Life hasn't been very good to me lately. I hope that life's treating you well there in the future. I've always wondered what will become of me in the future. I like to think that I’m a simple person. I want to envision myself with a simple, happy life. A house with a farm. Many chickens and horses because I’ve always wanted to ride on a horse. I want to live a peaceful life away from everything. Just thinking about that makes me happy and at ease. But let’s be real. With the economy right now, I wouldn’t last a day in that kind of life, because everything has a price. I always wondered what will I become in the future. Specifically my job or my status in life. Ever since I was a kid, I like to think that my life has been laid out, and all I have to do is follow the path. But right now, it seems like I'm lost. I didn't really have a passion in Medicine. It’s just what I say becuase it's common. But in reality, I don't have a career that I really want to pursue. Because my Father wanted me to become a Doctor, I agreed. He didn't force me, but because I didn't have anything in mind, I went for a Stem Pre Science strand. Now, that I'm in my second year of Senior High, I think, I finally found what I want to pursue.

For years, I've always hated Mathematics. I always thought that it was useless studying different kinds of equations that I surely know that I won't be using everyday in my life. I didn't get a failing grade, but it was my lowest out of all subjects. I also thought that I never wanted a course with many Maths in it, because surely, I will fail. But things may not always go as planned. Right now I want to take Engineering as my course in college. My younger self would've never believed it, because why would I want to take a course that can I barely pass? I've read a book by Mark Manson that really hit me deeply. Its not about what you want to be in life, its about what you're willing to struggle. And I just realized that Engineering is what I am willing to struggle for. I may not be good at Math, but I'm willing to study everyday, learn, endure sleepless night, make mistakes and learn from them.

Right now, I may know what I want, but tomorrow is not clear and certain. There can be many things that can change. Whatever I’ll become in the future, I trust in God’s plan.

So, future me, I have quite high hopes that everything is great over there. I wish that all my hard-work will someday pay off. Goodluck to us!

I never would have believed you if three years ago you told me I'd be here...

Although this stage is not completed yet, it has been a blast. My JHS years were kind of blipped, because 2 years is online learning. Much has changed during those 2 years, and when I was back to face-to-face classes, it was sort of scary. I became more conscious to people. I was scared to go out of the room and greet my old friends. I had a small group of friends which I can be myself. Some people said that I've changed and became more nicer than before. I guess that's true. I've evolved and made changes for the better. I understand people, not judging based on what I see. I didn't use to curse more often and would chastise people who would always curse to other people. I guess part of my change is because of my best friend. We would always see each other therefore I was influenced my her kindness. Also made me realize that she's the only friend I need in this cruel world. A lot has happened in 9 and 10th grade. I laughed, cried, been disappointed, angry and happy. It was one of the best years in my life because I was at my prime.

SHS was different. It was a bigger environment than before, but I learned to adapt and manage the hell I've been through. To classmates, teachers, and hectic schedules, I've learned to manage my emotions and my time management. People that made SHS bearable was my friends. They assured me that they'd accept me wholly. I became different compared to my JHS years, but I became a little more confident and independent. With my friends around me, I feel like I can show everything. SHS might not be what I expected, but I hope to explore more and have fun during the last year of being a high school student.

Personal Development subject has been helpful for me. It made me reflect about my personality, behavior, and attitude towards others. It made me more aware about myself, and help me understand about what I am feeling. Lastly, this subject helped me in my problems and my mental health. It made me feel that what I am going through is part of my journey in becoming a better person.

2. What were your key takeaways from the subject?

My key takeaway is that I realized it’s okay if I don’t want to talk about things that are sensitive or painful for me, like topics about mental health or family. In our subject, I learned that it’s normal to feel that way, and that I can still process things in my own time without forcing myself to open up right away. Personal Development really opened my eyes about the things that are often overlooked in my life and it made me stronger in mind and body to face everyday struggles as a teenager.

3. What two topics were your favorites and why?

My two favorite topics was Knowing Oneself and Career Pathways. These topics helped me in really getting to know my true self. Knowing Oneself made me more natural about how I behave, knowing that being myself is enough and that I don't have to pretend for people to like me. Career Pathways showed me the reality and the struggles for career I want for the future. It made me want to work harder everyday to give myself the life that I deserve.