My journey of finding The Escolarian actually goes back to my JHS years when I was in 10th grade. It was my first year as a student journalist in my old school and also my first time competing on DSPC. ‘Dun ko unang naka-encounter ang mga Escolarians na nagcocompete din. Na-observe ko kung gaano sila kagaling in the field of journalism dahil isa-isa silang tinawag sa stage and hailed as one of the winners on many categories including the one where I was in. 

When I was about to choose my school for SHS, isa talaga sa mga bagay na kinoconsider ko is yung student publication because I fell deeply in love with campus journalism and I wanted to continue pursuing it in the next school that I will be attending. That’s why napili ko ang CEIS dahil bukod sa fact that marami talaga from my past school yung pinili ang CEIS, I also know that I can join The Escolarian and continue my newly found passion.

Luckily, I was not disappointed. When I became friends with E, I really learned so much sa pagiging campus journalist. Kaya naman I have stayed with The Escolarian not only sa first year ko in this institution but for my whole stay dahil I discovered so much, hindi lamang bilang isang mamamahayag kundi pati na rin bilang isang tao.

Sobrang mahiyain talaga ko when I first joined The Escolarian. I didn’t know anyone from my department and the only people na nakakausap ko were my classmates, Marion and Kirsten. But even though hindi ako gaanong ka-talkative, I made sure that I still do all my works and tried to contribute as much as possible. Then, one of the biggest plot twist of my life happened. I was so shocked nung nalaman ko that I will become the new editor-in-chief of the publication. I have no experience sa pagiging leader and I don’t know where to start.

Buti nalang, I have the dear members of The Editorial team who helped me lead the publication. I’m very glad na hindi ko na-feel that I am alone all through my journey as the EIC dahil nandiyan sila palagi. I learned so many things from each and one of them and I applied those lessons sa pagiging leader ko. And as I compare my first and last day, I can see how much I have grown and improved.

Isa sa biggest challenge talaga sa pagiging isang EIC ng publication is yung pagsasabay ng pagiging leader sa mga colleagues mo while also doing your part as a campus journalist yourself. Sometimes it’s really hard to balance both dahil part of the job description yung pag-guide sa mga members ng publication and catering their needs while also worrying about my own work and overthinking if it’s good enough, dagdag pa dito yung school works that I also think about from time to time. 

But I have learned that life can be truly heavy if I will always try to carry it all at once, that’s why isa sa mga naging approach ko is knowing my priorities and knowing what problems should be addressed first. Hindi mo dapat pagsabay-sabayin lahat ng ginagawa mo because it will just result to burnout. You just have to accept that some things need to wait and it just means that you care about yourself and the quality of your work.

As the head of the publication, I always giving feedback sa mga works na ginagawa ng fellow members ko. Sometimes, I feel guilty when I send back their works for major revisions because I know that they worked hard for the piece they did. But alam ko din na mas gaganda pa yung mga gawa nila if I give them the feedback and from my experience, I have seen the improvement of so many staffers kaya thankful din ako to all of them because nakita ko na committed sila sa publication and they really strive for journalistic excellence. 

Also a huge shoutout to my new feature section heads, Liana and Lorelae. I have seen how much they have improved sa pagsulat ng articles from the feedbacks they have received and I can say that the feature section will be in great hands with them!!

I used to be the kind of person who always stay within my circle. I don’t like stepping out of my comfort zone because I’m scared of failing and being judged by others. But this position has taught me na okay lang magkamali, and oftentimes magkakamali ka talaga. Noong una, I overthink kapag may mga nagagawa akong mistakes, it really goes up my head and there’s even a time na nilagnat na ako due to the stress that comes with my job haha.

But I have realized that it’s okay to make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from it and make sure that you will be taking notes of the lessons that you have learned. You don’t need to stress about some things that you did in the past and the important thing is to focus on the present and move forward. Try to chill when there’s a problem at hand because you will find clarity when you are relaxed. 

At the end of the day, you are still a student, and students learn. So do not be afraid to have a learning moment once in a while.

