I believe everything in life has a purpose. That’s why I live by the quote, “everything you lose is a step you take.” It’s from a Taylor Swift song, and I didn’t expect it to make me reflect so much, but it did.

One day, I hope I can inspire others the way I’ve been inspired. But for now, I just hope and pray that I’m better than the person I was yesterday.

Dancing is definitely one of them. I love being on stage and just feeling the energy while performing. Music’s a big part of my life too—I’m always listening to something, and Taylor Swift is my ultimate fave. Her songs just get me, especially the ones about doing things on your own.

Lately, I’ve been messing around with the guitar—both electric and acoustic. I’m still figuring things out, but it’s fun to play when I’m bored or just vibing.

And of course, I love playing online games. CODM, Genshin, ML, Roblox—you name it. Gaming’s my go-to for relaxing and having fun (especially when I don’t feel like being productive, lol).

I might not be amazing at one thing, but I like having a mix of little things that make me, me.

There’s also my Tita who lives abroad. She always sends us chocolates and other goodies from the U.S., and she supports us however she can. She's actually the reason I get to study here at Ateneo de Davao University SHS, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity she’s given me.

I also really love and treasure my pets—they’re like part of the family. They bring me comfort, joy, and are always there to cheer me up after a long day. I honestly can’t imagine home without them.

I love my family so much. They’re the reason I am who I am today, and they’ll always be my biggest inspiration and motivation to do better in life.

My friends have always been my source of joy and motivation. They inspire me to try new things, embrace my quirks, and step out of my comfort zone. I’m so grateful for the memories we’ve created and the countless adventures we’ve shared.

Hanging out with them reminds me how important it is to cherish the people who bring happiness and positivity into your life.

Hello Alice,

I hope you have a smile on your face while reading this — not only because of how far you’ve come, but also because you are truly joyful. Currently, you are 17 years old, a senior in the STEM Pre-Science strand at ADDU SHS. Life is a blend of early risings, challenging teachings, and envisioning great things in still times. You’re gaining a wealth of knowledge — not only in studies, but also in self-awareness. You’re beginning to realize that achievement involves not just academic performance, but also personal development, compassion, and remaining loyal to your passions.

Your greatest aspiration is to be a forensic scientist — a person who uncovers the truth and creates a genuine impact, even if it's not always recognized or acknowledged. You wish you are heading towards it, or perhaps you're currently experiencing that life. If everything feels burdensome, I wish you to recall the reasons you began. I wish for you to be in the company of those who have faith in you — and even more importantly, I hope you continue to have faith in yourself.

Whenever you feel like you’ve lost control, shut your eyes and recall this version of yourself: exhausted yet determined, fearful yet courageous, uncertain yet consistently making an effort.

No matter where you find yourself or what you are engaged in, I wish you peace. I trust you take pride in your achievements. And even if things didn’t go as you expected, I hope you’ve discovered new aspirations to pursue.

Keep going, future me.

You’ve got this.

With all my heart,

Alice (your younger self)

Yes, the subject Personal Development was very helpful for me. It allowed me to understand myself better—my strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Through the lessons and activities, I became more aware of how I think, feel, and act in different situations, which helped me grow in self-confidence and emotional maturity. It also encouraged me to reflect on my goals and make better decisions for my future.

2. What were your key takeaways from the subject?

My key takeaways from Personal Development are the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive relationships. I learned that understanding yourself is the first step toward improving yourself. I also realized that personal growth takes time, effort, and consistency, and that developing good habits and a positive mindset can make a big difference in achieving success and happiness.

3. What two topics were your favorites and why?

Two of my favorite topics were Self-Concept and Identity and Managing Stress and Emotions. I liked Self-Concept and Identity because it helped me reflect on who I am and how my experiences shaped me. I also enjoyed Managing Stress and Emotions because it taught me practical ways to handle pressure and stay calm, especially during challenging times in school and personal life.