THE REST IS STILL UNWRITTEN: A FIRST DAY TOLD BY MALATEANS

Voices can be heard from the halls of Malate Catholic School (MCS) as a new school year embarks. It is a story’s new beginning—still unwritten—but one that will surely leave memories of laughter, hardship, and love, and a place to call home. With this, let us hear some of the first-day experiences of Malateans.

Written by: Rouisse Icoy

Layout by: Cassandra Angeles

June 14, 2025 | 1:45 PM

Right before the clock hits 7:00 AM, learners of Malate Catholic School (MCS) begin to fill the gymnasium. The atmosphere buzzes with anticipation, anxiety, excitement—three of the many adjectives to describe what many may have felt. But one thing’s for sure; it is yet again another first day of school.

The night before school starts, learners may find themselves feeling nervous, excited, or perhaps even both. On June 9, 2025, Malateans entered another school year that will not only hone their knowledge and skills but also create lasting memories, such as hanging out with friends, meeting new people, and finishing a project at a classmate’s house.

But before those new chapters unfold, it all begins with the first day of school.

Unbeknownst to the learners, the first day marks the beginning of growth and challenge. As cliché as it may sound, it’s true. The uncertainty, there is something delicate about not knowing what the future holds. Yet, we draw a response from our character—consciously or not—in the way we face this new, thrilling start.

On MCS’ first day, these experiences may offer a quiet kind of comfort—a sense of belonging, showing that others may share the same uncertainties and hope. 

Entering their first day in junior high school, a Grade 7 learner shared that they felt “excited and at the same time, happy” upon entering high school. They felt hopeful despite feeling nervous about what the subjects may bring, since the difficulty of lessons in high school is different from those in grade school.

They also shared, “Nanibago (ako) sa mga transferees, yung ibang students kasi umalis, lumipat na. Pero okay naman siya, masaya pa rin (I felt a bit awkward with the new students since the other students I knew left and transferred to another school, but even so, it’s okay, things still felt happy).” 

Similarly, entering their first year in senior high school, a Grade 11 transferee learner immediately felt comfortable and at ease. They shared an interesting experience wherein they met and were classmates with an acquaintance from their old elementary school. According to the learner, “It made me feel at home na agad at this school (It immediately made me feel at home in this school).”

They described the encounter as “shocking” since they didn’t expect that they would have already known someone at this school. Although at first, they felt “really scared and uncomfortable” thinking they would not fit in as it was their first day. Though it seems like it, they have clarified they weren’t necessarily struggling. 

Now in third year, a Grade 9 learner expressed feeling “joyous and nervous” on their first day as they’ve finally got to spend time with their friends again, but this time, with a new patch color– blue, and a new set of obstacles that their future awaits. 

Additionally, they also shared, “I was able to meet new people, my new adviser, saw my new section, and I was in a new room and environment.” Despite being an old student and a sense of familiarity within the campus, this school year still introduced a new and different experience for the learner. And because of that, the learner struggled to socialize and interact with their classmates and adviser— “Some of them were new to me and I barely knew things about them.”

Entering their final year, a Grade 12 learner described their last “first day” of school as bittersweet, “I still can't believe that I survived all the past school years, but I will surely miss my classmates.” They also shared feeling nervous and excited since they didn’t know what to expect as the new Ate’s and Kuya’s of the school.

During the orientation, their adviser explained to them “what to expect” and what they must do as the panganay (older child) to their fellow schoolmates. They said, “I felt pretty pressured knowing everyone on the campus will see us as their role model.” As graduating seniors, all eyes are definitely on them.

Upon hearing the experiences of fellow Malateans, each one has its own charm, highlighting the importance of empathizing and bonding with one another. These shared moments foster a stronger, more united school community. And stories such as these remind us of belongingness—that you are not alone in this journey that everyone is going through.

Although your story may not have been told, that doesn’t make it less valuable and meaningful. And if your first day of school didn’t go as planned, that’s okay—there is always room to grow, to adapt, and to begin again. Like a book’s cover, first impressions only reveal the surface. The full story? That’s yours to define, to write.