Gio Nethaniel G. Dela Cruz (Associate Editor and Science & Technology Editor)

When I was in elementary and junior high school, I was a member of my old school publication. With the same intent and passion for writing, I applied for The Escolarian in grade 11. I initially chose literary writer because I love writing simple poems and stories. Then, my commitment to the publication became more than just writing. It became into joining press conferences, covering school events, and leading the publication as its Associate Editor. What made me stay after all this time is a passion for information and the truth. In our digital society, media has become an easy commodity but truth became a rare one. We have been given the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of press. Yet, many use these freedoms for the wrong reasons. To combat this, one must take up the mantle, carry the torch, and be the beacon of truth in a media now largely governed with trends and misinformation. This is what ultimately led to my commitment to not just The Escolarian but to journalistic excellence.

If I were to narrate my journey in the organization, it was a ride of spontaneous stops. I applied for literary writer but became a science and technology writer because there was a need for it, and a feature writer in the press conference. I was not just a writer but I became a businessman at that during Sportsfest, convincing students to buy our products in unique ways. I also covered the academic events such as MACIPRISA where I lost the previous day but went on the grind even though they did not publish my photos. Afterwards, I was hoping to become the Editor-in-Chief but was redirected to being Associate Editor and it was worth it. I made many new friends, overcame many challenges, led the publication in coverages, try new experiences, and even found love. My journey here was not a straight path, but a trail with different stops along the way.

From the narration of my journey in The E, the challenge that defined me was MACIPRISA 2024. I lost the previous day but still focused on my responsibility on covering the cultural events. This became my work ethic, despite whatever may happen, keep moving forward with a strong sense of responsibility and a smile on your face. I went to different rooms, waiting for winners from representatives from our school, but to no avail. I manage to capture one winner but my photos were not published. This inspired my leadership ethic of not leaving anyone behind. With these two ethics, it guided my role as Associate Editor of the publication. When I spearheaded the academic and cultural events for the recent MACIPRISA, I learned from my setbacks and made a successful coverage.

As the Science and Technology Editor, my section, just me, my junior, and my colleague the literary editor, on publishing articles that will pique the interest and curiosity of others. I took on the role as the editor because of my unquenchable thirst of knowledge. I want to educate readers about how our world and the universe works in mysterious ways, and the innovations and discoveries we humans make. I want the readers to experience the same sensation of learning something new and search for that flavor. But, of course, science is built on facts. We just not share knowledge, but share factual knowledge as it is important in our world today to share not just information, but the truth. That is how I run my section, to create a curious audience for credible knowledge in a world of trends and entertainment.

The Escolarian changed my perspective on student journalism, leadership, and myself. From my old publication just competing on competitions, being a campus journalist was a massive leap forward. Within the publication, I gained new skills, colleagues, and experiences which help rewrote my definition of journalism. Throughout it, however, I faced challenges, made mistakes, and discovered weaknesses in me that taught me a well-good lesson every time. In terms of leadership, I understood how leadership is not just founded on one person alone, but a team effort. It takes communication, coordination, and cooperation with your fellow editors to ensure that the ship is smoothly sailing. Lastly, I learned that journalism is not just a writing competition in my old publication, it was a passion. A passion for truth; a passion for journalistic excellence; a passion to contribute and to inform our society. I am truly grateful for my two years in my publication for not just my perspective changed, but myself as a whole.

Aliyah Albert A. Motas (Operations Manager and Broadcaster)

What drew me to The Escolarian was my passion for storytelling and creativity. I stayed because the organization became a place where I felt valued, challenged, and inspired to grow both as a student and a leader. It’s the burning passion I will forever have in being a student journalist that keeps on pulling me back on what I am made to be. 

I started as an active photojournalist who loved capturing meaningful moments. Later on, I handled EscoShort videography and editing, as well as the official TikTok content of The Escolarian, which helped me grow creatively and professionally. Now, as the Operations Manager, I continue to learn how to lead, organize, and support the team behind the scenes.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing multiple responsibilities and handling pressure during busy events and deadlines while working with different kinds of people. These experiences taught me discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and how to communicate effectively, which shaped the way I lead and work today.

As the Operations Manager, I managed the organization’s finances, helped organize events, and handled many of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that kept our activities running smoothly. Through this role, I learned the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and good leadership in supporting the entire organization.

