A Trip Down Memory Lane

Chapter Two: New Environment

After thirty minutes of a bus ride, we finally arrived at the bus stop near the school. Before we enter the campus, I saw the big arch in the main gate that says the name of the school: Crimson Central School.

As far as I know, this school offers elementary, junior and senior high school. Therefore, I'm not gonna be surprised if there are a "massive" number of students coming in the school's entrance.

We came in early so we decided to sit on a bench in what they called "Freedom Plaza". Suzy and Luo were telling me stories of what they think their memorable moments so far in the school. Thanks to them I have now some ideas on what to expect from this school.

I still can't believe this. I only heard this school to my family, but I am now an official student. Well, actually not yet. I still have a final interview later before class, but I think I'll be fine.

"Luanne!", a girl suddenly called far away from us, waving her hands towards our direction.

Luo waved back and said to us, "I'll be going. See you later."

"Okay, let's do our best for today!" I said.

"Yosh. Let's get going too." Suzy said to me.

"Yeah, who's that girl?" I asked pertaining to the girl earlier.

"Ah. She's Zoella. Luanne's classmate and best friend for a long time."

"Wow. Amazing."

We were on our way to the Admission Office for my final interview. Along the way, there are more and more students that recognized me. Most of them greeted me and I immediately greeted back at them. Not as a celebrity but as a transfer student.

Suzy suddenly stopped walking, "Oh. Here we are."

"Ah... Yeah."

"So... I gotta go. Good luck." She then smiled at me and went to her room.

I knocked on the door and a lady, maybe the secretary, opened the door and offered me a seat.

"Hi, Miss Madrigal. Mrs. Velasco is not yet around. Please wait for a moment. Thank you."

"Ah okay. Thank you very much."

I read some school's publications while waiting to Mrs. Velasco, the Registrar. It's really amazing to read these because it was made by the students themselves. Whenever I see pictures of students doing different school activities, my excitement is so over the top. My moment was interrupted when Mrs. Velasco came in.

Basically, she oriented me about the school: its mission and vision, brief history, different places in the campus and notable school staff and faculty. She also evaluated my grades and performance in my home-school program and the score of my entrance exam here. THANKFULLY, I managed to pass them all.

For the last question, what "educational track" should I enter? The Crimson Central School offers three "tracks" that depends on the choice of a student when they reached Grade 10. Since I am an incoming Grade 12 student, I am obliged to do so. She said that once I enter to a "track", there is no turning back. Should I go to the "Advance Academics"? to the "Music and Arts"? or to the "Sports"?

Actually, I am aware of this education track thingy. Suzy chose the "Music and Arts" and Luo is likely too when she reached Grade 10. I really like the concept of that because the students have options to pursue to where they're really good at.

"Basically Ms. Madrigal, AA is focusing on gaining advance knowledge especially in Mathematics, Science, Business Management and Computer Studies. Thanks to these, I can assure you that you can be fully equipped when you decided to continue for a college degree."

"Ah yes," I said assuring that I am listening interestingly.

Mrs. Velasco continued, "If you are more sports-minded, Sports Track is the best choice. Students here mold and enhance their physical condition and skills in sports where they are good at. Academics are still a priority but compare to other tracks, they have more time in doing physical activities."

"Lastly the Music and Arts, pretty self-explanatory right? This track aims the students to master their skills either in Arts, in Music or both. But of course, there are still academic subjects, like the Sports Track, students have more time in crafting their talents in Arts or Music. So what do you think?"

"Eh? Hmmm."

I'll give you more time to decide. Here is a handout about these Educational Tracks". I hope it will help you to decide. I'll see you on the Counseling Room later. Okay?"

"Yes Ma'am"

And so I went to the Counseling Room. After reading the handout, I gathered and weighed all my thoughts.

What's the best for me? Tch. It's kinda hard!

After a half hour, Mrs. Velasco came into the room carrying important documents.

"So Mrs. Madrigal, how's it going?"

"It's hard Madam but.... I think I know now."

"What is it then?"

"Advance Academics Madam."

"Is that so? Are you sure?"

"I want to learn new things Madam and I think "AA" is the best track for that. I know that I still have sufficient knowledge, but I am up to the challenge."

"Wow. I am impressed! You have a heart just like the moniker of our school: the LION! What a bravery and determination."

"Thank you, Madam."

"It's decided then. Honestly, I thought you will take "MA" because of your background in show business. But I deeply respect your decision."

I nodded and smiled at her.

She picked an index card from her files and gave it to me. "Here's your permanent class schedule. Grade 12-2AA is your permanent class from now on. Their room is located in the sixth floor. But first find Mr. Neo, your class adviser to orient and introduce you to your classmates. He's in the Grade 12 Faculty room."

I took the card and greeted goodbye to her. "Goodbye, and thank you, Madam."

"Okay dear. May you have fun studying here. Good luck."