junellecassandra

[junellecassandra]

"Girl Scout"

I joined the Girl Scouts when I was young. We did tasks while camping in the school. I gained a lot of knowledge about girl scouts and how they help us develop our character. With my opinion, it was a pleasant experience, and I met friends along the way in the Girl Scouts. We studied sign languages, the first alphabet, which, after the pandemic, became my pastime. I think that's how I evolved into the person I am now. I gained knowledge and learnt how to treat everyone with respect since that is what a girl scout and a respectable person do. The most of my favorite memories involve being a girl scout. We had to sleep in school, so that was the first time I fell asleep without my mom. and it taught me how to be self-reliant and stand on my own. I'm still grateful of the memories I have from my time in girl scouts.

[junellecassandra]

"Seventeen Years Old"

I already graduated from junior high school last year; it was an emotional roller coaster, but I'm pleased I got to spend it with some of my friends and we were all able to graduate together. From I'd had them since the beginning of my high school career, it was pleasant to catch up with them while taking pictures for memories, eating together because it had been so long since we'd hung out, and catching up on life. I'm very proud of them for having such strength, and I'm also proud of myself because, despite having numerous breakdowns and nearly giving up, I managed to stay alive. forever grateful for my family, friends, and myself. They help me to be in my current position. They genuinely give me strength. God placed my family and I in challenging circumstances, yet despite these challenges, I am grateful that we are all together and supporting one another. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned throughout my life since they have helped me recognize how far I have come. I'll apply those lessons to achieving all of my goals and then taking some time off when time has come for me.

[junellecassandra]

"Sixteen Years Old"

When the pandemic struck, my life went through a major change. I came to many realizations about myself and learned how to control my emotions, which I believe has helped me to better manage them. Every time I'm alone, I come to some sort of realization in life, and that has taught me a different lesson. I had to finish my education from home, which didn't help my mental health or the fact that everything wasn't always simple for me. It was difficult for me to study at home because I was aware that I wasn't learning anything. I would go to class, but instead I'll go back to sleep. So yeah, it wasn't really effective for me; in fact, it worsened my mental health. We were all severely affected by this pandemic, but teenagers were more affected because we aren't used to this kind of environment. I met friends online, but it was quite stressful. They were the ones that helped me realize that even if you only met someone online, you can still be friends with them.

[junellecassandra]

"Fifteen Years Old"

The government is unclear of our scheduled return to class because our one-week break from classes has lasted so long. The pandemic affected everyone in the world in a significant way. Being an independent daughter who had to spend a year at home because it was risky to leave the house specifically taught me something. People came to help and offered us food because we are still suffering from the pandemic and the eruption of the Taal Volcano was a setback for us. This eruption also had an impact on our daily lives. I was so terrified for my life at that point. We had to stay at home for such a long period; I didn't see my friends for a long time; and it's like I was imprisoned; we don't know how long this life will last because everyone was so sick at home already, including me. We had to keep learning, but in a different way, like an online class or a modular format.

[junellecassandra]

"Fourteen Years Old"

I've had long hair since elementary school, but in 2019 I chose to cut it short for a change, and I didn't realize how much better it felt. My first-ever crush, the person I'm talking to almost, was one of the reasons I cut my hair. I was kind of upset when we spent so long without speaking. I had trouble breathing, especially when I was in school, so that year was somewhat stressful. I had to be taken to the hospital, and it was my first time riding in an ambulance. I had no idea what hypertension was when the nurse informed me that I had it. The Taal Volcano was set to erupt and was blowing smoke from its mouth during that year, which was also the year we encountered an unexpected moment when we had to stop attending school. They claimed that this was just for one week due to the COVID-19.

[junellecassandra]

"Thirteen Years Old"

2018, as a new student who had just started high school, was full of anxiety for me because it was a new school and experience. Even though I graduated from that school, the friends I made there are still my friends today, which surprised me. I learnt how to commute and it was wonderful; our bonding was nice; it was all new to me. If you'll ask me, how are they as friends, I’ll tell you that we had a great bond. They are, in my opinion, the best. Our friendship and chemistry were very amazing. We would sing along together and one of my classmates would play his guitar whenever there was a free moment in class. We may have been the worst section the teachers were telling about, but all I know is that we had a lot of fun together. Apparently, our room was full of competitive students, including me, so we won a lot of competitions. It was undoubtedly the most memorable and enjoyable year of my high school years.