The Escolarian became a big part of my growth as a student and as a person. From being someone who simply captured moments through photography, I slowly learned how to lead, communicate, and work with different people behind the scenes. It taught me to step out of my comfort zone, trust my abilities, and understand that even the smallest efforts can contribute to something meaningful for the organization and the students we serve.

Leianne Gabrielle P. Dela Cruz (Chief News Editor and Opinions Editor)

In junior high school, I was never a part of any organization. So, when I transferred to a new school for senior high school, I was looking for something to do, not just to make my senior high school experience monotonous. Journalism has always been a part of me, so when the recruitment season for organizations started, I submitted my application. 

For me, being friends with E means being committed. There will be times when coverage runs from morning until night, and once the event is over, you still need to revise it before submitting. It takes a toll—both physically and mentally—but you still do it because of the responsibility and the love for what you do. 

Personally, the most memorable experience as part of the Editorial Board was probably during the MACIPRISA Meet. There, I experienced the teamwork of the whole publication in covering such a huge event. 

The best part of being a member of the Editorial Board is seeing the younger staffers grow. I have seen people once shy to talk gaining confidence to express their ideas. It is fulfilling to see them find their footing as journalists and beyond.

Learn to listen carefully. To be a journalist is not just to tell what happened; it is also to amplify the voices of people. Always remember that the stories you cover did not write themselves — they came from real people and real events. Look deeper than the “What” and learn to ask the “Who” and the “Why”. Listening carefully also goes into handling criticism, which you will get a lot of. Try to understand where these criticisms come from and learn how to use them for improvement.

“ ‘Whatever a patron desires to get published is advertising; whatever he wants to keep out of the paper is news’ - Unknown.  Always remember that a journalist’s commitment should be to the truth, even when that truth becomes uncomfortable or inconvenient. I hope that the future friends of E will embrace the responsibility to tell the stories that matter with honesty and courage.”

Kirsten Dupree A. Cruz (Chief Sports Editor)

Being part of The Escolarian happened unexpectedly, especially since I chose Sports Writing despite having little to no familiarity with it. Ate Althea, the former head social media manager, oriented our section, STEM 11-C, about the publication and mentioned something about sports writing that sparked my curiosity. It made me interested in learning more about athletes' experiences, what happens behind the scenes of competitions and getting to interview and interact with them. What ultimately made me stay, however, were the people. Through the publication, I gained new friends and connections I will forever cherish.

My journey started with uncertainty. I was uneasy during the panel interview and even considered not attending, but thankfully, my friend Sofia encouraged me to push through. During my first days in The Escolarian, I was eager to learn more about sports writing and journalism as a whole since both were unfamiliar to me. Despite this inexperience, I am grateful to the publication's former editor-in-chief, Kuya Andrew, for encouraging me to join the District Schools Press Conference 2025. Moreover, during school sports events like Sportsfest and MACIPRISA, I had to give my full attention and stay constantly involved, which was tiring and tested my focus but also helped me become more disciplined and committed to my role. Over time, I grew more passionate about sports writing, which eventually led me to be chosen by the former editorial staff to become the Sports Editor for publication year 2025–2026.

Since sports writing was still relatively new to me, one of my challenges was continuously learning — whether it was writing styles, mnemonics, sports terminology, or understanding how different sports are played. I also tend to be introverted around unfamiliar people, which made journalism challenging at first. However, these experiences pushed me to become a better version of myself. They shaped the way I lead by becoming more understanding and willing to guide others, especially those who may also still be learning. I realized that willingness and grit can take you far, and that building conversations and connections with fellow journalists makes the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

As the Sports Editor, I do my best to guide my co-sports journalists by sharing important learnings and information about sports writing. Before major sports events, I help and organize coverage assignments in advance so that our department can work more efficiently. I also make sure to communicate, remind deadlines clearly, and review their articles for possible revisions and improvements while still allowing their own writing voice to come through. Even with limited experience, I strive to uphold standards that produce content that is both engaging and informative for the readers.

