The Gift of Counsel & Taking a Leap of Faith – 4th Day of Senior Year

The past few days have been really jam packed and lightning quick yet these first few days of senior year have been simply amazing. Yesterday was a really bi-polar day that ended with my seeing of my SAT score. I was honestly a bit disappointed with the score I got but yesterday was yesterday and today is today. Everyday is a new start to my surprise, today was actually one of the best days of this year so far.

The day started off with the first mass of this school year. It was a mass of the holy spirit and it really gave me time to reflect. It’s really amazing though how the homily was related to a recent article that I wrote for Inquirer about the recent “Man of Steel” movie. I guess this just shows how movies are able to connect us humans and help us relate with each other.

What I really liked about this mass was that during communion, we were given a strip of paper that had one gift of the Holy Spirit written in it with a short piece of reflection. Here’s the one written on mine:

Today God gives you the Gift of Counsel (Right Judgement)

With the gift of right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and live out the values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently, and happily to believe our Christ the Lord.

This really struck me and made me pause to reflect and think about the past few days, weeks and months. Everything has been happening so quickly and there have been times where I didn’t know what to do. Up to this day, there are still some confusing choices and decisions that I have to make. However, after reading this, I remembered that I should always go back to the values I’ve been taught from the very beginning and whatever I do, I should always choose to do what is right.

After the mass, everyone was excitedly talking about the NBA finals and almost everywhere you went, you could hear people asking, “Bro, what quarter is it? what’s the score? who’s leading?” Basketball has become a renowned sport here in the Philippines and is getting even more famous by the minute. Just like movies, it’s really nice to see how basketball is able to bring us students together. It’s not a surprising sight to see several students huddled up in a group with one laptop projecting the play by play and stats of an NBA game.

Moving on to the classes I had today, I’m really happy to say that my teachers this year are really interesting and are able to summon a different energy from us students. I’ve never seen my classmates more excited for a class than today. I guess the heavens saw that it was last year already in High School and decided to give us teachers who will really be able to help us maximize our Xavier education in this final year of ours.

More often than not, all it takes is a leap of faith to achieve your dreams! Just like Superman, I took a leap of faith and it has been every bit worth it!

Aside from all that, I also received my batch rank today and I just couldn’t help but smile as I saw the number 1. I know that rankings don’t truly show who we are but at the same time, I was just happy to see all my hard work last year pay-off. A lot of people were congratulating me and it honestly felt so fulfilling. The journey isn’t over yet though. I still have one more year and I definitely will strive to do even better this year!

What really made this day so surreal though was the fact that I had my article published in a national newspaper, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, for the first time. When I got out of school, I just had to go to the nearest bookstore and grab a copy. Words just can’t describe how I felt seeing my name and an article I wrote in the newspaper. It has always been a dream of mine for my name to be seen in a newspaper and also for me to be able to write an article for a newspaper. I guess I can now check that off my bucket list! (check out my article at: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/109433/taking-a-leap-of-faith-superman-did-it-so-can-we)

First time to have my work published in a newspaper….definitely going to treasure this for the rest of my life!

I’m thankful to God for everything that happened today. I’m truly blessed to be able to experience all these things. Senior Year has just begun yet it has already been such an incredible ride! I can’t wait for the upcoming days that will hopefully be even better!

To end, I’d like to quote a principle our Economics teacher showed us today from Greg Mankiw, a Harvard Economics Professor, “The cost of something is what you give up to get it.”

It’s actually quite a simple yet very powerful line. Everything in life has a cost whether it’s monetary or not. This senior year will definitely be full of costs and there will be times where I’ll have to decide whether the costs are worth the somethings. These decisions won’t be easy but with the gift of counsel, I can hopefully take a leap of faith and make the right choices as I try to make the most out of every single day of my senior year!

-DOitChoco

Senior Year Day 3 – Everything Happens For A Reason

We started the day off with a bang as we had our first general assembly of the year where we met our new school director, Father Ari Dy. His message to us was quite simple. He wants to help improve our Xavier experience by improving the way we learn and helping us appreciate our Chinese culture even more.

