WITH the start of a new decade, Makati Hope Christian School, founded in 1985, is celebrating its 36th founding anniversary. Although young, it has nurtured many outstanding young students who continuously contribute to our ever-growing and ever-developing country with the core values of harmony, excellence, integrity, resilience, and stewardship.
With loving and hardworking teachers and staff, as well as conducive learning environments, the school is considered a second home to many of its students who forge beautiful friendships and heartwarming memories within its walls. In celebration of the school’s
upcoming foundation day, we have interviewed select alumni and seniors from the graduating class, who have been with the school ever since nursery, to share their fondest memories with classmates, teachers, or events.
“My fondest memories were hanging out with my friends and teachers and being able to spend time with them as my second family” Karylle Ang, a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics senior of grade 12 Hebrews, reminisced. This same sentiment is shared by one of our alumnus who was part of the Blazers batch and highlighted the Nickelodeon, Family Fun Run, Intramurals, and Back to School Party events as the most memorable moments of their time here in the school.
Of course, who could forget the excitement of the various activities and games to play on these days, the adrenalin rush of wanting to bring home a win for the batch, and the sheer happiness and celebrations with friends and teachers on days where we are free from academics and free to be ourselves, away from the image of just a student.
Truly an experience that only happens once in a lifetime, we must enjoy our time spent in school. Like our alumnus who is currently studying at De La Salle University has said, “enjoy every moment of your high school life while it lasts.” Once you leave school, enter into universities, and finally into the workforce, you will truly miss the freedom, support, and care you have received during your time in school.
After all, school is like a training ground covered in sand so that when you fall you are not met with cold, hard concrete but with soft sand and helping hands to help you stand back up. Like a grace period that helps us transition into adulthood as Karylle has stated, “my journey in MHCS is like a ferris wheel. There are ups and downs but the best view comes after the hardest climb.”
Our time spent in MHCS will be something we will always cherish as we take on higher heights, climbing farther than before, and seeing more of what our stunning planet has to offer.
Do you remember the school before the elevator era? Before the 6th-floor gymnasium was built? When our bags were slid down from the second floor to the first floor with what we like to call the “bag slide”? When there was still a playground at the right side of the school and a beautiful library on the second floor? Both Karylle and Sophia — one of the authors of this article — surely remembers those days.
“Yes, I remember back then when there was no elevator, it was inconvenient for the staff or school personnel, ” recalled Karylle. “However, I miss how the upper or higher students also help carry the bags of the younger students. I find it very thoughtful and caring.”
Similarly, Sophia, also a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics senior of Grade 12 Hebrews recounted, “As a student who has been here since nursery myself, there are many memories I have created within the school both in the past and the present. Specifically, I missed the thrill of seeing student’s bags zip from the second floor to the first using a makeshift slide and I especially miss the old library that was like a safe haven to me. I always felt cozy there.”
What do you think makes this school stand out from other local schools? The number of
floors? The playground in the waiting area? Or maybe the fact that our school gymnasium is on the highest floor of the building? Surprisingly, none of the above!
During the interview, all of the participants had responded that the school’s communities and spirit, comparable to that of a close-knit family, are why Makati Hope takes a special place in their hearts. The teachers and administrators, who will do their best to tap into every student’s potential, act like our second parents, a rare trait in larger private schools.
As seniors graduating this year (or at least, we think we’re graduating?) and leaving the nest to explore the world of adults, here are a few words from your achis and kuyas on the upper floors to remember when you feel like the workload is suffocating.
“What builds up a school’s long-lasting foundation inside a person are not the facilities
or lectures that the school has, but the people and activities that you experience and learn from.” It’s important to remember that: a number on a piece of paper does not define your identity and self-worth! Honestly, if you ask any of our teachers, they will tell you the same thing; that learning from our mistakes and prioritizing our health are much more important than scoring high on a summative.
“As a student, I am very grateful towards the school as we grow up in a safe learning environment. Not to mention, students have interaction with teachers in which we can have a deep and heartened conversation regarding our personal problems.” We graduating students have had years upon years of experience with the teachers of Makati Hope, new and old. If there was one thing that we would remember about them, it would be the love and support they show both inside and outside the classroom.
Story by Sophia Chua and Carl Yap
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