Memoirs; High School life

by: Karl Francis C. Pastoriza

     “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” Leonardo da Vinci.

For me, the fear of the unknown can be very exciting. My best journey was a miraculous one. The fierce lift off, the courteous service of the UIC guards, and the final landing at The University of the Immaculate Conception are memories that I long to repeat. The view of the beauty of the school from within is one memory that only the experience of the beholder can provide.

After I graduate in primary school (the grade school) I felt mixed of emotion excited and nervous. Excited in the sense of I will gain new experience, new friend and new teachers. Nervous, because I don’t know if I can get through this stage of my life.

On my first day of school at UIC high school I felt nervous. I was surrounded with new faces, new environment and new attitude. I remembered the day that everyone need to introduced yourself in front of my new classmates. I was ashamed that time but I was overcome that feelings. I told to myself I will make it this first day and the following day until I can adjust and embrace my new life.   

High school should be an enjoyable and fascinating period of time for most students. It is the time for one to learn more profound knowledge and to develop oneself more deeply. To me high school was the most important time, unlike the other students; I’ve learned my lessons the hard way. My high school experiences have completely changed me, from inside out. I never regretted anything I’ve done or been through. All I can say is I’ve learned my lessons. Whenever people discuss their high school lives, they usually talk about the happiest moments or the excitement they have encountered. All I can remember about my high school life were the troubles that brought endless fights between my parents and me; the fears and later the pain caused by my lack of confidence. Everything started well when I was a freshman. I went to school and did my homework every day just like the other students. At that time all I could think about was study, because that was the only thing my parents keep telling my about. So I followed their wishes. Being an excellent student, made me felt superior in front of the others, but inside, I felt very lonely and empty. I still remember the feeling of desire and jealousy when I saw my freshman classmates who were hanging out with the “cool” juniors and seniors. They go to cafeterias, eat at lunchtime, as I sat at the cafeteria eating the tasteless school food with a book or homework in front of me, books and papers that I never really paid attention to. As time move on, I became tired of being a good student. Also I didn’t have the patience or desire to study anymore. I felt that was what my parents wanted me to do. For me, being a good student did not get me enough attention. So I began to socialize. I made friends based who could give me more opportunities to experience new things and excitement other than boring, school life.

High school for me was bittersweet. It was filled with some of the best times of my life and also some of the worst. I truly found myself throughout these past six years. I have been told some wise advice that I will live by for the rest of my life and some things I had to find out myself. Whether or not your high school experience was all you hoped it would be or not, be thankful. You learn more about yourself in four years than you probably will for the rest of your life. I never believed people when they said that high school flies by and to appreciate every moment of it until I was the one waiting for my name to be called at graduation. Here is some life long advice that I learned in high school that I will always live my life by.

My most valuable school experiences weren’t academic. They were all about people social skills, respect, self-worth, empathy, and realizing your own potential. On the sports field, I learned about winning and losing graciously. In the classroom, I learned that doing your best counted far more than academic ability.

Because of teachers who believed in me, I also learned that I was capable of more than I thought. I still look back at the lessons I learned and try to pass them on to the children of the future generations. I learned in school is that there are no questions too stupid to ask.

Curiosity and the courage to ask questions are essential to learning. The answers might also evolve as we get older, gather more facts, and view things from different vantage points. The ability to deal with uncertainty is part of learning and growing up. I demonstrate by example by treating every student as a unique resource. Everyone has something to give if we step back, take time to listen, observe, and draw it out.

All during elementary school I was a daydreamer, and it was a struggle for me to achieve. Once I was in high school and involved in cheerdancing, I became more focused, but I continued to struggle academically. Still, I was determined to go to college but also to graduate and find a fulfilling occupation. The lessons I learned centered on the theme of never giving up, even when told by various people who belittle me and people who look down on me that I do not belong and should not expect success.

“Determination, hard work, and a firm belief in who I was allowed me to overcome these obstacles.”

-Pastoriza

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