Enrolling in a new school meant opening myself to new opportunities, and joining the publication became one way to make my final years of high school more meaningful. I had no prior experience in school publications or press conferences. Through this, I grew as an individual by becoming more confident and open to stepping outside my comfort zone. As a leader, it taught me responsibility and patience. As a campus journalist, it helped me develop discipline, adaptability, and stronger appreciation for sports writing. Additionally, it deepened my understanding of press freedom and the responsibility that comes with it, especially using my voice to inform, represent, and uphold truth within the school community.

Kathleen Tyra D.C. Lucero (Lead Copyreader)

When I transferred to CEIS back in Grade 11, I was looking for new experiences that I would enjoy and that would teach me. Among all the clubs at the school, I chose The Escolarian because it was the school's official publication. I have always admired the commitment and passion student journalists have, so why not be a part of it? After joining, I had memorable experiences with my seniors, especially during event coverage, which made me grow fonder of the publication and led me to commit to it. 

In retrospect, my journey with The Escolarian was full of surprises, as I applied as a copyreader with no experience or much knowledge of the section. Still, I knew to myself that I liked reading, understanding the context of the articles, and correcting mistakes. I wanted a new environment, and I am thankful that my seniors were fun to be with; they guided me in different ways so I could fulfill my role well. Moving on to the current year as the Lead Copyreader, I still carry the lessons my seniors instilled in me. 

Being a campus journalist, there will be times when you will face challenges. I faced mine in every coverage of the school’s events, such as Sportsfest and MACIPRISA. There were times when I had to be flexible when no staff were available in a certain area to ensure full event coverage. Another was proofreading live captions to ensure there were no errors and that they were appropriate. These were the challenges I faced that shaped the way I led and worked — you have to be ready and take the initiative. 

As the Lead Copyreader, I always ensure we have a standard way to organize articles to be published so that we can copyread them consistently. Furthermore, when copyreading, we must not change what the author intends to narrate, and we must have keen eyes that notice beyond typographical errors. 

I will forever remain grateful to The Escolarian for helping me grow and go out of my comfort zone. One key moment was when I participated in the Division Press School Conference for the very first time, even though I had little knowledge of Copyediting and Headline Writing. I wanted to participate and experience it since I was already graduating. Fortunately, during our training sessions, I was guided by our loving and supportive technical adviser, Sir Raymond Mendoza, as well as Celine Rubiano, whom I considered a role model due to her expertise in leadership, copyediting, and headline writing. With their kind words and support, I placed 10th, which I did not expect as a first-timer. Because of that event and the moments that happened in between those days, I grew as an individual and student journalist to be more risk-taking, to never think of myself as so little, to live up to my potential, and to know that there will be people who will cheer you on.

Kishi Lois D.S. Miki (Head Social Media Manager )

Since I was young, I was greatly involved with different extracurriculars. Although, sa lahat ng organizations, I was stuck with the SGO or the Student Government Organization so I wanted to stir it up sa Senior High School. I was initially drawn to The Escolarian back in Grade 11, but as a transferee at the time, I was too hesitant to join. I was persuaded by my friend, A.Y 2025-2026's EIC Raj Canals and when I finally committed to the publication in Grade 12, I realized it was one of the best decisions I made. The organization gave me the opportunity to showcase and apply the skills I already had while also helping me grow further. What ultimately made me stay was not only the experience itself, but also the people behind it—the team made the environment worth the stay. Joining the publication made me realize there are much more of me I have yet to explore. 

I directly applied for the role of Social Media Manager staffer since I was not into writing articles as much and I did not have the skills of a radio broadcaster, being a Social Media manager was the best fit for me. However, there was a sudden turning point in my journey when I was originally supposed to remain a staffer, but the current head left and the position was eventually passed on to me. I still remember the moment Sir Raymond bestowed upon me the role of being an Editorial Head. It was a huge adjustment because the responsibilities became heavier, and I had to learn quickly how to lead, manage tasks, and work within the dynamics of the team. I adapted pretty much quickly with the help of being surrounded by my friends and by having a great adviser who was willing to help us in every step of the way. Despite the pressure, the experience taught me a lot—not only about journalism and leadership, but also about the different factors that makes a good team. 

