Wonder of calypso

  I am Cyrose Nathalyn Japsay, a name whispered into existence on September 10, 2008, within the walls of Norala District Hospital. Seventeen years young, I stand at the crossroads of dreams and realities, a melody still being composed. I am the fifth daughter of Emie and Nicanor Japsay, the youngest of our family, and perhaps, in some ways, the most determined to find my own rhythm.   My early childhood memories are painted with the vibrant colors of Lopez Jaena Elementary School. It was a world of scraped knees, laughter echoing across the playground, and the quiet satisfaction of mastering a new concept. Graduation felt like a triumphant march, a prelude to the next movement in my life's symphony.   Norala National High School became my stage, a place where I navigated the complexities of adolescence and began to shape my aspirations. The halls buzzed with energy, the classrooms filled with endless possibilities. I chose the HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) stran...

The air hung thick with anticipation as I boarded the bus on September 26th, a mix of nerves and excitement churning in my stomach. This youth encounter, a three-day journey into faith and self-discovery, felt like a leap into the unknown. Little did I know, it would become a pivotal moment, a turning point where "Simon," my flawed and insecure self, would begin to transform into "Peter," a vessel of strength and faith. The first day was a whirlwind of introductions, icebreakers, and heartfelt sharing. I remember the speaker's gentle eyes, radiating warmth and understanding. In a moment of vulnerability, I found myself pouring out my anxieties and struggles, the burdens I had carried for so long. To my surprise, I wasn't met with judgment, but with empathy and genuine concern. It was as if a weight lifted from my shoulders, the simple act of being heard a balm to my weary soul. The camp was nestled in a serene landscape, far from the distractions of everyday...

My week was an absolute wreck—a relentless storm of work and exhaustion that felt like an unending cycle of despair. Each day bled into the next, a blur of endless tasks and towering stacks of assignments that seemed to multiply in the shadows of the night. I felt utterly submerged, drowning in a sea of papers and responsibilities, gasping for a single, fleeting moment of peace that remained forever out of reach. This month has been so draining; at times, the urge to simply surrender, to vanish in a blaze of frustration, felt overwhelming. Yet, reality, with its unyielding grip, kept pulling me back, refusing to release me from its heavy hold.   The weekend brought no solace. Instead, I found myself consumed by the daunting task of creating a Christmas star—the irony wasn't lost on me. Having never made one before, never truly embraced the traditional Christmas spirit, I felt like an outsider grappling with a foreign concept. In the past, I'd always managed to avoid such projec...

This week… where do I even begin? It was one of those weeks that felt like a never-ending uphill climb. Projects, papers, quizzes, and rehearsals for our hip-hop performance – it was a relentless barrage. I was constantly battling deadlines, sleep-deprived, and fueled by an unhealthy amount of caffeine. Honestly, I felt like I was running on fumes most of the time.   There were moments when I questioned my sanity, wondering if I could actually make it through. But then, I'd catch myself and remember why I'm doing this. That little spark of determination kept me going. And you know what? That feeling of accomplishment after submitting a project or acing a quiz was incredibly satisfying. It made the struggle feel… almost worth it.   The weekend was supposed to be my sanctuary, but of course, life had other plans. Instead of collapsing into a blissful Netflix coma, we piled into a tricycle – six of us! – and made our way to Banga. Our friends were playing in the football champion...

The week descended like a storm cloud, two quizzes crammed into a single day, each question a thunderclap in my mind. Overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe it. My thoughts were a tangled mess of lessons, looming deadlines, and a stress that felt like a physical weight. Days blurred together, each one stretching endlessly yet somehow vanishing in a blink. It was one of those times where every moment felt like an uphill battle, and all I yearned for was the sweet release of its end.   As the days crawled by, a sense of unease settled over me. School became a relentless grind, and exhaustion was my constant companion. The pressure of maintaining good grades weighed heavily, and every task felt like an insurmountable obstacle. I often found myself just trying to survive each day, pushing through the mental fog that seemed to cling to me.   I am far from perfect, but I hold true to my values. I may have my moments of defensiveness, but I strive to be mindful of my actions and words...

Last week was a real challenge with all the schoolwork and performance tasks piling up. Time management became a huge struggle, and I had to sacrifice my weekends, missing out on the relaxing activities I usually enjoy.   While I know heavy workloads are somewhat normal for students, experiencing this intensity in grade 12 has been overwhelming. My body and mind felt like a plant unable to absorb water, leaving me utterly exhausted. The things I love to do were put on hold as I constantly ran out of time. Juggling numerous assignments from different subjects was incredibly difficult, and the headaches I experienced made it even harder to focus and perform my best. However, I turned to prayer, asking God for strength and guidance, which ultimately helped me push through and complete everything.   The biggest lessons I learned that week were to never give up, to always trust in God, and to keep pushing forward even when exhausted. Finishing all the tasks brought a sense of freed...