The reason why I joined The Escolarian is to rekindle the fire I had for writing in order to voice out the concerns and injustices in our community and country. It is both a passion and responsibility of mine to encourage awareness and accountability in the social issues that persist today.

It is the process of writing the articles itself that made the most lasting impact for me. Everytime I have to immerse or pick up my pen to brainstorm, to formulate my stance and arguments, and to write, it reminds me of the importance of the truth, of the essence in each story to unfold. 

Through The Escolarian, I have grown to realize that campus journalism goes beyond school competitions and participation in organizations. This journey has been an eye-opener on how crucial it is to take part on the duty of enlightening others towards what is true and just. Also, The E also taught me to be morally responsible, to be discerning, and to continue to learn and grow.

Cwen Shyrice P. Lopez (Feature Writer)

I have always had this will on me to voice out grounded, well-articulated expression. There are several factors that pushed me to join our beloved publication, but the urgency to advocate for the importance of voicing out registered to me the most. Sa panahon ngayong talamak ang fake news, AI deepfake, propaganda, etc., ang pakikibaka sa larangan ng pagsulat ang isa sa mga makabuluhang aksyon laban sa mga ito. I stayed in this publication not just because of my obligations and responsibilities, but also because of the people who pushed me to become the better person I am today. They are my foundation, and the publication served as my instrument.

The time when I often participate to leave late just to be with Sir Raymond and the editorial board members. Their stories, wits, and outlooks were memorable because even after the pressure imposed on us during whatever event happened before that time, we still wedge in a bit more time to find comfort and happiness with each other. I could not be more grateful for those memories. 

Undeniably, it was not linear. Nothing ever is. But it dawned on me the importance of consistency to passion and dedication, including how you balance your priorities between being an academic achiever and campus journalist. It shaped in a way that they grant me not just experience, but humility and gratitude. Ultimately shaping me to a person with a sense of purpose and stability. 

Nicole Andre T. Gabriel (Sports Writer)

I was inspired to join The Escolarian because I have a passion for writing and I wanted to improve that. I wanted to experience being part of a school publication, to cover and write about events. I also wanted to find and make friends with people who shared the same interests as me. Being part of The E was a very fun experience filled with many opportunities. I chose to continue until my senior year since I still want to cover events and I still want to write articles that informs the students. I also decided to stay so I can continue doing the thing I love together with the friends I made through this organization. 

I believe writing on the spot articles during big events like SportsFest and Maciprisa left a lasting impact on me. It was honestly very stressful, especially since the games were fast-paced and the deadlines are tight, but it is one of my experiences in this organization that made me stronger. I learned how to write under pressure, to think quickly, and to stay focused even though I am in a loud environment. I also learned how to be resilient and responsible as I had to follow a hectic schedule with minimal breaks. Despite the stress, the experiences and lessons I've gained have stayed with me up to this day.

I would say that I've grown a lot compared to when I first started in this organization. I've learned numerous things about writing that I wouldn't have known if I didn't join The E. Not only did I learn to improve my writing skills, but I also learned how to handle pressure and to work with others. I believe the organization shaped me to become a more responsible and confident person. I would also say that the publication also strengthened my passion in writing and overall in the field of journalism.

Marielle Cassandra S. Violago (Literary Writer)

I had a passion for writing ever since I was a kid, however I did not have any chance to execute my skill as my previous schools did not have any clubs or organizations. Therefore, when I transferred in CEIS and learned of The Escolarian, I got really interested in it. Furthermore, my friends encouraged me to join the organization which strengthened my resolve to join and stay in The Escolarian.

In my case, I think every interaction with my fellow orgmates and eery contribution that I did in the organization are all equally important to me. They all had a lasting impact on me as every moment in The Escolarian allowed me to grow not only as a writer, but also as a person.

It is one of the most treasured experience in my life as The Escolarian taught me many valuable things. It shaped me to become an individual who is aware in all aspects of life and an individual who has the courage to stand up for what is true and right.

Kate Margarette S. Cruz (Layout Artist)

What really inspired me to join The Escolarian is none other than our classroom president, her compliments really did work on me, I only started doing layouts that very year. See how a simple “ang ganda naman ng gawa mo” motivates a person and pushes someone to do very well. I chose to stay because I enjoy doing my work as well as the bond that was built in the organization, you will never feel tired because in every work we do, everyone encourages and compliments each other, it felt like home. 

Working with everyone during events such as sportsfest, maciprisa, dspc, and the likes. That is the time where you will never feel working alone, because everyone got each other’s back. For the layout team, whenever someone made a mistake, we often reach out with each other.

From full of doubts and uncertainties, I can finally say that I have found the passion that I was looking for; the passion to do whatever I like freely. With the friendship built inside the organization, I gain confidence to do what I like the most, and that is creating masterpieces, I know my works were never perfect but the compliments and the cheers from the team always made it feel like it was beyond perfect. Looking back, I never really bother to interact with most of the staffers as they seemed really intimidating, I never bother to do works as well because of insecurities, I always compare my works with the others. However, when someone really encourages you and push you out of your comfort zone that is when you know you can do it. The people that I surround shaped me into the person I am today, I am grateful for The Escolarian for igniting my passion on doing masterpieces.

Heiron Wynce B. Sanchez (Sports Writer and Copyreader)

The 'I'd' (I would)— the things I would have, like the ID laces and the title— is what truly inspired me to join the organization. But the 'I'd' (I had)— the things I have learned and experienced— is what really made me stay.

Every moment— from the interview, the smoke and ashes of the letters burning with knowledge that I inhaled while copyreading, to the action-reaction between me and the people inside the organization, the fruitful DSPC (both the training and the actual), the sports fest coverage, and many more.

From 4 to 2.

I joined The Escolarian as a four-sentence paragraph— one that overused em dashes and kept circling back to the same point. I left it as a two-sentence paragraph: short on words, but big on personality.

Hindi lang ako hinubog nito; bagkus, tinatakan at minulat ako ng The Escolarian na laging tumindig para sa malayang pamamahayag— lalo na sa mga kaganapang nangyayari sa kasalukuyan.