During Junior High School, I worked hard in my academic track. There were late nights, a lot of effort, and even a few tears along the way. But those sacrifices slowly turned into medals and awards. More than the recognition, it taught me that every small step, no matter how tiring, brings me closer to my goals.

In Grade 11, I joined our futsal team for the CTK representing our Cluster. I honestly didn’t expect much, but being part of a passionate team with supportive coaches and teammates turned out to be a beautiful experience. We gave our best and were grateful to win first place in the cluster. It was a meaningful victory for a new team like ours, and it reminded me that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to wonderful surprises.

Now, I’m slowly building a vision for my future. I dream of becoming a nurse someone who can bring care, comfort, and healing to those who need it most. I also hope to become a successful individual and one day, a business owner not just for personal success, but so I can create opportunities for others and give back to the community that shaped me.

Whether in healthcare or business, I want my journey to reflect the values I hold close: service, compassion, and purpose.

All these experiences remind me that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through quiet, steady steps toward becoming the person I strive to be with kindness, dedication, and heart.

I’m in a relationship with someone I’ve known since we were young. We were once the little bride and groom in a family wedding, and through the years, our friendship quietly blossomed into love.

He’s been a constant in my life supporting me during junior high, cheering me on during performances, and encouraging me to keep growing. I’m truly grateful for his presence.

One of my dreams is to become a nurse not for the title or the uniform, but because I genuinely want to care for people in their most vulnerable moments. I want to be a calm and comforting presence for those who are hurting, sick, or feeling alone.

I also dream of becoming a successful person and, someday, a small business owner. I hope to build something meaningful something that reflects who I am and what I believe in. Whether it’s in healthcare, food, or another path, I want my future business to bring joy, opportunity, and encouragement to others.

Everything I’ve been through every challenge, every small win, and every person I’ve met has shaped me into who I am becoming. I hope that, one day, I’ll be remembered not just for what I achieved, but for the heart I gave along the way.

A life that quietly says: "She didn’t give up. She gave her best. She touched lives with kindness".

Because in the end, what matters most to me is not just reaching my goals but the love, faith, and purpose I carry through the journey.

I’m 17 years old, born on October 27, 2008, in Mati City, Davao Oriental, and I currently live in Tamban, Governor Generoso. I’m a Grade 12 STEM Pre-Science student at Ateneo de Davao University. I'm truly grateful for the journey I’m on and the lessons I continue to learn as I grow not just as a student, but as a person.

While my parents worked abroad, my grandparents raised me with love and care. I’m the only daughter among three siblings, and even though I haven’t met one of my brothers yet, I treat him with the same love because family, to me, means more than just blood.

I’m especially close to my grandparents on my mother’s side. My grandfather called me his “little Elijah” because I always followed him, and my grandmother was my safe place growing up. My younger brother, who has mild autism, brings so much joy into my life with his sweet and playful nature.

I also help care for my younger cousins, who lovingly call me “Ate Alex.” Their closeness and affection remind me how meaningful it is to be someone others can rely on.

-Cycling through nature gives me peace and clarity. It’s a simple way to appreciate the world around me.

- Cleaning helps me stay grounded and keeps my mind in balance.

-I find joy in cooking and baking, especially when I can share it with others. It’s my small way of showing care and love.

- Online games challenge my focus and creativity and they’re a fun way to bond with others, too.

-Reading romance novels is one of my favorite escapes. These stories let me step into magical worlds filled with love, growth, and lessons that stay with me even after the last page.

These hobbies have become special parts of my life.They've not only brought joy but also opened doors for meaningful connections with people who share the same passions. As I continue exploring new interests, I’m excited to learn, grow, and share more of myself with others.

I love playing instruments and performing. Music allows me to share joy and emotions that words sometimes can’t express. It’s one of the ways I connect with others and celebrate life’s beautiful moments.

I’ve always been close to my family, especially my grandparents who lovingly raised me while my parents worked abroad.

Their sacrifices have shaped me and taught me the value of love, responsibility, and faith. Even though distance and differences exist, our bond remains strong and filled with understanding and prayer.

As I write this, I’m in Grade 12, taking the STEM Pre-Science strand at Ateneo de Davao University. Life is a mix of excitement, stress, and discovery. I’m learning so much not just from academic subjects but also from personal development and leadership classes that help me understand myself and others better.

One of the biggest things I’m learning right now is how important self-awareness, resilience, and balance are. The subjects we’re taking are challenging, but they’re shaping the way I think, solve problems, and face real-life situations. I'm also learning to manage my time, work with others, and take care of my mental health even when things get overwhelming.

Outside the classroom, I’m embracing the things that make me feel alive WIth the things that reminds me of who I am and what truly matters. I’m also learning to appreciate the people around me more.

To my future self, I hope you never forget these roots. I hope you’re doing what you love, whether you’re studying further, working in a field you’re passionate about, or simply growing in new ways. I hope you’ve stayed kind, strong, and faithful even when life didn’t go as planned. And most of all, I hope you're genuinely happy and content, proud of how far you’ve come.

Whatever challenges you’ve faced, I know you’ve grown from them. Keep soaring, keep believing, and never lose the light you carry inside you.

With love,

Your Younger Self,

Alexandra Marie Cubrado Baleroso

2. What were your key takeaways from the subject?
I learned that knowing yourself is very important for growth. I also learned how to care for my mental health and how to have better relationships with others. This subject showed me that it’s okay to rest, reflect, and ask for help when things get hard.

3. What two topics were your favorites and why?
My favorite topics were Mental Health and Wellbeing and We Are Family. I liked the first one because it reminded me to take care of my mind and emotions, especially when school gets stressful. I liked We Are Family because it helped me see how much my family’s love and support mean to me every day.