THE UNANTICIPATED TWIST OF COLEEN’s SHS LIFE
My senior high school experience proved to be unanticipatedly different from what I imagined. I must admit that all that happened caught me by surprise. For me, the way through senior high school was not as I had imagined it would be while im still in junior high school; where I was strict and always planned my life.
The first unexpected turn is that I didn’t make it to any of the state colleges which I applied to, and ended up enrolling in a private school, something that I and my parents had not planned nor thought for. The first year in senior high was calm for me; I was with my friends from junior high and expected the year would be tranquil and similar to what it used to be before. Until a new section was born, Silang, I was one of the students who got shifted from Quezon to Silang. All of a sudden, I was out of touch with my previous set of friends, removed from the tranquility associated with the section in which I dwelled, and immersed in a exotic setting.
The unfamiliar faces intimidated me, and the pandemic created an entirely different environment, reminiscent of my first day at school after two years. Unexpectedly, I was chosen as the class secretary, a daunting responsibility given that I didn’t know anyone. Surprisingly, this responsibility transformed into an incredible opportunity for interaction and engagement. It started as an obligation but later turned into an opportunity of interacting with my classmates until I felt comfortable. Initially, my circle grew and ironically the majority of my friends were male which I never thought would come. At my first year of senior high, I explored other activities, including a dance class and almost qualified for the troupe but I opted to concentrate more on academics and my social life than dancing. Additionally, I joined in social activities such as playing darts during the presidential week which my shy and always doubtful self would never thought would do. I also tried to be a debate leader and successfully defended my first research.
In just the first year, my life transformed like a flowing river; I encountered remarkable people who, although they passed through my life fleetingly, played a part in shaping who I am today. The unexpected turns I experienced helped me grow significantly and taught me invaluable life lessons.
Entering my final year of senior high school with my friends felt different. The pressure to graduate and step into the adult world was building up. Balancing school activities, research, internships, and college applications wasn’t easy, but I found hope in the midst of it all. During those quick four months, I met some incredible people, including a few amazing teachers. Their support was like a guiding light through the tough academic challenges, making this transition more manageable and meaningful.
Reflecting on my journey, I never imagined I would reach this point. The unexpected and fun-filled road I experienced, shedding the strictness I imposed on myself before entering senior high, became an awesome experience. I once feared I wouldn’t be proud of myself for focusing too much on my studies and missing out on the last two years before college, but this last year of senior high has been LEGENDARY. The past year and a half has been an adventurous journey – a time of learning, loving, failing, and persevering as we all strive to toss our caps and proudly receive our diplomas.
