By Marielle Orbong

Tick-tock-tick-tock

Months ago, you were nervously opening your emails to see your ASHAPE results. In the blink of an eye, you witnessed yourself refreshing your emails again, but this time, excited to know what section you’d be in and who your classmates would be. Eventually, you will be having your firsts already — first day of class, first quizzes, first activities, and many more senior high school first-time encounters.

Indeed, juniors, everything will seem to happen fast, especially having only two years in this journey. Now, as you receive your class schedule soon, you may feel intimidated by the unfamiliar daily life here at first. However, the best part of entering this chapter is not the promising “one day” lying ahead in your future, but the day one of taking the steps towards it, which starts right now, in the present.

Forming the Foundation 

While two years may feel short in the bigger picture, the reality is that it will feel longer when broken down into days — even minutes!

Before the day officially begins, the 20-minute Moderator’s Inspection Period (MIP) is an avenue to get updates from your moderator’s announcements, plan for class projects, and bond as a class. This is also when the flag ceremony and reflection period occur. Despite being brief, it allows the students to be ready for the rest of the day.

As the bell rings once more, a 1-minute silence bell awaits. Conducted before every class starts, this will help you compose yourself to absorb new discussions, so make sure to clear your mind during this time.

Now, here comes one of the most important parts of senior high school — the 50-minute classes that you will take. The time you’ll spend listening to the lectures will leave you with rewarding knowledge beneficial in the long run. Worry not, as you will be given a 5-minute break after every class to relax, prepare for the next class, use the restroom if needed, or get something from your locker.

Having this cycle for the entire school year plays a crucial role in making it easier to navigate through the day, as it creates a balance between taking a rest and learning new lessons.

Beyond the Blackboards

Looking on the other side, you’ll see that school isn’t just about academics. It’s also about slowly building yourself as you expose yourself to the real-life world.

That exemplifies the value of other sessions in our class schedule, such as the 50-minute formation done once every week. This will help your class strengthen your bond, all while having the opportunity to grow as a person-with-and-for-others together.

Similarly, the daily Examen is also there to guide you. From Monday to Thursday, just before the dismissal time, you will have an important moment to strengthen your 5Cs. Meanwhile, on Friday mornings, regular Examen will be conducted. As you reflect on your experiences you encounter throughout the week, it leads you to have a better perspective on life through discernment, appreciation, and self-awareness.

Lastly, growth also comes with having time for your hobbies. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the one-hour activity period serves as an avenue to meet with your respective OSCCs. After a long, productive day spent in academics, this helps you unwind and bond with other people who share the same passion as you. 

There are just so many things to embrace in senior high school. While it may be short at a glance, the moments encapsulated within it are what truly make it complete and fulfilling.

Tick-tock-tick-tock

From opening your ASHAPE emails, you will see yourself opening your college results sooner or later. However, amidst the fast ticking of the clock, try your best to make every minute count and live in the present’s presents, juniors!