One of the biggest challenges I experienced in The E was suddenly taking on a leadership role when I was only expecting to be a staffer. It was a big adjustment because the responsibilities became heavier, and I had to learn quickly how to manage both the workload and the team. There were times when balancing deadlines, communication, and expectations became stressful, especially during busy publication periods. During events, workloads pile up and I had a hard time asking for help with the fear of being eprceived as incompetent. However, those challenges helped me become more responsible, flelixible, and patient. They also taught me how important teamwork, trust, and proper communication are in keeping the organization running smoothly. Today, I carry those lessons with me in the way I lead and work with others.

As a section head, I make sure that our section maintains a clear identity and consistent quality in every output. I guide the team by helping them improve their writing, creativity, and overall execution while also giving them enough freedom to express their own ideas and style. I also try to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing suggestions and working together. At the same time, I make sure that we meet deadlines, maintain professionalism, distribute fair works/tasks,  and produce outputs that represent both the standards of The E and the voice of the students we serve. As a section head, I also established a relationship with my staffers where they are able to reach out to me with no hesitation with the trust we've built within our circle.

The Escolarian helped me grow more in both big and small ways. Through the organization, I became more confident in expressing my ideas, handling responsibilities, and working with different kinds of people. Being part of The E also taught me how to stay disciplined, manage pressure, and adapt quickly in challenging situations. It is evident even in small tasks, where I learned to become more attentive, responsible, and mindful of the impact of my work on the team and the publication as a whole. As a leader, I learned how to guide a team, communicate effectively, and make decisions that benefit the group as a whole. As a campus journalist, it strengthened my skills in writing, editing, and storytelling while also teaching me the importance of responsibility and truth in journalism.

David F. Galor (Technical Head)

At first, I wanted to find a club that was computer or technology-related. The most relevant of them all is that I once heard that the Escolarian had a position for the "Technical" role. Since it is to my interests while also being a role that creates powerful impact in short periods of time, such as events, often remaining flexible in time, while also acting as one of the cornerstones for helping others, it fit well into my playstyle. Being a Technical meant my time I would be needed would be very productive rather than being split evenly with sub-optimal improvements. Since the Technicals were very few, and I was the only Grade 11 Technical in 2024-2025, I was promoted to Technical Head next year. Being a Technical feels interesting: fixing problems, upgrading events, equipping people with tools, and being flexible with tasks.

One of my greatest experiences was my first task as a Technical in 2024, where I managed part of the sound system (especially the button pressing) for the Sipat Lawin. My next major event happened at MACIPRISA a few months later, where I streamed events and games happening live. We often needed to come early in the morning and stay late at night. A year later, I did them again while also streaming tons of games for MACIPRISA, where many things happened. Imagine being a Technical but also one of its players, trying to do technical stuff, do oaths, play games, and return for streaming. Our three Technical teams did well that at some point we would have to take turns streaming since the Escolarian page limited it to one stream at a time. Another very powerful moment is when I created EscolarQR for the purpose of easy attendance taking, and being used among 500+ students while being a success had a powerful impact for me, as if "a man can change the world." These tasks give you an idea of feeling productive, helpful, powerful, excited, and hopeful for what is to come.

I intended to join the Escolarian to improve computer-related skills. And I have learned several skills along the way. I got my first experience controlling sound systems for a large number of people. I was the fastest watermarker in my time there. I also got good at creating layouts and videos. I got my first experience making streaming tools, having the ability to link camera and audio to a computer over the internet. I helped solve printer problems and also printed some papers. I helped guide the technicals and also the others who needed help downloading files or solving some specific problems. I even once used a drone. I also got more experience with website development after creating EscolarQR. And there are more that I may have forgotten to say. My growth was interesting, giving me another perspective on using technology, revealing how the world works, and how supporting people and acting as a structural node in a web works.

Jade Louise C. Bartolome (Assistant Features Editor)

The main reason I joined The Escolarian was because I was drawn to the world of writing. At my old school, I always regretted not being able to join DSPC under Radio Broadcasting because the venue was apparently too small. Because of that, continuing my journey in broadcasting became difficult. With this in mind, I gathered my courage and joined The Escolarian, as I thought it was my only way of eventually competing in DSPC under Radio Broadcasting. With this, my competitive personality made me stayed and ultimately commit myself in writing. 

