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                          Marikina, Philippines

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Beat the Odds

By Jan Rochelle del Castillo

Batch 2008

It seemed as if it were just yesterday when I had my baptism of fire as a young journalist of SSAM. I never expected that my first visit again to my alma mater (the last when I received my report card last summer and returned my toga) would make my heart weep for a moment. Yes, I still could hear the good laughs and naughty banters of the Kulasas as they walked along the corridors. I still could picture how I and my classmates shared a typical moment together around the old Balete tree. And I still could feel the friendly atmosphere in the Blue Heights office where I would meet old and new members.  With all these things in mind, I know there’s nothing like St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina, the school of the Lord’s service.  

By the time you read my article, I would probably be learning the ropes in college.  It’s exciting to be in a university rubbing elbows with your professors and meeting new acquaintances. It’s like moving in a new community where you find yourself walking alone and trying to find people with the same interest as yours. Right now, I must say that I find college life challenging, not to mention the guys I would have to deal with in my computer class. You guess it right, only a handful of girls were able to pass the course at the De La Salle University.  

What I would like to tell every Kulasa is to always seize the moment with your classmates, friends, teachers, and even with our Benedictine Sisters. Take every opportunity that you know can help you boost confidence and improve your skills. This is what our teachers often say that we sometimes dismiss in our minds. I am telling you again, take their advice by heart and you surely go a long mile.  I thank my Blue Heights moderators for teaching me about life. Indeed, I was able to apply what I have learned from them.  

Blue Heights has given me the courage to pursue what I’ve always wanted to do. I only learned it when I started to open my mind and learn how to accept rejections and criticisms. I thought I was a good writer until I saw my article littered with scribbled notes of my editors and moderators.  And if I didn’t show an effort to correct my work, I must not expect for a byline once the magazine is released. The lesson to learn: you only reap the sweetest fruit if you worked harder for it. In Blue Heights, your story only gets published when you show your heart into it.   

Most students presumed that Blue Heights is designed to intellectual students. I beg to disagree.  I realized that this organization is more than just a school publication. It is a place where you build your character, widen your horizon and, most of all learn from each other’s experiences.  For me, Blue Heights is not just an ordinary club, it’s my family. It is not just a room to write your articles and submit your stories but it’s a real home.  

One more thing, I learn how to welcome defeat in life.  Who says that we always win an award? We also experienced going home from a contest empty handed. We’re lonely, yes, but we didn’t allow this feeling to hinder our dreams. Actually, it made us feel much stronger to beat the odds.  

Right now, I am planning to join our school publication, The Lasallian.  I can’t stop my hands to do the talking.  I say my sweet good-bye, please wish me luck.

2006 St. Scholastica's Academy. Marikina City, Philippines