Stepping Out

Growing up, I guess I sort of had it pretty easy. My older sister was and is an achiever, and as her younger sister, it’s only natural that I engage myself in her many interests. In school, she would excel in academics and extra-curricular activities. Almost every extra-co activity that she would join in, I would participate in as well.

I had it pretty easy because I thought my life had already been planned out for me. I simply had to follow everything my sister did, and I would be secured of a pretty good future.

Unfortunately, life caught up with me and for the first time in my life, I had to make a major decision for myself. You see, a Tita of mine urged my mother to have me take the entrance exam of one of the science high schools in the country. I wasn’t really interested in studying there, but where’s the harm in taking an entrance exam, right?

So, my mom made me take the first screening, and surprisingly I passed. I then took the second screening and i passed once again! Never in my wildest dreams did I think of entering a science high school. Not only was the idea so far fetched, it wasn’t anywhere near my plans since my older sister studied at Assumption for her secondary education! My mom actually got excited because I passed the exams. Probably took it as a sign from God or something. Anyway, my mom suddenly presents the idea that I study at Pisay. She even got my titas to persuade me to consider it. It was only natural that I decline. Back then, it was definitely not an option for me to enter that school.

Here are my reasons:
1. I’m not a math and science person. I loathe the subjects.And to enter a school which specializes in those subjects is just scary.
2. It was uncharted territory. I didn’t know any close friends or relatives who ever studied there.
3. Back then, Pisay had a reputation of being slave-drivers toward their students…I didn’t want to suffer.

As much as I wanted to continue my studies at Assumption, I must admit, the thought of studying at Pisay intrigued me. Aside from the quality of education that I would receive, the thought of being a scholar also fascinated me. By the time I agreed to enter Pisay, my mom decided to enroll me at Assumption because she was afraid I would end up being unhappy at Pisay. Long story short, I enrolled at Pisay and ended up liking it there.



I really loved my high school.

1. The teachers were great, accommodating and open-minded.

2. My classmates were the most humble and selfless people I have ever met. I admired how they put so much into their studies..

3.Had a blast with all the different personalities I got to encounter in school. Everybody was unique and we all emraced the many categories that we fit in without shame.

4. Turns out, they weren't slave-drivers at all. The workload was very reasonable

5. I learned to appreciate math and science (Although I wish they taught accounting at Pisay). And I learned that I am capable of tackling math and science problems.

6.I passed the really good universities that I applied in. It's not that Assumption has a poor curriculum but they focus more on values formation and the arts...not much on science and math. In a way, it helped me out greatly to pass Ateneo.


I guess taking a risk really played out well for me. It was the better choice to enter Pisay, otherwise I would have incurred greater opportunity cost if Istayed at Assumption. I probably found it very difficult to get into Ateneo I could have remained in my sister's shadow for long long time. At least, for once in my life, I was able to make a decision on my own and not just follow in the footsteps of my sister. It shows that it is important to take risks and to be an individual.I got to discover certain aspects about myself that I never knew I could be capable of. At the end of the day, it’s the only way to live.


Opportunity Cost: the cost associated with opportunities that are foregone by not putting the firm's resources to their best alternative use.

Source: Pindyck, R. and Rubinfeld D. Microeconomics, Prentice-Hall International Inc.