It was indeed a chapter of serendipity. As I mentioned, I really wanted to become a broadcaster, but during the time I joined The Escolarian, Radio Broadcasting was not a department that one could join immediately (need mag-aud during dspc season pa😭). For the meantime, I joined Feature Writing, as I found myself immersed in crafting beautifully written stories based on real experiences. Overall, it was enjoyable—I loved attending events, writing captions, covering activities, and creating articles. I even auditioned for Radio Broadcasting before, but unfortunately, I did not end up joining because I was scared. Little did I know that it would serve as a redirection for me.

Before I knew it, Grade 11 had ended. I was bewildered and shocked when I was announced as part of the Editorial Team as an Assistant Feature Editor. I hesitated at first, but a friend of mine accepted her position, and eventually, I decided to join her. Looking back now, it was quite a ride. The long meetings, writing sessions, event coverage, and even acting like a senior were experiences I genuinely enjoyed. Perhaps being rejected in Radio Broadcasting again and again was a blessing in disguise, because it led me to discover the joy of working independently and fighting through my own writing using the beautiful yet realistic language of Feature Writing.

I was afraid of how others saw me. I am naturally timid and often hesitant to lead because of past experiences. However, I tried to overcome this fear, and with the help of my fellow editorial staff, I gradually did. Although it is unfortunate that I was not as active during the earlier part of my journey, I am grateful for the lessons I learned along the way. One of the most important lessons was that the past should not dictate the present. As I move on to the next chapters of my life, I will continue striving to be unafraid of how others perceive me and instead choose to be who I truly am. 

Feature Writing, I believe, is a very complex type of writing. It feels like reality disguised in the form of literature. There is something fascinating about presenting concepts that can be viewed in different ways while still remaining truthful. Honestly, that is what made it enjoyable for me. Through Feature Writing, I can be imaginative while still staying grounded in facts. However, misinterpretation must always be avoided. No matter how much symbolism a writing contains, its message should remain clear in the end. Because of this balance between creativity and truth, Feature Writing transforms facts and voices into stories that no longer feel dull, allowing people to reach and resonate with more with this writint.

Just as I mentioned earlier, I have learned not to dwell too much on past experiences. People are different, and no two individuals are exactly the same. More importantly, being a campus journalist taught me to speak not only with my heart, but also with my mind, and to write with diligence, responsibility, and pride. It taught me that truth should never be sacrificed for convenience, because sooner or later, it always finds a way to reveal itself.

Being a campus journalist is not easy. There are times when speaking openly is difficult, especially when issues become political or controversial (esp sa pagbabanggit ng names). Pero journalism has taught me that names are not always necessary for people to understand the truth. Because I believe that names do not define who a person is—their actions do. In the end, it is not what people are called that reveals their character, but what they choose to do. Hence, this is where journalist take responsibility; tell the stories that mudt be heard, seen, and remembered. 

Dana Fritzi V. Pascual (Assistant Sports Editor)

I have always been fond of writing and reading, even before I was introduced to this campus publication, which sparked up my interest in joining it. I believe in the power of journalism, holding through every written word—to tell meaningful stories and inform the public. It is a way of serving the people, and that belief is what inspired me to stay committed and dedicated to what I love doing and to staying.

As I look back on my first days in the organization, I am always reminded of the interview day—when nervousness and anxiety filled every sigh I let out while waiting for my turn. I can confidently say that I did not perform exceptionally well at the time. I would not call my answers the best, but deep inside, I knew they came from the heart.

Days later, the results were announced, and I was officially accepted as a staffer. From then on, I participated actively during events and contributed whatever ideas I could offer. At first, all I wanted was simply to join an extracurricular organization, but little did I know that I had the potential to do better and achieve more that I deserve. Eventually, I was appointed as the Assistant Sports Editor—a role that may seem small to others, but for me, it became a significant milestone and a testament to my growth.