The talk that stood out though was the talk of our school principal about working hard this school year. She emphasized the importance of hard work and the fact that there is no substitute for it. If one wants to excel and get high grades, one must work hard. Actually, in everything we do, we need to work hard in order to succeed. Aside from that, she also told us to “just do it” when it comes to our homework and other non-graded things. I actually believe in this for these non-graded things are there for a reason. They are there to help us succeed in the long run.

Following the general assembly, we finally got to meet our teachers. I’m really happy that all of our teachers so far seem really good at teaching and are able to make the class very unique and interesting. As our teachers showed us the course outline for the year, I couldn’t help but feel excited for most of the topics were really interesting topics that have direct applications to real life.

I especially enjoyed our last subject, economics. Economics is something I’m really interested in and something I want to learn more about. Right now, to me, economics explains why certain things happen in our world. Who wouldn’t want to know why some countries are richer than the other? This subject seems to be really exciting and our teacher is also very vibrant and passionate about education.

It was a really hectic day though for after the bell rang, I headed to debate. Joining the debate team is probably one of the best things that could happen to me. In the 3 sessions I’ve attended, I’ve already learned so much about the world. To be honest, I actually learn so much more from Debate than from my actual subjects in school. I’m really glad that I decided to join Debate and hopefully, I can continue to improve as a speaker and more importantly as a person.

What happened next though was something that I didn’t expect. Today was the day that the SAT results would be released and as I prepared to call my driver when debate ended, I got a text from my dad of my score. I was a bit disappointed as I saw my score. To be honest, my score isn’t that bad but I was simply expecting to get higher.

The problem with my score is that it’s in the safe range and is good enough for certain schools but if I would like to pursue my dream schools, I’d probably have to retake. Right now, I feel a bit down because I got really low in the Critical Reading section. However, it’s just a test. I still have the opportunity to take it a second time but I can also opt not to. My score is good enough to pass in a lot of top schools but I guess it’s not enough for Ivy league level schools like Harvard, Yale and Stanford.

Right now, I’m leaning towards retaking the test for I know that I could still do better. The fact that the gap of my scores are quite far means that there is a lot of room for improvement especially in the Critical Reading section. Everything happens for a reason and maybe this was a wake up call for me to study even harder.

To end, I’d like to share the quote of the day from my Physics teacher about discipline, “Discipline is doing what you’re suppose to do and not doing what you’re not suppose to do whether you like it or not.”

This year will definitely be a jam packed year and how much discipline I can muster will definitely play an integral role on how far I can go!

-DOitChoco

My Last Second Day – Maximizing All The Resources in Xavier

Today was my last second day in Xavier (hehehe are the “last” everything getting annoying?). Similar to yesterday, we had a few different orientations again. This time, we were oriented and given talks by our principal, assistant principals and student activity programs head about the different issues and things that we should keep in mind in our final year in Xavier.

They stressed the importance of making the most out of our last year and not wasting it by doing stupid things. They encouraged us to all be more involved in the different clubs and committees. As seniors, it is our responsibility to lead and be role models to the younger batches. Being a “senior” in Xavier hasn’t really sinked in yet. It seemed just like yesterday when I was a freshman looking up to the seniors and thinking that they were so amazing and that I wanted to be just like them.

A few quick years and here I am, a senior myself. This year, I will definitely try my best to step up, inspire my fellow Xaverians and simply leave a mark. Today was another chance to do just that. Just like yesterday, a few of my batch mates and I gave talks again to the lower batches and really tried to empower them to try out new things, take every opportunity, make the most out of high school and create lasting memories.

Something I really learned today is that we students pay so much to study here in Xavier that we should really maximize what the school has to offer and all its resources. We should take our studies seriously. We shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and debate with our teachers. We should try out new things and join the different clubs and committees. We should use the different resources like the gym and library. SImply put, we should make the most out of our stay in Xavier.

The power of the internet has definitely changed the way we live but how has it also affected the way we think?

All these things are things that I wished I did earlier. I guess it’s never too late to change. I still have one more year and I really will maximize this last year. Aside from joining a few comms already, today, I actually visited the library and borrowed two books. Imagine that? Who actually still visits the library to actually read and borrow books in this day and age where everybody is so addicted and engulfed in their gadgets and in the internet?

