A dig into nostalgia
Graduation day, one of the most anticipated events of every student. The aforementioned is often described bittersweet as it is where students get recognized for their intellect, skills, and hard-work but at the same time, graduates express their farewell and set off for their own paths.
Holy Family School of Quezon City, Inc. is nearing its commencement exercises for the academic year 2017-2018. Graduates are exhilarated to wear their togas and receive their diplomas.
However, the seniors of the Familian Spikers, the school’s volleyball varsity team, are having mixed emotions for their upcoming high school conclusion.
The Challenges
Being a student-athlete comes with the intricate puzzle of balancing one’s regular training and academics.
The four graduating players, namely Alyssa Mariel Angkaw, Tricia Gayle Balagat, Sigrid Claire Amorin, and Keemberlee Anne Jacob of the Familian Spikers said that balancing studies with their constant training was challenging. Reviewing for their College Entrance Tests (CETs) and quarterly exams were just a few to mention.
Jacob recalled when they had to train for an upcoming game and at the same time study for the finals. Pondering about the latter, she was unable to sleep comfortably. She said that it was important to keep in mind the time management for both priorities.
Being the team captain, Angkaw voiced that it was a challenging role as she had to think not only of herself but also of her teammates especially during games, all the while thinking of her CETs. Yet, this compelling opportunity helped her grow and taught her how to manage her tasks. “Hindi ka lang magaling dapat maglaro, kailangan nage-excell ka rin sa studies,” she noted.
“Medyo nakukulangan ako sa time management pero tina-try ko pa ring mag-catch up sa mga na-miss kong [tasks],” said Amorin. She also mentioned another challenge which was the pressure as the seniors of her team such as meeting the expectations of her coach, but she was able to push through.
The Seniors’ Playing Years
The outgoing volleyball players were emotional when asked regarding how they feel about the coming end of their Pame volleyball years. They described it as happy and sad at the same time as they were going to miss this memorable year of their studies.
It was, on one hand, happy as everyone was able to improve and contribute for the betterment of the team. The team, including Coach Mel, was able to strengthen their bond, share their insights, and the other players reached out more to their ates. “Mamimiss ko din ‘yong makita silang nahihirapan,” Angkaw said recalling their moments during training.
On the other hand, it seemed as if time passed too fast for the team therefore giving the year the latter adjective but nevertheless, Angkaw said, “Ang saya din kasi this year ‘di lang kami nakabuo ng isang team, nakabuo rin kami ng isang family.”
Jacob shared, “Mahirap tanggapin na ito na ‘yong last year playing with my second family tsaka second father.” She was dedicated to leave a mark because in every game that she plays, she plays as if it were her last.
“Teammates” are what Balagat voiced first when asked about what she is going to miss and she later added her coaches. “Mamimiss ko ‘yong feeling na nandiyan sila,” she said.
For Angkaw, leading the team was a chance and a blessing given to her by her coach to share her knowledge and help her teammates not only in the aspects of inside the court but also outside.
Their next plans, however, were still being finalized. They wanted to try-out in schools especially the big four — University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of Santo Tomas.
The Future of the Familian Spikers
The four players may be key losses to the team but they said that their teammates are ready to play without them. The team is slowly growing and is ready to compete in the future, they are capable of improvement.
“Nakikita ko malayo mararating nila,” Balagat on her fellow teammates, “Kita ko ‘yong hardwork nila,” she added.
“Kumbaga sila na ‘yong next in line,” Amorin said in addition to their view of the team’s future. Jacob also said that despite the holdovers saying they are not yet ready for them to leave, their skills say otherwise. They are already capable, they are just not ready to accept the fact that their ates are weeks away from their graduation.
