This journal is not only about what happened to me during my Senior High School life, but of how grateful I am to have endured it all. I offer these events to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The school year’s almost ending and here I am writing to myself for others to read. The following events are entirely true and with accordance to reality. The others may be opinionated by how I felt during these events so let’s get going with that.
Before entering my school today, the University of the Immaculate Conception. I was already enrolled at my previous school, Davao Christian High School. How’d I end up at UIC? I decided to switch schools during the 2nd week of June 2017. I wanted to enrol at Ateneo de Davao yet, unfortunately the moment I had refunded my tuition at Davao Christian and attempted to enrol at Ateneo, there were no slots left for another new student. In addition to this, I was too late for enrolment since the first day started on June 5. It was a complete blooper choice for me and for my family. We contacted almost every school and luckily, UIC was still open for enrolment. I took the entrance exam immediately and started school the following day.
It was awkward for me during that entire year being a new student and being exposed to a new environment. In comparison with my previous school, Davao Christian High was conservative in a way that we wouldn’t hug our friends who were the opposite sex. For us, touch was too intimate and uncomfortable. So, you could observe how much I had adjusted moving into this school. Everyone was too verbal and raised their hands for recitation. At my old school we’d just sit down unless called. We got used to the silence since everyone was so driven to receive that Gold Honours Award. I had a few friends, cause most people in my class either hated me or didn’t like my attitude. But it was okay, I adapt easily.
During my first year in my new school, I was nobody. Too lowkey and I chose my friends wisely. Happily, I got to meet my best friend; Trisha that year. And who would’ve thought that we were neighbours since forever? Trisha and I were more than friends, we were like twins who couldn’t live without each other. We’d always hang out, eat together everywhere and even when we’re home we’d still spend time until morning comes. Trisha was the greatest thing that happened to me that school year.
Now that I’ve elaborated Trisha, let me now tell you of the challenges and plot twists I’ve had during my Grade 11 life. During the month of August 2017, ABS-CBN had come to UIC for another musical production. Isn’t that a blessing? Having to be extremely nervous and insecure, I thought of joining the production. The thing here was, I had to skip school for at least 3 months. But because it was also a school production, we were all excused from our academics. On the day of auditions, I was with Trisha, Winnonah, Patrick, Nathalie and my other classmates. With a brave heart and all my confidence, I auditioned to this musical singing Phantom of the Opera’s “Wishing you were somehow here again” and amazingly, I wowed the judges and everyone in that room. Hours later, Miss Cadiz the teacher in-charge was to announce who got in the auditions. With fingers crossed and loud prayers, I got in! I was given the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past and the under-study of Isabel. During those 3 months of rehearsal were one of the best experiences ever. Being exposed and to have met more than 60 talented young people of my new school. Circumstances also came while I was joining this production. My grades were falling and I didn’t have time to study anymore. During the month of the performance and week before our final rehearsals, I was appointed to join the Mr. & Ms. Futuristic. I tried to represent our class just for show and not to commit on really being a part of it. I aced the screening, I walked even though I did not. Know how to walk like a model. The judges looked disappointed and laughed maybe a bit because I looked like a walking walrus on that platform. Luckily and unexpectedly, during the question & answer (Q&A), I answered with full eloquence and pride. Afterwards, I got shocked with myself for what I had done was beyond me. Waiting for the results, I thought of what would happen if I were to join the pageant. I was given the choice of giving up the play or to give up the pageant. With no hesitation, I chose the musical. Why would I give up on something I worked so hard for 3 months in exchange for a day’s exposure? I neglected the teachers who kept on chasing me the entire week and just focused on what I had that moment. During the week performance, I had understood what it was like to perform professionally. And on the last night, I sung my swan song beautifully as if it were the last song I’d sung.