It was only really last year that I discovered a love for reading books. Knowledge is power and instead of buying books, why not save money and borrow from the library? So this is what I’m trying to do this year. I’m going to try my best to read as much as I can and maximize the resources in our library.

The first book that I borrowed is titled, “Is the internet changing the way you think?” and the second book is titled, “In search of history.” From the titles themselves, these two books seem like very interesting books and from reading the first few pages, I’ll definitely be learning a lot more.

Excited to learn more about the transcending events in history!

Reading books about different topics helps you learn about things that you don’t learn inside the classroom. There are thousands and thousands of books in the library and I’m sure you’ll find one that will interest you. Knowledge is power and learning never stops, so the library is one of the best places you can go to in school!

To end this blog post, I want to share with you a quote that our assistant principal shared with us from the “Man of Steel” movie, “One day, you’re going to have to make a choice. You have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be.”

Senior year will definitely be about making choices and will play a vital role in helping all of us decide what kind of men we want to grow up to be as we enter college year from now!

Tomorrow will finally be the start of regular classes and I just can’t wait to meet my teachers for the school year!

-DOitChoco

Looking Back, Moving Forward – My First Day of Senior Year!

I honestly didn’t know what to expect and how the first day of senior year would go but man, it couldn’t have been better. It was just so surreal to see all my friends, classmates and teachers once again all in one place. Aside from that, today was just filled with such vibrant energy that it was contagious and I just couldn’t help but be zealous throughout the entire day.

The first day of classes started out quite well as we all gathered for the usual orientation, except that this orientation wasn’t so usual. It’s our last orientation as a batch and a lot of us were just nostalgic and at the same time excited to start the last year of ours in high school.

The student council reemphasized school pride and making the most out of our last year. Aside from that, they also encouraged each and everyone of us to break new grounds and make a difference in our last year.

Loving every second of Senior Year so far!

This was followed by our student activity programs head’s talk which was about this year’s Xavier China Experience, or XCE. I was really blown away by his presentation and I just can’t wait for XCE! The activities seem so awe-inspiring and it will also be my first time to join XCE.

Aside from XCE, our class adviser also oriented us about the different events for 4th year. Aside from college entrance exams, we’ll also be having our recollection in Xavier Nuvali, our SM immersion and our Entrep Bazaar. These are all things I’m really looking forward to and will without a doubt, make senior year memorable!

Moving on, what made this day also so fantastic and surreal was the fact that I, along with a few other seniors, were given the opportunity to talk to the younger batches about Xavier pride and making the most out of high school.

Through this, I was able to look back at my stay in high school and at the same time, share my insights, regrets and realizations with these young guns who will eventually, one day also be seniors trying to make the most out of what’s left of their stay in Xavier.

I’m really glad that I was able to share my experiences and pay-it forward. I really don’t want them to commit the same mistakes that I’ve committed and regret it later on. Everyone is talented and these younger Xaverians have so much potential. Hopefully, the other seniors and I were able to inspire these young men to step out of their comfort zone, try out new things, find their passion, strive for excellence, make the most out of high school and simply, make a difference.

After giving talks to the younger batches, I had lunch with a few close friends of mine from freshman year. It was really nice catching up with them and talking about how fast time flies. When we first entered high school our problems were just about fitting in and getting good grades but now, life is just so much bigger. Most of us are looking forward to college and our future career yet a lot of us also aren’t entirely sure what we want to be and what the future holds.

Everything will definitely work out for the better for all of us. Right now, we may have so much uncertainties but that’s what makes life exciting! Right now, we may be confused but eventually, we will find who we truly are and what really matters to us. A quote from that our guidance counselor showed us perfectly embodies this and what our mindset should be in facing the future.

“The big picture doesn’t just come from distance; it also comes from time.” – Simon Sinek

The first day of Senior Year has been nothing short of amazing. Every second, every minute and every moment just seemed so surreal. Day one is over but there are definitely a lot more memorable days to come! This is only just the start! I honestly can’t wait for tomorrow, the second day of Senior Year!

