THE FIRST DAY OF THE LAST YEAR IN ELEMENTARY

It was both warm and windy that Monday morning, and the sun seemed to shine a little differently that day. Rizza stopped in front of the gate of Cristobal Elementary School. Clutching the straps of her backpack tightly, she took a deep breath.

- By Zaida Marie A. Tambis

"This is it! My first day as a Grade 6 student. This is my last first day in elementary school," she told herself, feeling a bit of pain and bitterness.

The air smelled so familiar as she stepped onto the school grounds. It made her heart dance with mixed feelings. She was excited, nervous, a little sad, but mostly curious.

Looking at her watch and thinking she still had enough time, she sat down by the stage when a familiar voice said, "I can’t believe we're finally sixth graders." It was her best friend Caleb, who appeared at her side with a grin, “This is our last year here.”

She smiled when he said that. “I know,” Rizza replied, her voice soft with wonder. “Don’t you think it feels weird, though? I’m excited to feel all grown up but I’m also a little scared. What if this year is super hard? What if our teachers are really strict? What if I don’t do well?”