"Class, I have a very important announcement to make."
The room fell silent as Miss Jane clears her throat to make an important announcement. The students, who were previously engaged in various conversation, gave their undivided attention to Miss Jane, awaiting her words. Umupo ako sa aking silya.
"Sino dito ang mga mahihilig magsulat?"
Lyra discreetly glanced in my direction, including Rose who was just sitting beside her.
"Teh, 'di ba mahilig ka magsulat? Try mo."
They sent me a curious and expectant glance. I frowned and shook my head. It depends on the writing Miss Jane was looking for. Although, they were aware of my love for writing kasi pinabasa ko sila once ng draft na sinusulat ko. They said it was good and I should publish it on an app.
A feeling of shyness and self-doubt prevented me from raising my hand.
"We are looking for a representative to compete next month sa Naga. So, right now, I am looking for a narrative type of writing style and I think some of you would like to join kasi ang focus ng theme niya is about mental health."
I can sense a change in the atmosphere of the room. My classmates seemed to perk up, their interest piqued by the subject.
"Not just that, when you finished writing a ten page of your work, kapag nanalo ka, the film club will join another competition para ipanalo ang story na sinulat mo."
I felt a wave of excitement. Maging sila ay namangha rin. The idea of seeing my work come to life on screen is a captivating prospect.
Lyra and Rose, as well as Elizabeth kept glancing in my direction, their eyes silently pleading for me to participate in this writing competition. I can see the opportunity in front of me, and I don't want to miss out on such a unique experience. Their gazes are filled with a mix of hope and encouragement, silently cheering me to embrace this chance.
"Go, Raine." Rose whispered.
A slight, apprehensive smile curved my lips as I mustered the strength to raise my hand. My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of excitement and trepidation surging through me.
Miss Jane's eyes shifted to me, taking in the sight of my raised hand. Her face lit up with a delighted smile as she acknowledged my participation.
My classmates, noticing the smile on my face and my hand raised high, expressed their support in various ways. Some nod their heads approvingly, silently encouraging me. Others offer small smiles, showing their support. A few even whisper words of encouragement, "Kaya mo 'yan," and "Go, Raine"
Hindi ko masyadong ini-include ang sarili ko sa mga events, clubs, even competitions dahil sobrang mahiyain ako. The first thought I could ever think of was "What if matalo ako?" "What if hindi ko siya ma-enjoy?"
Nakakatakot rin kasi ang mga expectations ng ibang tao. Nakakapressure. So, I always have doubts when things like this happens. But isn't it time for a change? I am slowly becoming aware about myself in this campus. I see people do this, and that, at sasabihin kong gusto ko rin iyon. But I know, everyone has first times. But failing doesn't seem like an option for me especially when I do it for the first time.
If I won, I will do it again. If I lost, I wouldn't have the courage to try it again.
My eyes accidentally met Sofia. She stared at me with pride and approval, silently encouraging me from where she sat. In that brief instant, I can tell that she genuinely supports my decision to participate in this writing competition.
"Si Raine lang ba gusto sumali? No one wants to try man lang?"
"Ako po, ma'am."
Surprise washed over me as I saw Aries raising her hand, volunteering for the competition as well. I was not expecting that she would sign up for this, though. She does love reading but writing? Hindi ko pa siya nakitang magsulat.