My Senior Year Schedule! Excited to meet my teachers! 😀

-DOitChoco

A “Last” Year – Let Senior Year Begin!

Today’s finally the day I’ve been waiting for. It’s the start of my final year in Xavier. 12 years of studying in Xavier and it all boils down to this final year.

Obviously, this last year will be a full of lasts. Later today will be my last first day in Xavier, a place that has become my home away from home. I never imagined that this day would come. I didn’t think it would come this fast. I honestly still remember my nursery days, where I was so carefree and didn’t care about my future, let alone the world.

I’ve changed so much through the years and Xavier has played a vital role in making me who I am today. Here I am right now, writing this blog post while getting ready for my last year in Xavier—my last chance to get it right, my last chance to leave a mark.

Right now, I honestly have mixed feelings about finally starting Senior year. One part of me is super excited to get back in the classroom, see my friends, get to know my teaches and go through the high school life a final time.

This is an excitement and feeling that I’ve never experienced before. I honestly just want to make it the best year ever and be able to simply, enjoy the final ride. At the same time, because of the fact I’ve been loafing around the past three years, there are so many things I want to accomplish this year that sometimes, I just feel that the whole world is against me.

That part of me is scared that I won’t be able to accomplish all my goals for my last year and that I won’t be able to meet my expectations.

Luckily, there’s that thought I have nothing to lose anymore and everything to gain. It’s my final year in high school. It’s about applying everything I’ve learned for the past 12 years and just taking that leap of faith or in my words, telling myself, just DO it CHOCO!

Honestly, I know that these next few months won’t be all smiles but these are the moments I live for. I’m truly thankful to God that I have one last year to do everything I’ve always wanted to do. Nobody’s stopping me now. I can shoot for the stars, dream big and just make it happen.

It’s not anymore just about the grades, the extracurriculars, the friendships. It’s now about leaving a mark and making difference.

This is it — One final chapter, one final go at it, one final chance and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Let Senior Year begin!

-DOitChoco

 

Flexibility and Focus – Accepting Life’s Unpredictability

This past week, in an attempt to try to make the most out of each day, I created a set schedule for each day, outlining what I was suppose to do every hour. However, as I tried to put this schedule into effect, I realized that it’s impossible to follow it to the dot and trying to do so more often than not, only led to me being stressed out and as a result, I became less efficient.

I was starting to get frustrated and it was hard to shift from activity to activity constantly so I knew I didn’t need to necessarily scrap this idea of creating a time table schedule but modify it to fit my personality. It was worth a try though for it taught me a few lessons that I can definitely put into good use in the near future.

1. Learn how to be flexible

You don’t necessarily have to be this flexible, but flexibility is definitely essential to living a happy and successful life.

Life isn’t perfect and things won’t always go our way. Sometimes things will just pop up and cause us to be sidetracked from our normal routine. Life is unpredictable and there will be times when we aren’t feeling well. There will be times when we get a sudden appointment and have to make room for it in our schedule. There will be times when things take longer than we expect it to be.

When things like that happen, one must not panic or stress out. Instead, keep calm and be flexible. I’ve learned that panicking will only make things worse. There are so many uncontrollable factors, so instead of fighting them, we must learn how to accept them and be flexible. You can’t do anything about it so might as well just move on and try your best to still accomplish everything you have to do.

Besides, sometimes, it’s best to break out of your routine and simply do things freely again. There are moments where you get so caught up in your routine that you start to burn out and both your productivity and creativity suffers. Breaking out of your routine can help reenergize you and might even help come up with ingenious ideas.

2. Learn how to focus at the task at hand

Because of all the constant changes, distractions and other uncontrollable factors, it becomes really hard to concentrate on what we’re doing. This is something that I realized I should really work on. As I experimented having a set schedule last week, I’d tend to think of how much minutes I had left for the task at hand and what I had to do next. This resulted in my being distracted and I was unable to completely focus at the task I was doing.

Learning how to focus more often than not helps you achieve your goals!

I guess it’s a matter of breaking bad habits and developing a stronger will power. Right now, I’m trying to learn how to focus at one task at a time and trying to avoid multi-tasking when it’s not needed. I’ve come to realize that multi-tasking can at times be detrimental since we don’t give our full attention to a certain thing. We might be able to accomplish more but more often than not, the quality suffers. In the long run, quality is still a very important thing.

