123rd HS Day: 1 School, 2gether, 3fold Legacy (THEMATIC)

    The most awaited event in high school—High School Day—has come again! This year marks the 123rd High School Day of Ilocos Sur National High School, a celebration that brings together teachers, students, and staff to honor the pride and history of our beloved school. To make the event memorable, everyone worked hard—each grade level practiced their field demonstration, made their colorful props, and every club prepared exciting booths to make the day more enjoyable for all ISNHSians.

As always, the celebration began with a foot parade, where students, along with their advisers, marched through Vigan. Though I wasn’t able to join the parade due to some preparations, I know that every step taken by ISNHSians carried pride and school spirit. I am especially proud of my section, Maxwell, for earning the "Most Disciplined Section" award during the parade. 

After that, the most anticipated part of the event took place—the field demonstration. From Grade 7 to 11, boys and girls performed their well-practiced dance routines, along with their creative props. Though we didn’t win, the true goal was to enjoy the moment, showcase teamwork, and gain experience together.

In the afternoon, the energy continued with the "Concert for a Cause" or the "Battle of the Bands" at the SPTVE building. Students sang their hearts out, swayed to the rhythm, and cheered for their fellow ISNHSians, who showcased their incredible musical talents.

Another year, another milestone—this High School Day was a reminder that ISNHS is not just a school but a family that celebrates together, grows together, and makes memories that will last a lifetime.

Final Shift Gear (REFLECTION)

    Just like in a race, my journey through Junior High School has been filled with twists, turns, and moments of acceleration. Now, as I write my final reflection, I realized that I’m shifting into my last gear, approaching the finish line of this incredible ride. It makes me sad to think that my JHS days are coming to an end, but I also feel grateful for everything I have learned along the way.

    Throughout this quarter, one lesson stood out the most—MS FrontPage. Learning how to design and create my own website felt like gaining a new driving skill, a skill that allowed me to navigate the digital world with confidence. Learning how to design and create my own website was an exciting experience. I had so much fun experimenting with different tools and bringing my ideas to life.

    Of course, no race is without its challenges. At first, designing my webpage felt like struggling with a tricky turn—I wasn’t familiar with the tools, and I didn’t know how to use them properly. To make things worse, our computer kept experiencing erros, forcing us to restart it again and again which was delaying our progress. But just like in racing, setbacks don’t mean stopping, they mean finding a way to push forward.

    So, I reached out for help. Ma'am Charleen, our practice teacher, guided me through the tools. I also turned to my groupmates for help. And when technical issues slowed us down, Ma'am Evelyn stepped in to assist us, ensuring we had enough time to finish our project.

    Now, as I prepare to cross the finish line of Grade 10, I know that this is not the end of the road—it’s just a gear shift toward bigger and greater things. I will continue learning, exploring, and improving. I will also remind myself that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a way to keep moving forward.

    Before the race ends, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you, Ma’am Evelyn, for the lessons, the laughter, and for being like a second mother to us. Thank you, Ma’am Charleen, for your patience and dedication. And to my beloved section, Maxwell—thank you for the support, the fun, and the countless memories we’ve made. This journey will always have a special place in my heart.

    As I shift into the next chapter of my life, I will carry these experiences with me, knowing that every challenge is just another turn in the race, and every lesson is fuel for the road ahead.

My Dream, My Future

    Fifteen years from now, I see myself in a place I’ve always dreamed of—a modern laboratory in the USA or Canada, wearing a scrub, carefully studying samples under a microscope. I am a medical technologist, working hard to help doctors diagnose diseases and save lives. It’s a career I’ve always wanted, not just because it interests me, but also because I know it can give me a better future.

    Getting here wasn’t easy. There were nights when I stayed up late studying, days when I doubted myself, and moments when I felt like giving up. Financial struggles, personal problems, and emotional battles tried to hold me back, but I didn’t let them. I pushed through because I knew that every hardship was just another step toward my goal.

    Looking back, I see the younger version of myself—just a high school student with big dreams. I remember promising to study hard, to get a scholarship, and to enter my dream university. I remember wanting to graduate with Latin honors, not just for myself but also for my family, who always believed in me. And now, I have made that promise come true.

    Fifteen years from now, I am living a successful and happy life. I have a stable job, I can support my family, and I am proud of the person I have become. But I know this is just the beginning. There are still more goals to reach, more dreams to achieve. Aside from my career, I dream of traveling the world—exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and seeing the beauty of diversity. I want to visit famous landmarks, try different foods, and meet people from all over the world. Through these experiences, I will grow as a person and gain a deeper understanding of life. And just like before, I will keep moving forward—one step at a time.

References:

Ulshoots. (2016, March 30). Late night studying. ULShoots. https://ulshoots.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/late-studying/

Respall, J. (2021, April 8). Opportunity For Filipino MedTechs To Work & Migrate To Australia. Migrate to Australia. https://respall.com/2020/11/10/opportunity-for-filipino-medtechs-to-work-migrate-to-australia/

Reporters, L., & Reporters, L. (2021, February 25). How to be successful, happy and achieve your goals in life. Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/health-wellbeing/how-to-be-successful-happy-and-achieve-your-goals-in-life/

"Babae Ka, Hindi Babae Lang"

 

    “Babae ka, hindi babae lang.” This quote is a strong reminder that being a woman is not a limitation. It challenges the idea that women are defined by what society expects of them. Instead, it emphasizes that women are capable, strong, and deserving of the same respect and opportunities as anyone else.

    This connects deeply to this year’s Women’s Month theme: “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” For many years, women have faced discrimination, unequal opportunities, and gender stereotypes. But today, we are reminded that women are more than just their roles at home, in school, or in the workplace—they can lead, create, and make a difference.

    Celebrating Women's Month is not just about recognizing their achievements but also about breaking barriers that limit women. It’s about building a society where gender does not decide what a person can or cannot do. True equality happens when everyone—regardless of gender—can pursue their dreams, express themselves freely, and be treated with respect.

    By imparting this message, we take a step closer to a world where being a woman is never seen as a limitation, but as a source of strength and endless possibilities. 

References:

Abigan, A. (2018, March 7). National Youth Commission celebrates women’s month with march, forum. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/197536-national-youth-commission-women-month/

“Misogyny keeping more women out of government.” (2020, March 11). Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/08/1999098/misogyny-keeping-more-women-out-government