Richard's Standard

Chapter 4 - Meeting Mom's Other Business

It's Monday today so it's basically my first day as a student at the University of Surigao.

It's been two days since I last saw Dona because I'm still not feeling okay about the word she taught me last time.

I headed straight to school, worried I might be late for class. I was a little excited to experience a different school, new classmates, and a new horizon.

As usual, their eyes were immediately glued to me as I parked my motorcycle. I don't have my uniform yet but I'm sure the guards will let me in because I'm the President's son.

I looked like an actor in my plain black tee, leather jacket, and airflex stacked skinny jeans paired with speed knitted sneakers. I was really cool. It's hard for them to take their eyes off me.

I headed to room 306 because my first subject was Major 13 - Cell Biology. Alam ko na ang daan dahil tinuruan na ako ni Mom sa direksyon kahapon noong binisita ko siya.

When I entered the room, everyone was startled and amazed. Some girls seemed to be expecting me, while those boys at the back were just smirking. I decided to sit in an available chair at the front, which seemed to be reserved for me.

I could hear them murmuring, giggling, and laughing but I didn't mind them until the teacher arrived.

They stood up so I did too, and we greeted the teacher.

"Good day, Mrs. Coengco."

Alright, she's Mrs. Coengco and I'm going to remember her name so I won't get confused. She was shocked when she saw me.

"Ow, we have a new family member. By the way, class, he's our President's son."

"Lage ma'am, ayahay kaayo. Pwede ra mag gara-gara," said the guy in the front row, and they all started laughing. Well, I may not understand him now, but next time, I will.

"Silence. Let's proceed to our discussion. But before we dive into cell communication, let's first discuss Genomics. Who can give an idea about it?"

Wasting no time, I stood up and answered. "Genomics is the study of genomes which involves the sequencing and analysis of genomes. It is also concerned with the structure, function, comparison, and evolution of genomes."

They were amazed as they remained silent but the teacher broke the silence. "Okay, that's correct. So, you mentioned sequencing. What is DNA sequencing?"

"DNA sequencing is a process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within the DNA molecules. And if you ask me about the four types of bases found in DNA molecules, these are Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and Thymine. Adenine and Guanine are purines while Cytosine and Thymine are pyrimidines."

Still, they were all silent and Mrs. Coengco instructed me to sit down.

"Thank you for answering, Mr. Ventura," our instructor said.

The teacher continued the discussion and I was just listening. She also explained the importance of genomics in helping researchers and scientists find better ways to improve health and prevent diseases, including strategies to lower the onset of many conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.

I actually enjoy Science but today, I felt a bit sleepy. That's why I didn't grasp the entire topic. No worries, I'll just research and study it again later.

The class finally ended, so I packed my things and decided to had to Mom's office for a break.

Some of my classmates talked to me and I responded with just a smile. They were nice to me, probably because I'm attractive and they liked me a lot.