Collection of Essays And Memoirs

Memory of Early Years

Growing up, I've always identified myself as an introvert. I've always felt more comfortable at home than in social settings. My shyness was particularly pronounced during my early school years, where I would frequently become distressed when separated from my mother. One of my earliest memories of this was in kindergarten. My teacher, though well-intentioned and kind, struggled to console me as I cried incessantly. In an effort to ease my distress, she rearranged the seating position, pairing me with a different classmate in hopes of providing comfort. Despite her best efforts, my tears continued to flow. One particular instance that stands out was during a puzzle-building activity. Each of us was given a puzzle to complete - mine was an owl, and my classmate piece was a monkey. Unfortunately, I failed to finish the puzzle, but my classmate does. In response, I cried lot that time. This resulted for my teacher to stop the activity for me.

My early years at Elementary are marked by my reserved nature, as I watched my energetic classmates engage in various activities. I was with the most unruly section in our class, and being part of it meant coping with noise, distractions, and comparisons to Section A, whose students consistently demonstrated better behavior. Like any normal class, there were students who thought they were the boss, intimidating others and discouraging initiation. One particular incident still haunts me - witnessing my classmates' rowdy behavior, including bullying a classmate with a disability. As a child, this incident instilled fear and unease. Besides these challenging classmates, there were those skilled at copying answers from peers. I vividly remember being bullied for refusing to let classmates copy my assignments. Fortunately, a courageous classmate intervened, saving me from the ordeal. I consider them the hero of our class, bringing justice and protecting the bullied. As I progressed through grades with these classmates, things smoothed out until I reached Grade 3. There, I realized I was excelling on my own, earning the trust of most Section B classmates. Little did I know, this resolve would pave the way for a transformative journey in the years to come.

My transition to Grade 4 was met with an unexpected yet welcome turn of events. While settled in my classroom, the Grade 4 Section A adviser unexpectedly interrupted the lesson, announcing a student substitution. My name was called, and I was instructed to join Section A. Elated by this opportunity, I nonetheless felt a pang of sadness as I bid farewell to my classmates. Their gazes conveyed a mix of surprise and goodwill, making our parting bittersweet. Upon entering the Section A classroom, I was struck by the stark contrast in atmosphere. The quiet, focused environment was a departure from the lively dynamics of Section B. My teacher warmly welcomed me and introduced me to the class.Initially, I felt shy under the collective gaze of my new peers. However, I mustered my composure and confidently introduced myself. Thus began my journey as a Grade 4 Section A student.

Upon entering Grade 4, Section A, I dedicated my initial week to observing and adjusting to the environment. The distinction between this class and my previous one, Section B, was striking. The students in Section A demonstrated exceptional discipline and focus, creating a conducive learning environment. Notably, instances of disruption were rare, and discussions were engaging. However, I was humbled by the academic prowess of my new classmates, particularly the top performers. Their excellence across all subjects underscored my own areas for improvement. Despite initial intimidation, I formed strong bonds with two like-minded individuals who shared my reserved nature. As introverts, we found comfort in each other's company, often earning the affectionate nickname "the quiet trio" or "the mutes" of the class. More than that, I was also attached to the different students of our class and together we made unforgettable childhood. And eventhough, I didn't secure a spot on the honor list in Grades 4 and 5, my friendships and personal growth flourished. This period laid the foundation for my future academic endeavors.

As I reflect on my early years in Elementary, I vividly remember being the source of CD discs for our class entertainment. We often watch TV during our teacher's absense, since we are not allowed to go outside. Our classroom TV back then is equipped with a DVD player, allowing us to enjoy various anime series, courtesy of my family's extensive collection of CD's. Growing up in an anime-loving household, we accumulated a vast assortment of DVD discs, featuring popular titles such as Naruto, Flame of Recca, Ghost Fighter, and many more. However, one series stands out as a defining part of our childhood: Slam Dunk.