Entering The Philippine Science High School

Entering Pisay is a big challenge for me. As a saying goes "With GREAT POWER comes GREAT RESPONSIBILITY," I know that it wouldn't be easy.


It was a rainy morning on the day of October 12. I can feel the cold air touched my skin. Luckily, I had a jacket that gave me warmth.

My mother and I were going to La Consolacion College in Malolos Bulacan which happens to be the testing center for the Philippine Science High School - National Competitive Examination.

I was nervous. I didn't have time to review for the test. All I brought with me were the items needed. I was shocked when my mom woke me up at 6 o'clock in the morning telling me that the test resumed. Because a night before, PSHS announced that the NCE was postponed because of a typhoon.

I didn't have with me anything to review because I wasn't really prepared. I was busy training and preparing for a provincial contest the previous weeks. All I know I had to do was pray and ask for guidance.

When we arrived at the testing center, I saw my fellow examinees. They looked well-prepared and confident for the test- which I wasn't! Some were studying in groups (which I suppose who attended review centers) while others were with their parents.

The test went smoothly. And all I could say was that it was really hard! (Well, who finds it easy anyway?)

A month passed. I was really enjoying my last year in elementary with my friends and classmates but there's one thing that I couldn't get out of my head. It was something I was waiting for- the results for the PSHS-NCE.

November was almost done which means December was getting nearer and nearer. I didn't want November to end because I was nervous for the results. I was sure that I will not pass. Come to think of it- How can an 'oh-so-unprepared girl' like me will pass a test like that? Hello! It's a National COMPETITIVE Test! And yes, I emphasized competitive to show that it is joined by students who had experienced contests like quiz bees which I had not!

Or maybe.... I just lacked self-confidence. And yes, I do.

When December came, every week, I was checking the PSHS site to see if they had already posted the result. Christmas break came and we went to Bicol to celebrate the holiday there. I can remember myself visiting the site secretly on the 24th day of December because if ever I didn't pass, my mother won't know it yet. She had big expectations to me and I didn't want to disappoint her.

The next day, I was out with my Aunt and Uncle during the afternoon. After some hours, my mother was calling my aunt to deliver us one GREAT news- I passed the Philippine Science High School! My aunt told me that my mom almost cried.

For my part, it was really UNEXPECTED and overwhelming. I couldn't explain the happiness I was experiencing that time.

I had doubts about myself but because of this experience I learned to be confident and believe in myself. I learned to have more faith in God. 

My journey in Pisay doesn't begin nor end here. For if this journey will be translated into a book, this part is not yet the Chapter 1. An introduction to Kate Therese Noel whose life begun on June 23, 2014.

A story to tell... and a story to begin.