Can we all agree that studying used to feel like torture?

As a kid, I really wasn’t a fan of studying unless there was a quiz or exam. But as time went by, I learned to love studying, with the help of my mama. What I love most about it is that when we study, we’re also spending time together.

I was a Jollibee kid, and I still am now that I am a young lady. Jollibee has been my happy place since then.

"Sa Jollibee, bida ang saya" — a quote from their song. As a kid, it was just a song that promoted Jollibee, but now I realize that song isn’t just a normal song — it’s a message. Because whenever I am sad, disappointed, and hungry, I always go to Jollibee, and it takes my sadness away. And I think it’s true, "Sa Jollibee, bida ang saya."

My mama and papa are my motivation to do more and be better. I am thankful to them for supporting all my dreams and everything I’ve wanted to pursue. I’m truly grateful for their sacrifices and hard work—without them, I wouldn’t have the life I enjoy today. They constantly remind me to believe in myself, even when things get difficult.

My grandparents, they’re my kakampi in everything. I am very grateful that they take such good care of me, especially when my mama and papa are busy working. Their love is truly top-tier. They’ve always made me feel safe, supported, and unconditionally loved. I will always cherish the time I have with them.

My aunts and uncles—their advice, whether about academics or personal matters, always makes sense and has helped me learn to think carefully before making decisions. They treat me not just as a relative, but as someone they genuinely care about. Their guidance has shaped the way I approach life with responsibility and maturity.

My cute cousins, who never failed to make me laugh, thank you.

I love my family so much. They give me hope and inspiration every day. In both my ups and downs, they’ve always been there to support me, reminding me that I’m never alone. They celebrate my wins, comfort me in losses, and push me to rise every time I fall. I’m truly blessed to have them.

I am 17 Years Old. I was born at Malita, Davao Occidental.

12: 06 AM

How are you, Maeve? I hope you’re doing well wherever you are right now. If life has been heavy lately, I hope you still feel the love of the people around you — and I hope you remember that you deserve all of it and more.

Time truly flies so fast. You’re 17, you were just a STEM Pre-Science student at Ateneo de Davao University — a girl who felt so lost, so unsure of where to go, who doubted herself more times than she could count. You were the girl who almost gave up after nearly failing Basic Calculus, who quietly wished to make her parents proud someday, and who carried dreams in her heart even when they felt impossible.

"She believed she could, so she did."

Sincerely,

The girl who once dreamed this

The memorable experience was learning to talk in short sentences, playing games with other kids, and having fun moments like singing or dancing in front of my family.

When I was 5, a memorable experience was my first day of school. I was excited but also scared. I met new friends and learned new things. It made me happy and proud because I felt like a “big kid.”

A memorable experience was when I learned how to ride a bike. At first, I was nervous because I thought I would fall. My mom and dad helped me by holding the bike while I tried to pedal. I fell a few times and even wanted to stop, but they told me to keep trying. Little by little, I got better, and one day I was able to ride all by myself without anyone holding me. I felt so happy and proud because I did something I couldn’t do before. After that, I rode my bike almost every day with my friends, and it became one of my favorite things to do.

One memorable experience I had at 17 was when I survived grade 11. It was meaningful because it gave me a sense of achievement and made me realize that I was slowly stepping into adulthood. I felt proud of myself, but also nervous about the future. This experience showed me my qualities of being determined, hardworking, and hopeful, and it shaped how I saw myself during that stage.