A Sentimental Journey

“It’s finally over…”

Thoughts like these were recurrent to me exactly after we seniors took our final periodical exam in that fateful 5th of March. A part of me wanted to scream and yell because, at last, it’s really the last time we had to put our noses to the grindstone in SJCS (pardon my pathetic attempt in comedy for my last article). One side of my brain, however, cautions me not to let all my emotions run wild - not after I’ve sweated out myself tensely filling the blanks in our Hua Wun test, and the grave thought about attending the strenuous graduation practices for the next thirteen days. But well, by the time you’re reading this, I would have been crying buckets of tears as we don that toga and lift that little tassel sideways.

Graduation… I never imagined that I’d actually (and eventually) be at this stage of my Judenite life. Thirteen years (this is not a cliche…) was such a breeze! When I was in my preparatory years and my two front teeth haven’t grown yet, I used to look up in awe and envy those tall guys with books and typewriters in tow, and those necktie-d ladies with big smiles on their faces. They seem to have a lot of activities and they also seem to enjoy. I wondered whether I would look and be like them when I’m at their age. Now, at around 1.3 feet taller and with a relative tinge of experience, I’d definitely say YES.

I admit I may be a little short on memory (uh, what’s your name again?), but that doesn’t prevent me to remember at least some of the most unforgettable moments I’ve spent here in SJCS: The very first day of school, when I was with my mom, feeling dreadful when all the sights and sounds sensed were crying children (but I didn’t cry haha!) … The time I hid under the little table (conscious that I’d still be seen!) when my teacher asked me to act out for our drama lesson in Prep and I really, really didn’t want to (hence, the shyness…) … The very first poem I submitted to the Judenites about my mini personal computer when I was in Grade One (it wasn’t published… but here I am!)… The first major embarrassment I had about incomplete uniforms (ha!)… My first taste of success, with spelling (it was a long time ago but it still makes me want to dream)… Our grade school graduation … The shift (or beginner’s guide?!) to secondary education (and still I don’t know what the ‘transmutation system’ really is, and the basis for the curriculum units) … The first time I got appointed as a class officer … The long, laborious nights of putting (or more aptly, squeezing) into memory 5-6 pages of Chinese lexicon and more (that usually prompts me to eat a lot of midnight snacks!)… The jitters before taking a math test (and further fretting on the results thereafter!)… Attending the required Thursday activities (for GSP & CAT) … Yelling like crazy in the past few Sportsfests … The prom/s, where you meet gorgeous compadrés and stunning là chicas and have a grand time yourself … And my rather unforgettable gig last Teacher’s Day (after a decade-long ‘stage fright’ hiatus since first grade, it’s not everyday that I wear tubes and wiggle in front of a huge audience)!

We all have our share of what makes our stay here in Saint Jude worthwhile and cherished for I guess, time immemorial! And of course, there are the little but precious moments we spend… we might have overlooked these things, but I guarantee these same moments are the ones that makes us most fulfilled and gives us the reason to live and dream… the (subtly crazy) times we spend with our dear friends, heartily joining in the class’ laughter because of some inside joke, sending smiles (and receiving too) when you meet people at the corridor, the mini-chats while idly waiting for any vacancy in the Favorite Pitstop (you should know what I mean), teachers giving you a nod and grin for doing a pretty good job, the knowledge that you’ve made someone’s day, feeling at ease knowing your friends are there for you through all the hardship… and many more.

People say that high school is one of the most gratifying and significant events in life you could ever encounter… and I’d have to say the same. It has been a fantastic whirlwind of a journey and it has definitely got me feeling surreal! To you guys who have yet a few more years to tarry in school, my advice is make the most of this time to be the best that you can be! Don’t let anything (or yourself) hold you back from things you might regret not doing in the future.

Let me take this chance to thank the people who have mattered a lot and have made my ‘scholastic voyage’ most meaningful (and this is no Oscar-winning speech...):

Without God’s guidance, I don’t think I could ever have surpassed the travails and obstacles that came across, and so I thank Him for many times I’ve been in the dark and He was always there to get me through.

My parents, for being a wonderful set of folks who constantly support me in everything I do. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

To all my teachers / advisers / mentors, thank you for imparting to us students your knowledge, your enthusiasm and your fortitude. You have motivated me to improve myself further, to not make the same mistakes (although I still glitch once in a while!), and to become a more refined individual.

To (most especially) the Judenites and the Drama Guild, two organizations that have served as base for my creative self-expression, I am truly honored to be part of such esteemed company. Thank heavens that I’ve met new people, good friends, and great memories to live by!

To my batch…I couldn’t have asked a better bunch of people than this! Time has weathered us quite a bit, but we’re still baby-faced (haha!) and still persevering! I am so proud to be part of a brilliant, winning batch… thanks for the shared history and may we achieve success in all our future endeavors!

To my classmates, thank you for making my last year unforgettable… from the retreat to the simulation and many other fun activities, each has made 4A more close-knit than ever imagined! I will always remember the fun, the acceptance, and the warmth… the good and bad times our class shared and managed together... I’ll miss you!

And to my friends, I have been so blessed to have met you. Thank you for the times we’ve spent in laughter, in madness, in tears (of joy?!), and in quiet understanding. You have been my support group, stress relievers, chatterboxes and more… I am so indebted. (mwah!) I hope we can all gather sometime after our short parting here… keep in touch!)

Now that I’ve said all my merci beaucoups, I guess it’s time to bid au revoir… but I know the journey will never be ceased. We still have more roads to tread, and however vague the path to success may be (for now), we’ll be taking it one step at a time.

Thanks again, and ciao!

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Note: My last article for The Judenites, March 2004 issue.
(as Associate Editor, “Relativity”)