High School Fears
and Cheers

Interviews by Niña Alipio, Dianne Alonsagay, Jeiflyn Dizon, Adrian Dy, Antoinette Jadaone, Yoradyl Leobrera, Xiomara Quiñones and Louella Yu

IT'S graduation time again and some kids are moving on to that strange, scary and wonderful stage called "high school life." JI snoops asked around about the things that spook or excite kids about high school.

"I fear the long tests, and algebra, but I'm excited about my first dance."--Nicole Morales, 12, St. Benedict College

"I am afraid of the new subjects, like algebra, because, I heard that they are more difficult than what we have in grade school. I'm also afraid of meeting 'terror teachers.' But I am excited about wearing a new uniform in high school. At last, I can wear the necktie, instead of the ribbon. I have worn it all my grade school life."--Katherine Antonio, 12, St. Bridget School

"I feel happy because I will skip Grade 7 and I will go to another school."--Reinzi Bautista, 11, Miriam Grade School

"I feel sad because I would leave my little 'sisters' behind in grade school but I also feel excited because there will be more gimiks."--Aurielle Magkasi, 13, Miriam Grade School

"High school? It kind of gives me goosebumps. I think it is because I fear loads of schoolwork, assignments and tons of projects I may not be able to handle. At the same time, I am also excited about the interactions with other high schools that we were not able to have in grade school. Still, it makes me think twice whether I would be happy, fearful, or excited about high school."--Barbara Escueta, 12, School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City

"I will be moving on and it's one step closer to a life without school."--Julian Owyong, 13, Xavier School

"It may sound shallow, but I'm afraid of getting lost in the new (high school) building. I'm excited about having the batch spirit that every year level has, especially during the glamorous high school intramurals. Unlike in grade school where we compete as a class in the cheering competitions and in sports, in high school, we will compete as a batch--as the freshmen."--Maileen Palaroan, 13, St. Paul College, Pasig

"I am very, very excited about having new clubs only offered in high school, and not in grade school, like swimming club, debate club and others. I am just fearful because I might not be classmates with my former classmates anymore and that in high school, I think I should be more responsible and disciplined."--Kathleen Magadia, 12, School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City

"Well, for me high school, as described by my sisters, is very hard, yet the happiest part of school life. I fear strict teachers, who care a lot about discipline and conduct in high school but I am looking forward to a whole set of new things for me next school year. In grade school, we used to have these uniform notebooks but in high school, I heard that you are the one who will choose your things and everything."--Charlene Mac Lagasca, 12, School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City

"I don't like bullies and I look forward to graduation."--Jeremiah Sarmiento, Immaculate Conception Academy

"I'm afraid to enter high school department because second year, third year and fourth year might criticize us."--Karen Manuel, Nazareth School

"Natatakot ako kasi feeling ko tumatanda na ako, wala nang laru-laro. Dapat nang mag-concentrate (I'm afraid because I feel like I'm getting older. I must concentrate on my studies now."--Michael Cruz, Nazareth School

"I feel nervous about graduation but I do look forward to high school because I will be more mature and able to handle more responsibilities. However, I also feel a little scared because I might not be able to handle it all."--Chris Ng, 14, Xavier School

"I feel very happy about graduation; it will be an end and a beginning. I feel that it is going to be a point of transition where I finally get to appreciate all the little things that I couldn't appreciate during my years in grade school. High school makes me feel excited because I finally made it and I feel proud that I did even if it's hard."--Luis Lorenzo, 13, Xavier School

"High school will be harder but I look forward to learning new things."--Gavin Sison, 14, Xavier School

"I fear the integration in our school but I'm also excited cause now I'm going to be a high school student."--Charisse Mojica, 12, St. Benedict College

OOPSY! WE MISSED A SNOOPER . . .