THE FRESHMAN YEARS

By: Francis Lee Matthew Tan

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

High school is a very different experience with grade school. People say that it is unique that it will be the most memorable and fun 4 years of your life. The first time I walked through the doors of the high school building, I was filled with excitement. Excitement for the experiences that I will have in the new world. I knew that there would stricter teachers, new uniforms, new food, but that the experience would be one of a kind. That high school would be the best time of my life.

I was not wrong, there were more activities in my freshman year than there was in grade school. Each period now was 1 hour instead of 40 minutes, we had to wear black pants instead of the khakis. It was new, but it was fun. I now felt the thrill of accomplishment which one feels after finishing a project. I felt the joy in success. I felt the sadness in failure multiple times. Yet each failure taught me. Overall high school was a new learning experience. It was not kind like grade school only scolding at most. Here it would be ruthless in giving D and F marks , but each of them made me who I am.

It was not hard adjusting from the comfort zone in grade school to high school. Although I now had less time playing games on the computer as much of it was now devoted to studying, research and projects. Although we no longer had quizzes and each assessment meant at least 10% of my grade. Although the rules were stricter and the stakes higher, I did not have a hard time adjusting, for I had a great teachers, supportive classmates, friends and family. What more could I ask for.

By Francis Lee

Medieval In Modern

Excalibur, a sword wielded by King Arthur and is believed to have mystical powers. This sword once existed in the olden times in Britain. But this year it was once again made in Xavier School.

This years fair entitled Xcalibur is unlike any other. Xavier School is transformed into the medieval age. Students then prepare booths each year level having their own theme. As a freshman our batch’s theme was wizards, witches and anything related. This in mind our class came up with a great design and idea for our booth. We decided that it would be like a roulette, wherein the player would roll a marble down a pipe which ultimately leads to the roulette.

Next came collecting of prizes and cash to buy prizes. Our class generously donated and we were able to raise a sum which we then used to buy the necessary prizes which were not raised. Finally on the day itself, I was surprised at the great design of the fair, its artistry and everything seemed to be in place. It was as if we were really in medieval times. The fair was a success especially for our class who managed to although not earn the highest amount had the most fun.

By Matthew Tan

INTERVIEW WITH A STUDENT

Freshman years gives you a rare opportunity to see what it is like to be a Freshman in Xavier. Here we have interviewed Francis Lee, a high one freshman who has underwent numerous changes ever since he entered high school.

INTERVIEW WITH A STUDENT

Q: So please introduce yourself.A: My name is Francis Lee and I am currently a student in High 1-C

Q: So you are a freshman, Am I correct?A: Of course, and I am proud to be one.

Q: Tell me what is the biggest difference of grade school and high school?A: Well grade school and high school are 2 different experiences and they have numerous differences. Among these are stricter teachers, the new grading system, more batch competitions, interactions, soirees, new experiences basically.

Q: What has been the most memorable experience in High School?A: Well that is difficult to answer as high school has given me so many memorable experiences so far, but I think that the most memorable one would be the School fair and the Interaction. The school fair because it was different and much more fun this year and the Interaction because it was a new experience which was fun,

Q: Did you have difficulty adjusting to High School?A: Not exactly as I had supportive family, friends and teachers who were always ready to lend a helping hand.

Q: What has been the biggest change so far since you entered high school?A: Well when I was in grade school, I would have a lot of time to watch movies, play games after school but now everything became more serious, so my “free time” has lessened. It is now used for studying

Q: What was the most difficult challenge you experienced?A: That would be what people call “Hell week” in which we are flooded by assessments and projects that we can't seem to finish it.

Q: How did you survive hell week?A: Well as I said earlier, it was through longer studying hours, the support of all my friends, family and teachers.

Q: If you were to choose, Grade school of High school, which do you think is better?A: Definitely high school .

Q: What advice can you give to future freshmen?A: Just be yourself and try hard, although high school may be different from grade school, it is still in a way the same.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAR

When we think of prisoners, the first thing that comes to our mind are horrible, disgusting, evil and all the bad words one can use to describe someone. It was a different experience when we first received news that we were headed for a prison for our yearly Service Interaction. Instead of feeling sad though I felt excited, partly because I wanted to see why they were in jail and how it is there.

Finally the day came and we were on our way. After an hour or so ride, we arrived, The scenery is just like visiting a province, less tall buildings, more green, and looks more natural.

I was not exactly expecting much from my partner but instead of me talking about my life, it was him teaching me on what to do in life. He explained his unfortunate life, that due to poverty he was forced to traffic women, caught, and arrested, He told me that it is very difficult in prison and that it is there where he learned to be humble, closer to God.

My eyes were opened to the reality of prison that it is a very saddening experience. I felt pity for him as just like most others, he was forced out of poverty, It led me to wonder, What is the Government doing?

TIme passed and he shared stories, I shared stories, we shared food and all. Before I knew it, it was time to go. We were given a short while to buy a souvenir and I did buy a shirt. With it written the 2 lessons I learned. First Stop discriminating prisoners. Second “He who never makes a mistake never made a discovery.”

It was a befitting end to my service interaction and it will truly be an unforgettable experience which has shaped my idea on prisoners.