In Between Calms and Storms

Chapter 04

Forced

It wasn't easy going to a new school, a new environment, a new chapter in your life on your own.

If you think you've figured out your whole life in Senior High School, you might be wrong. Kasi sa college, lalo na't lumayo ka, you'll go back to zero.

And in my opinion, there's both freedom and uncertainty with that. Freedom kasi pwede mo pang baguhin kung sino ka noon, at uncertainty dahil at some point, mahirap hanapin ulit kung saan ka nababagay.

It's also about finally figuring yourself out and relearning who you are. In a way, it feels like the final draft of who you'll become, the version of you that you'll carry even after college, into the real world.

"Psst! Xiel, dito!"

It's been two weeks since the first day of classes. Mukhang mabait naman si Lord at binigyan niya ako ng mga kaibigan.

I walked towards the only person who stood out among the crowd of people because of his ash-gray colored hair.

"Hi, Kio." I greeted him as soon as I reached him.

"Good morning! Sa eighth floor ang room natin, 'di ba?"

I nodded.

Malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga dahilan para matawa ako. Sino ba namang hindi kung ang first class mo ay 7AM, tapos sa eighth floor pa? Let's not talk about the elevator na sobrang daming nakaabang.

"Mauuna pa tayong umabot kapag nag-stairs tayo kaysa maghintay d'yan, e." Reklamo ni Kio.

Mahina akong natawa. When we reached the classroom, our classmates greeted us immediately.

Katulad ng mga nakaraang araw, nagkwentuhan ang lahat ng kung ano-ano. To introduce themselves, meet others, and even find people who share the same hobbies as them.

Our minor class lasts three straight hours, matapos ay vacant naman kami ng ilang oras bago kami pumasok sa isang minor na naman.

Mabuti nga at may naalala pa ako sa mga napag-aralan noong Senior High School dahil mostly sa mga lessons, kinakailangan talaga ng basic knowledge.

"Yes, Miss. I do agree that schools should continue to implement Republic Act 1425 or Rizal Law, as it provides students with valuable insights regarding patriotism and nationalism. In this subject, we do not just study what the life and works of Rizal were—but also how Rizal's ideas and morals should remain as an inspiration, especially when it comes to the political and economic development of our country."

"What are the current situations that are happening today that could be a great example, Mr. Figueroa?"

"One current situation that serves as a great example is corruption in the government, particularly involving flood control projects. Instead of properly allocating funds to help solve the unending problem of flooding, some officials misuse the budget for their personal gain. Situations like this should make people more aware and open their eyes and ears to the reality around them."

"That's a good point, Mr. Figueroa. Thank you for sharing your opinion, you can sit down."

Ngisi ni Kio ang bumungad sa 'kin na siyang katabi ko nang umupo ako. I looked at him questioningly.

"Damn, I love politically aware people," he whispered and brushed his hair backwards.

Napangiti nalang ako at nakinig.

It didn't take long for our class to end since Miss gave us an activity and an early dismissal. Plano ko ring pumunta sa office ng organization na sinalihan ko dahil nakatanggap ako ng email.