[junellecassandra]

"Twelve Years Old"

I graduated from elementary school in 2017, and the only thing I can say about it is that, although it was an emotional rollercoaster, it was a moment that will always stick in my memory. I had a lot of friends and experience that I can use as time goes on in my life. My friends and I had to take different paths because it was just our fate; sometimes, our paths do not follow the same course. This made me feel sad. I had to transfer to another school and pursue my goals there. My time at that school throughout those years was really remarkable. I developed my independence, social skills, and bravery. Those lessons helped me grow as a person, student, sister, and daughter. I spent the majority of my life at that school and with my elementary school friends. It's unfortunate that we no longer communicate because we each have our own circle of friends and lives of our own, but I hope we can one day.

[junellecassandra]

"Eleven Years Old"

One of the saddest things to happen to me was when my favorite lola passed away. She was the one who looked after my sister and I while everyone else was at work, the one who would feed me even though I wasn't hungry, the one who would give me money even though she didn't have any, and the one who would call me her favorite apo. I can still remember how frightened I was when I saw her on her deathbed and how cold her hands were. I sobbed so hard that I nearly fainted. However, because it is already her time, I am unable to interfere. It was a sad and devastating memory that I have, and whenever I attempt to remember it, I always feel so depressed. I even had a dream about her trying to apologize for having to leave us so soon and bid me farewell. I am grateful that I got to spend my early years with her and in her arms because she was the best lola I've ever had

[junellecassandra]

"Ten Years Old"

It was one of the most memorable years for me because we went on vacation to Baguio City to celebrate my sister's birthday. I was really excited to go on a vacation and to that place because it was my first time. We bought some clothing to wear there because it is cold there. The bus we took really surprised me since it had a bathroom and a woman who looked like a stewardess, but in a bus, you could even lay down in the chair to relax. I got lost because I walked to a different floor of the hotel that we reserved for our stay. We visited a different place that is well-liked among tourists. We also rode a boat on the lake, which was fun, but I became worried since I don't know how to swim. I rode a bike, which I had never done before because my dad wouldn't let me. The nicest part was picking strawberries at the farm, which we captured in a ton of photos. We purchased souvenirs, but unfortunately, we already had to return home.

[junellecassandra]

"Nine Years Old"

I can remember my childhood experiences vividly now that I am nine years old. For example, I recall going outside to play and returning inside after the sun goes down. I also recall getting my first wound on my knee on my birthday, which was unfortunate since I sobbed uncontrollably. The injury was so severe that the scar remains on my knee to this day. However, having a wound was inevitably a part of my childhood, serving as a reminder of the wonderful years I spent there. Every time there was a special occasion or a holiday, we would visit a mall. You can call me a spoiled child, and I do believe that I was spoiled at the time, but I can't forget all of those memories because my dad would always buy me whatever I wanted. But for me, it was a wonderful memory since I have a lot of toys that I suppose I'll keep in my room and share with my playmates.

[junellecassandra]

"Eight Years Old"

I was in grade 2 when I was eight years old, and things were tough already. Thankfully, I made it through. I made a promise to myself not to let my past self down because doing so would ignore all of her sacrifices and hard work despite the fact that she is still a child. At the time, I was still a hardworking child who only wanted to fulfill her dreams. Looking back at that moment made me realize how hardworking I was. Looking back on all of these childhood memories that I had forgotten about because I was so preoccupied with my current life was somewhat wonderful. I would go back on all the good times I had when all I had to do was play and study, which, to my younger self, was already enjoyable. In opposition to it, I now frequently experience worries, breakdowns, overthinking, and issues.

