The experience I am about to share to you lasted for a whole school year,

last year to be exact. And I just realized its essence in my life just now, the very
moment that I am writing this essay. But first, Im going to tell you the four years
before that experience.
Since my grade five days up until my second year in high school, I was
part of my batchs top section. Yes, it was an honor for me when I first heard it
from my grade four adviser, and I was very proud of myself for attaining that.
Little did I know that those four incoming years will make me a very passive and
insensitive person. Why passive and insensitive? Well, since I was surrounded
by top students in my batch, they were very good leaders. And most of the time
during group activities and projects, I was included in their group. As time
progressed, I was becoming more and more dependent on them. My mindset
was Let them do the work, they love to do it anyway. So there I was, not
attending group activities and not caring about it at all. And the other thing was,
at that time, I didnt have a cell phone or a computer. Thats why I wasnt always
updated at the latest happenings. And so I thought that they didnt care if I help or
not, and lets face it, whatever I contribute will be very little compared to the
entire project.
So time passed and I realize that I was not happy with my section. I
always wondered why I was not close with my classmates of four years. I didnt
know what my defect was at that time. I didnt know that all they want from me
was a little effort and cooperation with them, to have some initiative to help.
And so after four years of being together as a section, the school decided
to distribute us in the regular sections. And thats where my experience enters.
Of course I was surprised at what the school did. Half of my high school
life, I was a mere member of every group Im in. And now, Im expected to be a
leader, a role model, the exact opposite of what I am the last four years. I had no
choice. I had to change my irritating attitude. So, slowly, I became responsible
and at times, a complete martyr, staying up late in an internet caf. We still didnt
have an internet at that time. And that was so tortuous for me. Every now and
then, teachers would be sending their lectures online which means I would have
to go to an internet caf always. Plus, our school policy is that you cant wear the
school uniform in public places, especially internet cafes. So I still had to go back
to our house to change and cant directly go to the internet cafes immediately
after class. I started do the tasks assigned to me seriously. Soon, I was
becoming the person that I didnt expect to be.
You might think that this school year was way more hassling than the
previous ones. Well, I agree with you on that. But, this experience made me a
better person. It proved that I can change and improve myself. Plus, I made new
friends and I, for the first time, was able to experience true companionship and
unity among the section. My section was the best. All those late nights and

eyebags were all worth it. Now, I have a memory of high school that I can keep
and be proud of forever.
Georanni May B. Gingoyon
Elizabeth Seton School