-DOitChoco

Chem Camp! Chemistry of Human Beings and Why It Matters!

Today was another busy yet fun-filled day. As you know, it was the first day of Chem Camp and at the same time, I also returned to practicing with the team today. Although I wasn’t able to get much sleep last night because there are a thousand things in my mind right now and I’m in a bit of a bind, I was surprisingly energetic and enthusiastic throughout the day. I should probably credit all the people I were with, who kept the spirit and energy at such a high level, namely my fellow Chem Campers and my teammates.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the first day of Chem Camp. I was honestly, a bit skeptical about joining Chem Camp especially since I wasn’t really a big fan of Chemistry during my Junior Year, but because of the fact that my Adviser chose me out of all her other students, I just felt that I should give it a try; who knows, it might actually be worthwhile.

Looking back at the day and everything that happened, it was definitely worth it joining the Chem Camp right from the very first moment when I reached the venue. It was my very first time to go to one of the top universities here in the Philippines, Ateneo De Manila, and I was immediately left in awe by the enormous campus decorated with tall trees and grasslands. I even got lost trying to find the lecture hall where we were suppose to gather for the orientation.

Things were only getting better. The orientation may have been a bit boring (what orientation isn’t?) but as the camp progressed and I got to know some of the campers, things started getting a lot more fun and interesting. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I whenever I meet new people and connect with them, I feel this tremendous joy and vibrance. To be quite honest with you, socializing was one of the main reasons as to why I even joined this camp and during the first day, I was not disappointed for I got to meet this group who were really jocular and witty. They actually made Chemistry sound interesting and I’m actually excited to attend Chem camp and interact with these campers again!

To add to all that, we had a really funny teacher handle us who was a bit nerdy but at the same time, was able to bring life to Chemistry. As I went through the module, I was convinced of what he said that he plans to help us see things in life the chemist way and realize the importance of chemistry in life. In other words, there won’t be any of those boring tests but we’ll be having a lot of experiments that will show us the application of Chemistry in our everyday life.

Moving on, getting back to practicing and seeing my teammates was another highlight of my day today! It was really surreal seeing them again after a bit of a long time and just exchanging stories. The aura they give out is really different and they really know how to have fun and just enjoy life. Being able to practice with these guys and create a bond with them is what makes being part of the team every bit worth it. It’s the camaraderie and friendships that are built that make all the blood, sweat and tears bearable.

First day of the week and I’ve already had so much memorable and high experiences. What I really learned though from all this is that we’re social beings and we are meant to interact with people and make friends. Like the common cliche goes, “No man is an Island.”  I used to be an introvert, afraid to interact with people, but I’ve come to realize that maybe starting a conversation or two with a person is always worth a shot. You won’t lose anything and think about what the other person might be thinking. That person might just be as scared as you and making the first move will make a difference and might possibly start a bond that lasts forever. And remember, people don’t bite (unless they’re crazy off-course, which is a totally different case).

The bottom line though and what I want you to take away from this is that don’t be afraid to socialize and be with people, for you may think you’re better off alone, but trust me, once you meet new friends from all sorts of backgrounds with a myriad of personalities, you’ll realize that life has so much more to offer!

Maybe there will come a time you also meet people who’ll make Chemistry sound like the coolest thing in the world!

-DOitChoco

The Man Who Never Fails To Inspire

This blog post is something that I’ve decided to write the day the beloved Director and President of Xavier School gave his last general assembly speech, which was on February 21, 2013. I chose to finally complete this post today and dedicate it to him as he ends his run as Director and President of Xavier School.

This man has brought about a myriad number of innovations and moved a profuse amount of lives in the last twelve years. Personally, these last twelve years have been a journey like no other, and it truly is heart breaking how the one man who made it all possible and the one man who made my journey in Xavier school such a surreal experience is leaving right before my culminating year in Xavier, senior year, the year I graduate.

