Throughout the years that I have been part of our school's track and field varsity team, I have developed into an independent person. I found a better version of myself. In the journey that I took in my high school year the team has been a great part of it, especially my teammates and my coaches. In the midst of giving up I always try to remember all the fun memories and lessons that they have given to me, and everytime that I want to quit I remember the sayings of our coaches telling us that being a student-athlete isn't really easy and having a feeling of quitting is normal but you have to deal with it because you already started your journey in being a student-athlete. 

     Last March 23 and 24 was one of the most memorable days for me, I felt mixed emotions because it was my most awaited competition. I was getting ready for a comeback, I was excited because I trained very hard for 1 year and I am waiting for my opponent from ICA. She is younger than me but she always win before me. My coach told me that her feet are quick but my lungs are stronger. On the first day of the competition march 23, my events are 3000m and 1500m I was shocked and happy when I didn't saw the girl from ICA but at the same time, I was very nervous because there are new athletes that I haven't seen before. The first event that I ran was 3000m, I was not that nervous when the gun fired because my mindset is “Just run, do your best and beat your previous record.” While I'm running I can hear my coach shouting at me that I'm doing well but I can do more. I was motivated by him and also my teammates who are shouting:”Nasa likod mo na!” In the last 100 m, I exerted all my strength and ran very hard. Thankfully I won 2nd place. Even though I didn't win first place, I can feel that my coaches are proud of me. The next day, I ran 800m but I didn't win a medal. After the two day competition, it was the time of announcing the overall champion and the runner ups for a male a male b, male c, female, female b and female c. The male b of PCC  didn't defend the next title which is 6-peat. We were all sad because our team holds the 6 peat but in the end we accepted it and cried almost the whole night. 

       Today as I look back, I am so happy that I experienced this kind of feeling, it made me strong and mature. I am so grateful that my coaches and teammates supported me when I am having a hard time managing my time. But at this point in my life wherein I am going to graduate and will be signing off as a captain and a student-athlete I am a bit disappointed at myself because looking back I realized that I haven't tried my very best. I am also so grateful that I felt a different kind of family, and I am very sure that this experience will forever be my strength.

-aRice