My Senior High School Journey at Marinduque State College

My senior high school journey is one of the most unforgettable chapters of my life. It all started when I took the entrance exam at IHS Marinduque State College, which is now known as Marinduque State University (MARSU). Honestly, I did not expect to pass the exam. I remember feeling nervous and unsure of myself. But when the results came out and I found out that I passed, I was overwhelmed with happiness. My mom was even happier than I was because it had always been her dream for me to study there. Seeing her proud and excited made that achievement even more special.

When classes first started, everything was online because of COVID-19. We did not have face-to-face classes yet. It was a challenging adjustment for me. I was a new student, and I experienced culture shock. The way of teaching was different, and we relied heavily on gadgets and technology. At first, I struggled. I was still learning how to manage online platforms, submit requirements digitally, and communicate with teachers and classmates through screens. There were moments when I felt lost and overwhelmed. However, as time passed, I slowly adjusted. I became more responsible, more independent, and more confident in using technology. I learned how to manage my time and complete tasks on my own.

Then finally, the time came when face-to-face classes were allowed again. I was excited but also nervous. I thought it would be hard for me to make friends because I was shy and had gotten used to online interactions. But I was wrong. I met amazing classmates who later became my closest friends. They were kind, supportive, and genuine. Because of them, my senior high school life became joyful and meaningful. We formed a circle of friends filled with laughter, shared struggles, late-night talks, and unforgettable memories. Every moment we spent together was real and sincere. They were not just classmates—they became my second family.

Since the school was far from our home, my parents decided that I should stay in a boarding house. It was my first time living away from my family. I only went home every weekend. At first, I felt very homesick. I missed my parents, our house, and the simple moments we shared every day. There were nights when I felt lonely. But thankfully, some of my friends were also staying in boarding houses. We supported each other, studied together, cooked simple meals, and shared stories. Because of them, my homesickness slowly faded. Living away from home taught me independence, responsibility, and maturity. I learned how to budget my allowance, manage my time, and take care of myself.

I also became active in school activities. I joined events, participated in programs, and volunteered whenever I could. Being involved made my school experience even more exciting. The environment at MARSU was very supportive. Teachers guided us well and made sure that students were not left behind. I felt seen and valued as a student. The school did not just focus on academics; it also helped us grow as individuals.

From Grade 11, I consistently became a With Honors student until I graduated. Achieving academic awards was not easy. There were sleepless nights, stressful exams, and moments of self-doubt. But all the hard work paid off. When I finally graduated and saw how proud my parents were, especially my mom, I felt that everything was worth it. Their smiles were my greatest reward.

During my senior high school years, I explored many things and experienced personal growth. I discovered my strengths and faced my weaknesses. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone. I experienced failure, but I also experienced success. Most importantly, I learned lessons that cannot be found in books—lessons about friendship, independence, perseverance, and gratitude.

Looking back, my senior high school journey was not just about passing exams or earning honors. It was about growth. It was about becoming stronger, braver, and more determined. It was about building friendships that I will treasure forever. And above all, it was about making my parents proud and proving to myself that I am capable of achieving my dreams.

My senior high journey at MARSU will always have a special place in my heart. 💛