By: Ethan Andrew G. Aquino of Grade 8B – Darwin

A personal and raw reflection on growth, redemption, and striving to improve in academics, relationships, and faith in the new year.

2025 will be remembered with joy and laughter. And though this new year, 2026, may be tough, I believe we can prevail. This year will be filled with challenges, but it will also be a fresh start for me.

I hope to achieve better grades in my academics and continue improving myself. I also hope that this year will be as joyful as the last. One of my goals is to strengthen my relationships with my friends and family. I also want to grow in my spiritual beliefs and skills.

This new year will be a form of redemption for me, as I slowly accomplish my goals one by one.


“One of the selected writers for January, highlighting the theme: New Beginning, New Voices.”