Gratis et Amore
It is the time when one realizes
that he has gone taller, grown some hairs in his body, his voice sounded hoarser, his shoulders grown broader , his interests
differed, his disposition gone wiser. It is the time when his heart beats like a
drum or his adrenaline rushes whenever someone he likes passes by. It is the time when he goes obsessed with something he does to prove that he can
do something better. It is the time when
he starts to take responsibility for certain things. It is the time when sometimes one falls for a
teacher wishing that he were his parents or a person he can be with forever.
It is the time when the once
little boy of twelve turns into a young man and that frail little girl turns
into a young woman. THIS IS HIGH SCHOOL! That one episode in life which is among the
most memorable, the most unforgettable, something one never ceases to reminisce
though years may pass.
Forty years ago, an institution
accepted and nurtured me of the rudiments of life. It has made me confident that I can do
something despite difficulties and inadequacies. It taught me that the world is
not for the faint of heart but for those who are brave and determined to go on
battle to search for a better life.
Four years of my youth were spent
in this institution. It is where I had
sad and beautiful memories of youth. My
life here was not only centered on study and books. I also had my little
mischiefs, adventures and so-called affairs of the heart. Yes, I, too, have my memories of the heart
which I have kept and will continue to keep.
Silent whispers of my dreams and aspirations will continue to be locked
up in my memories of high school.
From the 42 steps of Capiz High
School to its every nook and corner is
embellished with both happy and sad memories.
This century-old institution of learning is a witness to the many tears
and laughter, successes and failures, expectations and disappointments of many
young men and women. It is an
institution which has ignited the engine for change in some and further drove
them to better horizons.
The four walls of this
institution bore witness to the unspoken dreams and wishes of many. It has been
a sanctuary to many whose dreams had been shattered by poverty or
misfortune. It has been a beacon which
guided those who are groping in the darkness of ignorance. More so, it has been the cradle of many who have helped
carve history.
This institution has never grown
weary and deaf to the sigh and murmurs of its patrons. It has always been there to espouse change to
cater to the needs of a changing world. It
has always been complacent with the juvenility of the young but it has always been unyielding to the rudiments of education.
Three years after graduation from
college I was welcomed back by my alma mater as its partner in nurturing the
youth. I took it as a commitment for it
is my gesture of love for an alma mater
who taught me perseverance and excellence in what I do. My being a part of the academic dynamo of the
school further improved my personality. It gave me a chance to exhaust and explore my
capabilities and share them to my students and the community who need my
services. This in a way has made me value
my being an educator. In turn, I have
also helped my young students discover their potentials and unleash their
talents and craft toward excellence. To
achieve this, is a teacher’s greatest pride and accomplishment. It dignified my
being a teacher.
Forever will I be grateful that
Capiz High School has provided my intellectual and professional nourishment,
quenched my social and psychological dryness, and developed my potentials to be a better
person. Part of who I am is attributed
to what I gained from my high school alma mater. My good memories are translated in smiles and
laughters and insights. My sobs and
tears for ill feelings and heartaches are translated into motivations that further
made me work better and achieve more.
My alma mater gave me a family to
lean on; a multitude of friends and acquaintances who may come and go, yet, the
love, concern and camaraderie remain through the years, with special mention to
my class ’76 batchmates who had been there through good and rough times.
As Capiz High School celebrates
its centennial year, I am cognizant of
its legacy and I take pride in saying “I am an alumna of Capiz High School.” Thank you for being a part of me.
Comments