This man and beloved Director of Xavier School is non-other than the revered Father Johnny Go from the Society of Jesus. I really don’t know how to thank such a passionate and fervent man who moved mountains and changed the lives of thousands of people. Honestly, it would be impossible to put into words the impact Father has had in not only Xavier School, but also in the educational development and culture of the Philippines. He pioneered and spear-headed several projects and innovations that ultimately, transformed Xavier into if not the best school in the Philippines, definitely one of the top schools in the country. He revolutionized the way we learned and brought about changes that an ordinary director would not even think of contemplating, but Father Go is no ordinary director.

He was an innovator, a man who was not afraid to take risks if he knew the outcome would be worth it. He has given us students a learning experience like no other that we could have only dreamed of. Trusting us students and giving us the power to take advantage of technology by allowing us to bring MacBooks and iPads to school are just some of the few things that have taken our Xavier learning experience to a whole new level.

It really is mind boggling how just a few years back, I was sitting in the classroom listening and learning from Father Go himself. I was truly fortunate to be part of the select few who have experienced being taught by Father Go for an entire school year. Looking back at those unconventional classes and all the novel activities he made us do, that one year under Father Go was one of the most life-changing and surreal years in my stay in Xavier School. To be honest with you, I wouldn’t even be writing this blogpost or you wouldn’t even be reading this blogpost for I wouldn’t even contemplate on making a blog if it weren’t for those unbelievable sessions with Father Go about the power of words (Father Go is a ardent blogger himself and one of the best at that; His works never fail to inspire. Check out his blog here: http://www.jcgosj.com/?page_id=769).

As he ends his venture here in Xavier School, I can’t help but feel sentimental and at the same time thankful that I was able to learn from such an accomplished man, who emphasized the importance of taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone and continually learning each and everyday. Father proved to us that each one of us can make a difference in this world as long as we aren’t afraid to step out of our comfort zone and believe in what we are capable of doing.

His parting speech during his last general assembly about how he ended up become director and what he learned during all those years leading Xavier school really moved a lot of people and left everyone in awe. Father Go never fails to inspire people and he truly has changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people. Just with his words, you can’t help but be inspired to make the most out of life.

There were two lessons from Father Go that really struck me. These two lessons are lessons that I will never forget.

The first lesson and quote from Father during that speech that really struck me was, “You have to love what you’re doing.” In life, we will be place into situations and scenarios that we don’t expect but nevertheless, in all these situations we must learn how to adapt and love what we’re doing. When one loves and enjoys what he/she is doing, one is filled with a different zeal and vibrance that enables one to make the most out of the situation.

The second lesson that I learned from Father’s speech was that, “Everyday is a chance to learn something new and grow as a person; We never stop learning until the day we die.” Nobody is perfect and there will always be things that we can learn. The world has so much more to offer and there is still a numerous amount of things that we do not know.

Father Go was thrown into an unknown and foreign situation the day he was assigned to become director, yet he took everything with a positive stride and made the most out of his situation. He learned how to love what he was doing and eventually pass on and instill in a lot of students the same mindset. He made everyday a learning experience and never stopped learning. He stepped out of his comfort zone and made changes that no other director would ever think about.

He is the perfect embodiment of MAGIS, going the extra mile. Even when he could’ve just laid back and go with the norm, he didn’t for he wanted to give us students the best possible education and learning experience so that we could grow into men fully endowed with the passion for justice and the skills for development. Just by looking at Father Go and everything he has done, one can see what a Xaverian is all about, a man for others. A man who moves mountains and goes the extra mile, not for personal glory, but for the betterment of thousands and thousands of young men.

Father Go truly is an inspiration to thousands and thousands of people. Father Go will always be a man I will look up to for he shaped me into who I am today and changed my life in more ways than one. Dedicating this blogpost to him his the least I could do to show my gratitude to Father Go and everything he has done not only for me, but for the whole Xavier Community in his stint as Director and President!

Thank you so much Father Go and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors!

-DOitChoco

One Decision, Two Choices

Every day, we are faced with a profuse number of decisions to make. These decision range from minuscule and peripheral decisions to decisions that can shape your future and change your life for the rest of the way. When faced with inconsequential decisions, one can decided impulsively in an instant without any hesitation, but the same cannot be said when faced with decisions that have so much in stake.

