My name is Jennifer T. Señadoza, and I was born on April 9, 2007. Now at 18 years old, I look back on a journey defined by growth, change, and cherished memories. My education began at Maranatha Christian Academy (MCA) from Kindergarten to Grade 2, but a new chapter opened in Grade 3 when my mother transferred me to Maitim Elementary School. Looking back, Grade 4 was the most joyful time of my childhood; it felt like a life without problems, filled with nothing but laughter, running around during recess, and the simple excitement of "loveteams." I vividly remember the "drama" of my childhood when I was asked to choose between my long-time crush, Joshua, and our classmate Tobal. When I chose Joshua, Tobal actually cried, asking why it couldn't be him! Those days were filled with innocence, especially the quiet walks home with Joshua at the end of the school day. However, by Grade 6, our big plans for a grand graduation were suddenly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of walking across a stage in a gown, we were stuck at home with modules and a virtual ceremony that felt worlds away from the celebration we had imagined.




The transition to high school brought new challenges as I returned to MCA for Grade 7 and Grade 8. The online setup was difficult for me; since classes were from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, I often found myself struggling to stay awake. There were many times when I’d fall into a deep sleep, only to realize later that my teacher had been calling my name while my camera was off, causing me to miss important lessons. I truly missed the physical presence of friends and the energy of a real classroom. Thankfully, Grade 9 brought the return of face-to-face classes. Even behind face masks, the joy of finally seeing my friends' eyes and hearing their voices in person made school feel like home again. By Grade 10, the "normal" school life had fully returned, and we spent every moment making up for the time we lost during the lockdown—sharing snacks, joking around during breaks, and finally enjoying the high school experience.






Grade 11 at MCA was a unique, quiet year because there were only seven of us in the entire class. We were a tight-knit group, but because our classes were in the afternoon from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the "siesta" heat would often kick in. With our seats spaced far apart for safety, the long discussions would often make us all feel incredibly sleepy, and we had to struggle together to stay focused. Realizing I needed a bigger environment to prepare for the "real world," I took a big step for Grade 12. I personally visited Trace, CGC, and Nicolas L. Galvez Memorial Integrated National High School to inquire about their programs. I chose Galvez not just because the subjects aligned perfectly with my previous year to avoid being "irregular," but because I wanted to be surrounded by many different people again. I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and prepare myself for the social life of college. Every memory from the tears of a Grade 4 classmate to the quiet struggle of online classes has built the resilience I carry today as I face my final year of high school with confidence.


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