[junellecassandra]

"Seven Years Old"

Sadly, my lolo passed away since his body was unable to sustain life and his health worsened. Our family suffered as a result, and we were all saddened, but since it was my first time attending a funeral, everything was interesting to me. I recall that when it came time for us to say our final goodbyes, I didn't cry a single tear because I didn't want to. I felt sad, but I was unable to cry, perhaps because I still couldn't accept it. For me, it was a bizarre experience because I witnessed everyone crying and breaking. I turned 7 years old that year, which was a memorable occasion for everyone. Because I received so many gifts and felt so great, it was a special occasion for me. I appreciate the efforts my parents made to ensure that my birthday would be special. I was overjoyed at the time since I received so many greetings. I can vividly recall the money, clowns, guests, and decorations my birthday brought.

[junellecassandra]

"Six Years Old"

I had already started kindergarten, which was exciting because I had made new friends again. My life went on as I played with my neighbors and playmates. My lola still cooks Tinolang manok for us since she knows it's our favorite dish, and it's still my favorite. She is still the loveliest person ever. My favorite playmate of all time is my cousin Elaine, who I visit to play with and sometimes eat at since her mother insisted. I used to often doze off there simply because it was impossible to separate us. In my opinion, it was an unforgettable moment. In order to give us our own privacy and a place where we can create family memories, my parents have already made plans to leave lolo's house and build our own home. My cousin, who stays in his home to help him every day, and I continued to take care of my lolo. Because we are so excited to live in our own home, my sister and I would sneak into our nearly finished house and eat there.

[junellecassandra]

"Five Years Old"

Every time I had to play outside with my friends, I was always very active. They taught me how to play piko, taya-tayaan, langit lupa, and other outdoor games. Since I had only ever played with toys before coming here, it was quite memorable. I assist my mother in caring for my lolo as we continue to live with him. I remember being a respectful child who completed all of her homework alone and studied with her sister. I want to play with my sister, but our age difference is rather large, and she finds it difficult to find time for me because she is always preoccupied with school. I decided to watch my favorite television cartoon, Dora the Explorer, instead of playing with her or simply annoying her. I enjoy watching the cartoon every morning, and I even convinced my mother to cut my hair into a Dora-inspired style, which is why I have bangs in all of my childhood pictures.

[junellecassandra]

"Four Years Old"

My family and I had to move out of the neighborhood where I grew up since our house was going to be built there. We left our lola in Lipa, which made me very sad at the time. However, we come back here on vacations to keep her company. I made some friends in this place, and we get along well every day. I assumed that adjusting to this environment would be difficult, but it's not as horrible as I thought. My dad's father took us in because no one else would look after him. Due to his illness and condition, he is unable to stand or sit. I begin daycare at age four as well. I studied in the Abiacao Daycare where I first met my friends; at the time, I had no idea how much I would enjoy it. I do well in school, and I am grateful that my mother taught me everything she thought would be helpful.

[junellecassandra]

"Three Years Old"

My mother recently returned to us after traveling from Dubai because she can't stay away from us and she already misses us. I can now recall some experiences from when I was three, such as fleeing from my lola when she insisted that I take a bath but I didn't want to, and running beneath her house since I knew she couldn't grab me there. I used to go play with my cousin and their neighbor, who was also my age, at my aunt's house. I would also visit my sister's school to pick her up so we could come home together. I have a lot of memories there with my lola and my aunts. They also hired a nanny for me because my lola couldn't look after me because she was working at the church and my mom had a job. That nanny was extremely kind and loving to me, but sadly she had to leave. I always thought of her, and I hope we will meet again someday.

[junellecassandra]

"Two Years Old"

My mother told me some things when I was that age; she said that I actually enjoy to play with toys, especially dolls, and they would buy me toys every time we went to a mall. However, I can't recall many details from when I was two years old. My dad was working in Manila so he couldn't take care of us, but my wonderful lola took over and did her best to raise my sister and I while my mom had to travel abroad to provide for our needs. Of course, my lola wasn't raising us alone; with the help of my aunts and cousins, we grew up in a loving environment. My sister said that she would get up at five in the morning to take me and my cousin to the beach, push my stroller, and go swimming because we all enjoy it. I even have a photo of myself sobbing on the beach from being afraid of the waves, but I can't seem to find it right now.