Moving on the events of that year, it ended happily with love and enjoyment because of my friends. Summer came and I had celebrated my debut with all my loved ones. After my debut, I got exposed again to various events and extra-curricular activities. I got involved with an international singing group called the Evangel Songsters Davao. We’ve begun practising for an international chorale competition on January 2018. As the school year 2018-2019 begun, I challenged myself and promised that this would be my glory days. I’d graduate this school year and I have to leave a mark when I leave. I was given the opportunity to host the first week of school, being the master of ceremony for the first symposium of the school year.
Moreover, not only have I begun hosting events, but I was also assigned to become the official photographer of most events. I joined Battle of the Bands (B.O.B) during our Acquaintance Party. Competed in Spoken Word Poetry and Tawag ng Tanghalan during the Buwan ng Wika Celebration and was awarded 1st Runner-Up on both divisions. Almost everyday was a dream and a nightmare because of how busy I was. I also was voted to become the Secretary of the Peer Facilitators’ Club and the Asst. Secretary/Treasurer of my class.
The week of Intramurals were fast approaching and we were all enticed to join what event we could be a part of. We had our cluster meeting and they first announced who were to join Mr. & Ms. Intramurals. I was small, tiny and I couldn’t define my characteristics enough to become half a model. My height wouldn’t even come near to qualifying. But yes, my name was called and the screening was to be the after. We took our exams the week later and I was expected to join the screening. Each cluster had 2 paired representatives from the Grade 11 & 12. I was partnered with Lee Roy Layson. The moment I got chosen, I was sure of the things I couldn’t do; walking with confidence. I couldn’t walk my way towards anywhere without falling or hitting a desk somewhere. But I knew I was good at one thing, public speaking. My years of debate were quite useful to this competition. Walking was the only problem. I trained almost everyday in 7-inch killer heels and practised every time I had the chance to. The days of Intramurals came and never have I ever been more insecure. They were all tall and walking with confidence. There I was at the corner, sulking like a potato. In continuation, the 2nd day of Intramurals came, the day of the pageant. I gathered myself and remembered everything I learned. I kept them all into mind. The moment I walked on that runway, I threw away all the negativity there was in my mind. I just had fun and let the moment take me. Lastly, the Q&A portion came and only 4 pairs were to be chosen. Having the number of 8 pairs in all representing 4 clusters. I didn’t aim on winning, I just wanted to prove myself that I could do things other people never thought of me doing. I did the impossible. And by faith, I won Most Eloquent Award and 2nd Runner-Up Miss Intramurals 2018.
“One Light, One Love:
The following weeks came, my class was given the performance task of presenting a short play entitled, “New Yorker in Tondo.” I was given the lead role act, “Kikay” or “Francheska”. And on the day of the performance, I was also to leave Davao for South Korea. As you can see, my life is a series of impossible events that I had successfully overcame. We, the Evangel Songsters Davao Choir, competed and represented the Philippines in the 14th Busan Chorale Festival and Competition 2018. We didn’t win, though we made the most out of the experience. As we came home from Korea, I procrastinated and attended school immediately since exams were to follow the day after I came home. I surpassed these challenges and prayed God for strength every single day. During the months of November to December, I was chosen to be part of the Davao City Foursquare Church’s Christmas Cantata 2018. I was given the Obbligato part of the choir, Mother Mary role and was a part of a trio group singing Sandi Patty’s “The Light of a Million Mornings”. Along with school, I still was part of almost every event and hosted most of them. I thank God for everything He had given me.
I struggled on how I should manage my time with the choir, my academics and also my church ministry. It wasn’t easy but all was worth it. Now this year 2019, I’ll be graduating and entering college. Who knows what would happen next? Yesterday, I was a part of the Sham Government and the Mini Me of my adviser/subject teacher. In addition, I was also the master of ceremony during the event. My life is not easy, its an everyday challenge. How have I not given up? I trust in the Lord and pray to Him for strength. Everything I do is not for others but for Him and for His greater glory.
That’s a wrap! That was just my short summary of the events that had happened to me during my Senior High School life. Never settle for less and let your dreams take flight 🙂
Xoxo,
Christabel.
THE VINTAGE PRINT 