One of the challenges that greatly shaped my experience in The E was learning how to socialize and interact with my peers. During my first few meetings as part of the editorial team, I barely spoke to anyone and often felt out of place. It was difficult adjusting to a new environment filled with people who already seemed comfortable with one another. However, as time went by, I slowly built friendships and became more open to communicating with others.

Through that experience, I realized that growth does not only happen through writing or leadership roles, but also through the connections we build with people around us. It taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Because of this, I became more confident in expressing my ideas, collaborating with others, and leading with empathy. Today, I try to make others feel welcomed and heard, especially those who may feel the same uncertainty I once experienced when I first joined the organization.

As the Assist. Editor of the Sports Department, I shape the voice, direction, and standards of our section by helping out in encouraging accuracy, creativity, and teamwork in every article we produce. I believe that sports journalism is not only about reporting scores and victories, but also about telling the stories, struggles, and dedication behind every athlete and event. Because of this, I encourage our writers to create articles that are both informative and engaging to readers.

In ways where I can help out my fellow Sports writers, I willingly share my voice and thoughts with them as I value collaboration. I firmly believe that the best outcomes come from listening to different perspectives and working together as a team.

The Escolarian has influenced my growth in ways I never truly expected. At first, I joined the organization simply because of my fondness for writing and reading. I did not expect that being part of The Escolarian would become something much bigger than just an extracurricular activity or a place to write articles.

As time went by, the organization revealed a bigger picture of who I am and what I am capable of becoming. It helped me discover potentials within myself that I never thought I had—not only as a writer, but also as a leader and an individual. Through the experiences, responsibilities, and challenges I encountered, I became more confident in expressing my ideas, communicating with others, and taking initiative in leading a team.

The Escolarian also taught me discipline, commitment, and the importance of serving the student body through truthful and meaningful journalism. Looking back now, I realize that joining this organization was not only about pursuing my passion for writing, but also about discovering a version of myself that I never knew existed.

Jzeanne Alexa E. Cruz (Assistant Chief Layout Artist)

What initially drew me to the publication were my friends who were currently working in the publication. Hearing their amazing experiences with the publication encouraged me to share my creativity with fellow Escolarians. Though I felt some pressure throughout my experience, what made me stay was the bond I formed with the Editorial Board, as well as the sense of fulfillment that I achieved whenever I provided service to the organization.

I started my journey in 12th grade as a staffer. I was someone who didn’t usually step out of her comfort zone, and I was especially anxious about sharing my creations. As I continued working hard and stepping in whenever I was needed, I learned to hone my abilities in my craft and have significantly improved compared to my first day. My hard work paid off as I was eventually promoted to the Editorial Board of The Escolarian, which is one of my proudest achievements. Now, I see how much I’ve grown, not only in my skills but also as a person throughout my journey in this organization, and I am so thankful for this experience.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was creating the first issue for the publication. With no prior experience in creating school papers, as well as using a new editing software, it was a struggle to execute my ideas. I was getting burnt out and was running out of creative juices due to the time pressure put on us. This experience shaped me to be a problem-solver and taught me to think outside the box. Despite all these hurdles, I gave my best and became someone who perseveres under immense pressure. Now I continue to work and lead with unwavering commitment, and I always make sure to give my best in everything that I do.

As an editor, I make sure our staffers have creative freedom while simultaneously guiding them by giving constructive criticism and advice. In our section, we shape our staffers to be people we can rely on in times of need and who consistently give their best efforts to the publication. We approach any concerns in our section with an open mind, which allows us to keep the harmony and workflow of the Layout Department.

Having no prior experience in any student organization, I am extremely grateful that The Escolarian was my first. Through this publication, I learned that high school offers so much more than academics. As an individual, I became more outgoing, confident, and resilient when facing challenges. As a leader, I learned to step up when needed, take initiative, and work in a team setting while remaining understanding and supportive of my fellow members. As a campus journalist, I developed a stronger sense of responsibility in delivering accurate information and using journalism as a platform to uphold truth and advocate for what is right. Beyond the skills I gained, The Escolarian gave me unforgettable memories, meaningful experiences, and lifelong friendships that I will always cherish. This journey has inspired me to continue pursuing campus journalism and serving others through responsible and impactful storytelling.