Republic of the Philippines

Tangos National High School

Schools Division Office - Navotas City

High school is the time when we can establish friendships that could last a lifetime and make lasting memories that we will treasure for years to come. My time in high school has been impactful and emotional to this point. Many events occurred, both good and negative. I know many students can agree that high school is full of ups and downs.

In fact, when I started high school as a 7th grader, I was nervous about being in a new setting, but I was also excited about becoming older and meeting more people. Looking back to it now is nostalgic, especially since we didn’t get to experience two years in high school because of the pandemic. The two yearlong breaks certainly made it feel like it was my first time entering the school, it was yet another adjustment to make.

It was also filled with anxiety, trying to fit in when you have no idea what to say or talk about was difficult. That thought made my first few months in the 10th grade boring, I knew that it was my last year in junior high, yet I couldn’t do much about it, after all I was too anxious about every little thing.

Everything changed when this unexpected friend group became close with me. It was bizarre to me since when I saw their group for the first time, my thought was “I’ll never be able to fit in there.” because they’re loud, enjoyable, and all of them are friendly. I know to myself that I’m not like that, I have long accepted it.

But then I gradually became part of their group. My first impression is still the same, they’re loud and enjoyable. It’s the most fun I’ve had in years; thus I know they will be engraved in my memories for a long time. Sometimes I can’t help but hope that if one day I were to look back on this time, they will be together with me to reminisce.

For now, I’m glad of them for making my last year in junior high fun and valuable. They accepted me although I’m not good at talking and most of the time they had to carry the conversations. I’m thankful for the patience they have with me, as well as their help in making my high school years better.

In our little group we all have different personality traits. There’s someone who is pretty aggressive, someone who has a temper almost as short as her, someone who’s incredibly moody, someone who can be frivolous at the wrong time, and someone who never seems to experience embarrassment. Maybe that’s what makes us fit with each other.

There’s a quote I’ve read somewhere that fits with it; “Compatibility is not just about being able to coexist. It’s about a deep understanding and appreciation for each other’s differences.” And I agree because despite our differences, we always make it work.

Hanging out with them is chaotic, especially when we’re complete, which rarely happens outside school because one of us lives far away and one is almost always not allowed. For that reason our plans are never put into action.

One thing we like to do together is singing at the top of our lungs even though our voices are horrible. It’s fun to do so since it always ends up with fake annoyance, teasing remarks, and laughter for everyone. Being in high school has another benefit: since we are meant to be enjoying our youth, people will perceive our cheeriness as natural. Of course, not everyone is the same, but it still applies.

May every high schooler experience the fun I am experiencing. There’s no better time to make friends and learn things about yourself than in high school, so don’t waste your time and have fun. It is the time for discovery and growth and making the most out of your high school years.

A while ago I came across a quote while browsing on social media, it’s carved in my mind even now. I read it whenever I feel down or overwhelmed by the various things that keep happening in school, it helps most of the time. It’s something that I’d like to share with my schoolmates too.

“High school is a lot like a four-year game show called ‘Surviving Adolescence.’ Every day, new challenges arise and every day, you try to stay in the game. But the prize isn’t money or a trip to Hawaii. It’s something far more valuable: the lessons you learn about life and yourself.”

You must remember that life is full of struggles but on your way you’ll learn. Make the most out of your high school life, you won’t regret it in the future.