A quarter

The second quarter taught me lessons that were not always written on the board. I learned about pressure, expectations, and how words can stay longer than lessons. Hearing things like 

“kaya mo yan dati ah”

 “dapat perfect score ka” or

 “parang nagdadrasal ka lang ng sagot”

slowly sank into me and made me question myself. Still, I learned that learning is not always loud success. Sometimes it is quiet survival, showing up even when confidence is shaking. I discovered that growth does not always look impressive, but it is still growth.

This quarter was emotionally heavy for me. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, tired, and afraid of disappointing others. The pressure to do well made simple tasks feel heavy, and there were moments when I felt like my efforts were not enough. I also struggled with comparing myself to others and feeling like I was falling behind. At times, it felt lonely carrying all these thoughts while trying to keep going.

I faced these challenges with the help of my friends and my own determination. My friends became my safe space, the ones who reminded me to breathe, laugh, and keep going when everything felt too much. We shared stress, jokes, and encouragement, making the hard days lighter. I also learned to push myself gently, to study even when motivation was low, and to remind myself that trying is already an achievement.

Moving forward, I will choose to be kinder to myself. I will continue learning without letting harsh words define my worth. I will value progress over perfection and hold onto the people who support me through my highs and lows. Next quarter, I will move forward stronger, not because everything became easier, but because I learned how to keep going despite everything.