These types of decisions are made even harder and more crucifying when one has to choose between two choices that are equally right and consequential. It becomes a really dreadful and exasperating process choosing between two things that can both possibly shape your life. Even when weighing the pros and cons of both options, a deadlock still emerges for they both offer the same amount of benefits and drawbacks.

When this happens, one starts to look at the possible outcomes and what it can do for his/her future. Like they say, we only live once, and there are some choices that we have to make that will forever impact our life and once made, there will be no looking back.

This is the dilemma I face right now, having to choose between two things that are so different but at the same time so alike. Two things that mean so much to me yet there can only be one. Two things that have so much mystery and uncertainty clouding them. Two things that if I commit to will definitely shape who I am and all my experiences in the near future.

Aside from your inner demons constantly arguing for the different choices and options regularly, added to the equation are your friends, family and other outsiders who try to help you but end up confusing you even more. I’ve realized that you should ask for the opinion of others for they might have a different perspective, but at the same time, it’s just as vital to follow your heart and know what you want for it’s still your life and you should be ultimately be able to live up to your decision and have no regrets.

Situations like these can be a daunting, mind-blowing, heart wrenching process that can drive people crazy but that’s life for you. There’s no use in stressing yourself, over thinking and worrying about the future for there are a myriad of possibilities that can happen that you truly cannot tell what will unfold in the next day, month or week.

I guess it’s time to listen to my own advice, follow my heart, make a final decision, commit myself, and pray for the best!

-DOitChoco

Daily Prompt 180 degrees : Why I now ♥ SCHOOL

I was never really an advocate of waking up at 6 am each and everyday just to make it on time to school. Yes, you read that right, SCHOOL, a place where you sit around for more than 8 hours listening to boring lectures while staring at the clock, and waiting for the bell to ring. I always just saw school as a routine that I had to go through just because my parents said I needed it to be successful in life.

Wake up, prepare, head to school, sit through all the boring classes, wait for the bell, go home. It was honestly getting really mundane and torpid that was until last year when I finally learned how to really just enjoy the ride and make the most out of the hours I spent in the classroom. I learned how to just enjoy  learning and what I was doing.

Our mindset truly does make a difference. The moment I learned how to think positive and look at school as something fun, I actually started to look forward to going to school. To be honest though, my classmates and friends really played a big part in changing my mindset and giving me something to look forward to. The atmosphere when you’re with jocular, gregarious and cordial classmates is just truly phenomenal and awe-inspiring. It’s like a virus that spreads to each and every person, and everyone just starts to enjoy, have fun and forget all the reasons why one despises school.

To be honest, I actually miss going to school already and having fun with my crazy and vibrant classmates and friends. These people and all the indescribable experiences I’ve had with them truly gave me a reason to go to school.  Being part of 3A, a class that may not be the brightest or the most intelligent, but a class that was definitely the most zealous, fervent and fun to be with it really  taught me how to look beyond the grades and realize that school has so much more to offer. It truly is about the blooming friendships, the vibrant atmosphere, and off-course the phantasmagorical moments and experiences that are made possible only when unique and special people get together in the place we call SCHOOL.

The class that taught me how to simply enjoy school! I wouldn’t have had it any other way! Definitely Thankful that I got to be part of such a class!

It’s funny how when I’m finally enjoying school and making the most out of the experience, I only have one more year left before I graduate. Putting it that way, I actually feel really sad that my stay in Xavier will be over before I know it, but looking it from a different perspective, I’m actually really lucky that I still have one more year to enjoy and make the most out of.

Class field trip and bonding session in Corregidor – Just one of many memorable experiences with such an amazing class!

My Junior Year was really a fun-filled and surreal year that truly made me take a 180 degree turn for the better. Being part of H3A really taught me how to simply enjoy the little things and make the most out of each and every day. Looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way! I am truly thankful that I got to be part of such an A-WESOME class!

Looking forward, I hope that my Senior Year will be just as good or even better! With my new mindset, I know that anything is possible! The sky truly is the limit and I plan to make the most out of the one last year I have left in Xavier School!

-DOitChoco