-
First day of Senior Kinder
At six years old, I always wanted to have my mom next to me. Even after she'd brought me to my classroom on the first day of school, she stayed around to make sure I could still see her outside my classroom. -
First day of grade 1
My mom had to leave work after bringing me to school on the first day. My PE teacher told me years later that I wouldn't stop shouting, "I want my mommy!" that day. -
Started a journal-writing habit for chronicling events and writing insights
I also started to collect souvenirs--photographs, clippings, notes I'd receive from friends--which I would paste in my diary. -
Started interacting with the opposite sex
In my adolescent years (which I am very much embarrassed of, looking back) I would make such an effort to meet up with my brother's friends, talk to them online. These wouldn't be complete without letting my friends know about it, or printing out our conversations in Yahoo Messenger. -
Realized, through a friend, that I often built a 'wall' around me
My friend told me that she found it difficult to "get to me," after we'd been working together for an entire year. It made me think about how I presented myself in front of others--conscious effort or not. -
Began college in shock over how distant my high school friends would soon start to be
I was with my barkada for days on end back in high school. They were a classroom away; a break period allowed us to talk leisurely. This luxury disappeared when I got to college: Meeting up was rare, texting each other to catch up was also difficult due to school work. -
Put up a 'boss' façade alongside my sunny personality
It allowed me to manage the people under me in a very professional way, while still allowing friendships and mentorships.