless arrays of activities one can take part in with his or her car, although, there are a lot of bad effects of cars to the society and these are: Soil pollution. Exposure to excessive mercury in soil may damage the kidney or liver; Air pollution. It can cause heart disease and lung cancer. Premature death and lower life expectancy have been relatively linked with short- and long-term exposures; Car accidents increase death rates; Water pollution. It kills life that depends on these water bodies and it also breaks apart the natural food chain; Traffic; and climate change. Severe heat waves could be life threatening.

Automobiles have become such a big part of our lives that we rarely stop to consider in how many ways they affect and mold the world in which we live in.

-Troy Wanne_ID1