After that, they talked about who would be chosen. I was really happy when they picked me as the documentarian. My job was to take notes, write minutes, and help with the club’s papers. That experience helped me understand how recruitment works. You need to show your skills, be honest, and wait for the result just like applying for a real job.

As a Grade 11 SHS student, I haven’t joined any club yet, but I was really interested in the theater club. I saw their recruitment process — filling out forms and doing auditions — and it reminded me of how people apply for jobs or internships.

I got too shy to apply, but the experience taught me that confidence is important, not just talent. Next time, I’ll try to be braver because it’s good preparation for real-life applications.

This experience mirrors the job application and staff recruitment processes. It taught me that securing a job isn't easy, it involves overcoming various challenges and completing necessary training before being hired.

Looking back, the entire experience was actually very similar to a real recruitment process. First, there was an online application form (Google Form) we had to fill out, which served as the initial screening (it felt like submitting a resume via online). The questions in the Google Form focused on our personal details, our preferred position, and reasons for applying. After submitting the form, we were given a scheduled date to go to the department for the interview.

The interview was conducted by the current president of the club — Mr. Agosto. He asked about the different skills we could bring to the club and how we planned to contribute if elected. Since SLK is under the Filipino department, he also asked questions related to our knowledge in Filipino — such as topics about Wika, Panitikan, and even some historical background about the Philippines. After the interview, there was a short deliberation among the current officers. Shortly after that, the new set of officers was officially announced.

As I am reflecting right now, I realized that what I went through when I was in Grade 9 was very similar to real job recruitment processes. From filling out the form, to getting interviewed, to waiting for the results — every step was getting closer to what it is really like in the professional world. Although it was just a simple application in a school club, it taught me something I can use to prepare myself when I apply for a job soon.

(In addition, I got accepted in SLK. I was the Grade 10 representative. When the results were finally announced, it felt like being hired for the job you've been dreaming of since you were a child.)

Even though it wasn’t a formal job application, the steps were similar. I got invited (like hearing about a job), I signed up (like applying), and then I became a member and joined club activities (like starting work). This helped me understand that recruitment can happen in everyday things, even just joining a school club with friends.

After that, we held an election for officers and had a short meeting about the upcoming activities of the Science Department. I felt nervous and excited at the same time because it was my first time joining a club, and it really caught my interest. They also asked us questions about our strengths so they could match our personalities with the right position.

That experience taught me that it’s important to be prepared and confident when applying. I also learned how to speak better and show my strengths. Even though it was just a school club, it gave me an idea of what applying for a real job might feel like.

Our English teacher, was on the hunt for kids to throw into journalism competitions. Did I volunteer? NO. She recruited me like I was some secret weapon because I once touched a camera (I was a photojournalist for 3 years when I was freshmen elementary). Next thing I know, she’s like, “You’re gonna be layout artist AND editorial writer.” And me? “BOY I DO NOT.. KNOW HOW TO DO THIS!”

Cut to me, one week later: caffeinated gremlin, twitching at 2 a.m., trying to figure out web layout like my life depended on it. My brain was melting, my soul left my body, but hey i got in to regionals. Then BOOM! Puerto Princesa snatched the win. I still hate them. No, really. PUERTO. PRINCESA. IF YOU’RE READING THIS...YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID.

Then 10th grade rolled around and guess what? Tables turned. I was no longer the desperate recruit I was the one recruiting. As the editor in chief of our school newspaper, I went full HR psycho mode: background checks (“Do you own a laptop? No? NEXT.”), IQ tests (pattern recognition, duh), attention span tests (if you blink too much, you’re out), and interviews. I built the Avengers of school journalism. We slayed. We conquered Tagaytay. And then GUESS WHO BEAT US AGAIN? PUERTO. FREAKING. PRINCESA. I’m convinced they sold their souls to win.

Later, I considered joining Model United Nations (MUN), which my uncle recommended. My uncle was like, “Join, it’ll look great on Ivy League applications.” And I was like, “Do they recruit? Or is it just, like, fancy kids in suits pretending to save the world?” Never joined. Still curious. He said it was great for debating global issues. In short, my experience with recruitment taught me two things: first, being recruited feels like being thrown into a fire and told to figure it out. Second, recruiting others is way more fun because you get to play God with clipboards, interviews, and a secret criteria.

Last school year, I became more active in multiple organizations within the same school. I was the secretary of the English Club, a committee member of both the Interact Club and Barkada Kontra Droga, a taga-pamayapa in Buklod ng Wika (our Filipino Club), and I continued my role as auditor in the Research Club.

Each club had its own recruitment process some asked for application forms, while others held short interviews or orientations. These experiences taught me how to communicate better, take initiative, and lead with confidence. During our Moving-Up Ceremony, I was honored to receive the Leadership Award, which made me proud of all the efforts I gave. Joining these clubs helped me grow and gave me a glimpse of what it’s like to go through real-life applications and responsibilities.

This experience reminded me of what happens when people apply for internships or jobs. Employers look beyond what's written on paper. They're searching for potential, attitude, and how willing you are to be part of something bigger than yourself. Even if you're not the most skilled person in the room, if you're eager to learn, that already counts for a lot.

I also joined a leadership camping activity during that time. Since our school was in the province, joining camps wasn't just a fun experience. It was a rare chance to grow. We did group challenges, team-building games, and leadership tasks that really tested our patience and ability to work under pressure. I was even chosen to be a group leader, and that taught me how to listen, guide others, and stay calm even when things didn't go as planned.

Those moments of being part of the club, joining the camp, and learning how to lead taught me that recruitment is more than just passing requirements. It's about growth. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and proving, even to yourself, that you're capable.

When I think about those experiences now, I see how they were like small versions of real-world job or internship applications. You start with hope, you go through challenges, and if you're willing to learn and give your best, the process will shape you into a stronger version of yourself.

This experience taught me several invaluable lessons. Primarily, it underscored the importance of being thoroughly prepared for any position you aspire to hold, and, more critically, for the obligations that come with it. It also significantly improved my public speaking skills, teaching me how to effectively address a large group of people and be their voice.

Even if I don’t have direct experience, I know that applying for something whether it’s a club or an internship requires effort, confidence, and the willingness to try something new.

I joined the Science Club, and later on, I was chosen as the Vice President, replacing the previous VP. Being in a leadership position meant I often had to take the lead in planning programs and organizing events. It was a big responsibility, but it helped me grow a lot.

I also joined the "Barkada Kontra Droga" club, where we helped spread awareness among children and encouraged them to stay away from illegal drugs. In this club, we often conducted seminars and outreach programs. Before every activity, we had to plan everything as a team, which taught me how important cooperation and preparation are.

Yes, it was challenging at times, but it was also fun—especially since it was my first time getting involved in clubs not just for grades, but to learn and experience new things. Through these experiences, I started to realize how enjoyable and fulfilling it is to be part of different organizations. I also learned a lot about leadership, communication, teamwork, and how to handle responsibilities—skills that I know will help me in the future when I have a job or if I ever manage my own organization or group.

Joining clubs has really helped me step out of my comfort zone, connect with others, and gain new knowledge💗.

I haven’t joined any clubs yet, but I want to be part of them to gain knowledge about activities that can help enhance my skills, broaden my understanding, and make friends who can inspire me to become smarter in things or tasks that will help me grow personally.