Expectations Fulfilled?

     Ever so boring, the day of a student like myself in quarantine stuck at home, meaning that studying on my own is now the normal for school. Now, I just huddled up in bed, contemplating my choices in life, I begin to zone out, mind drifting into the place we call 'overthinking zone'. Thinking back at the times before the pandemic occurred in our life, I realized that I was very free and open to others since everyone used to be able to cuddle up and get close in public, being able to hug and get touchy with your close ones was the life you dream to have once again.

    Back in elementary, I was enjoying the time spent with my friends after class, even in class, messing around, having chit chat with my bffs, sharing a snack or two, overall just enjoying myself as a kid. The school I went to was great and big and everyone was familiar with each other. I was at the era wherein the school was getting better, bigger and learner-friendly. Well starting to make those plans for the school, I was at the second to the last year to stay there, meaning there's a high chance I won't be able to witness the changes in our school that I was looking forward to for experiencing it for myself.

 

      Now as a 9th grader, learning news that the school I went to had huge improvements in constructions and projects that went well, was great and all but I missed out on all of that back then. Sighing heavily at the memory, I continue to reminisce the past I wish to go back to.

 

     High school, I remember the undeniable excitement I had in entering a new school, the growing anxiety in my head for what the future holds for me, especially the exams we had to take to pass in our sections. I was a kid expecting so much in high school, the new people to meet, more knowledge to take in, and the environment I was going to be learning at. Confidently marching my way to class, taking in every change in my surroundings, I was feeling a lot, nervous, excited, anxious, worried. In short, I was a mess. But let me tell you, I have never felt so happy in being able to enjoy my life here in UCNHS as a first year freshman. Being more independent, having more control in my school life was refreshing, doing things I couldn't before, learning more things about myself and truly expressing the way I am was quite the memory. Too bad it only lasted a year. Clenching my fist a bit at the thought, I thought I should think about what happened, happening and what will happen now. Thinking about it, I never got to properly enjoy the high school life I imagined I'd have. Yeah sure, I got into a lot of contests, events and able to hang out with friends more often, that's enough to satisfy me, right? Well for most of us that isn't the case, Nick Jonas once said, “High school is about finding who you are, because that’s more important than trying to be someone else.” We found more about us and discover new things within the surroundings we put in.

 

     Shaking away those thoughts, I get up from my cuddled up self in bed to make my way and ready myself to set off out for my ride. Studying at school has taken up most of my life span so we might as well enjoy our time being spent learning new things you never know you might need. Eyes wandering off to the distance, observing the scenes play around me as I take a quiet ride. I learned very well that time goes on and things change for the good or maybe for the bad, its expected that we encounter many horrific situations where we might think this is the end of me, then end up with finding yourself left at the classroom with a broom in hand sweeping away the boredom along with the trash you were told to throw out. What I mean is, if life goes on, you might as well go along with it. Get over the past because it’s done and all you're left to do is deal with it and suffer the consequences or enjoy them.

 

     Lost in thought, a bright tint of blueish green greeted me as the vehicle I'm in slows to a stop near the gates. Freshly dried painted gates, neatly arranged tarpaulins and beautifully fresh plants scattered neatly the surroundings were noticeable as students started pouring through the gates as they were eager to enter school. Getting pass the crowd, I approached a man dressed properly in a navy blue uniform with neon highlights, face covered with a surgical mask. Reassured that the gentleman was in proper attire, I asked the man for directions for the designated classrooms for different sections. Cheeks lifted and eyes slightly squinted, the man smiled and explained the proper way to my destination and offered to take me there which I kindly declined since he was on duty and assured him that I'll be able to handle it on my own. Bowing my head slightly, thanking the man I turned my heel and marched immediately to the instructed directions by the kind man. A smile crept up to my face as my mind went back to the kind gentleman who helped me earlier, now I am fully determined and ready to take on the world, or the class, I fixed my face mask and brought out some alcohol onto my hands, I cleansed my hands properly before continuing my journey. I observe the dull grey surroundings I used to see around, now remastered and renewed freshly fixed environment fit for everyone to feel comfortable despite the pandemic. The park that was once just grey cemented stairs with flags posted on their poles, tattered and torn, plants on the brink of drying out, now bright as the sky as the fresh vibrant colors greet me along with the freshly grown flowers blooming through the summer, ever so pleasing to the eyes and welcoming for everyone even for the stray cats roaming the school grounds. Snapping out from my gawking expression, I nod to the new park and make my way back on track to class. Now nearing the buildings, I noticed each classroom looked welcoming with newly decorated rooms eager for people to enter them. I was worried since it was still unsafe since the virus is still going around, but now reassured seeing that the school took the steps in providing proper safety protocols for the people to follow and take caution wherever you go, whilst enjoying the time you spend here at UCNHS studying and learning to your hearts content. UCNHS took its opportunity while we were at home studying hard for us to come back to a welcoming learner-friendly environment still following safety protocols while enjoying the time we spent with each other studying and learning in this safe and fun environment.