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The first month of the year has brought new life and challenges to me. I wonder how these changes came about - maybe its because the people around me have their new year's resolutions, too.

As early as this time of the year, a number of my wishes have come true. At home, while we are still living the same way and my brother and I still fight often, at least we don't get to a point where we throw objects to each other anymore, just like what we did last year. I have resolved to avoid this act this year.

But despite the fun and the pleasant moments of January, we feel pressured by the many projects are giving us at school. With the third departmental test approaching, we spend more time doing schoolworks.

At home, we're suffering from the economic problems our country is facing. Mother seems to have difficulty budgeting funds but the positive thing is, I save a bigger part of my allowance this year than in the past.

Last year, I went to school 30 minutes before the first period starts but now it seems I am five minutes late or get to the school gate exactly when the bell rings at 7:30 a.m.

Three months more and my first year in high school will end. I'm looking forward to summer for a vacation at my father's hometown. Before I realize it, I'll be in second year, with new classmates - that and the days to come will be another time for new things to tackle, new discoveries and adventures in life.

A New Journey
H Kezia Gronifillo

After the long vacation came the Year of the Dog. Many wish life would be happier and more prosperous. I hope so. But with the crises that we have been facing, we wonder if there will be an improvement in our life.

For me, life seems the same. I wake up in the morning, go to school and go home at 5 p.m.

But the past days have been busy ones, especially that I am part of our English verse choir. We also do our projects in Earth Science. High school life is difficult for me as there are many things to accomplish unlike last year when I was in the grade school.

With the new year, many of us face challenges and hope promises we made to ourselves and others will be realized.

I just wish that the government will have greater concern for the welfare of street children, who beg for their survival. They are sad reminders of our country's worsening economy.

Chances, Changes
H Jude Xerxes Herbolario

Time moves fast. It's only been eight months since my first day in high school and now, the schoolyear is just 11 weeks away from its end. With 2006 up on board, it's only been the beginning of true promises for change. Turning a new leaf, as they say, is the best way so far to start a year.

The New Year marked an end to all the 'evils' that haunted us last year, especially feelings of guilt. That means I can start all over again, points back to zero and improve on things where I have done wrong. New hope, challenges and chances - these all lead to one thing: change. So far, I'm dong pretty good and I'm tickled pink to say that I thank everyone I know, including God, for this chance to change since they showed me what was wrong or good.

My New Year was celebrated with a big party and a bang at my uncle's place in Taloc, Bago City. The whole clan, while suffering from terrible debts, tried hard to celebrate the coming of the new year. The adult males brought the fireworks, the females cooked and the kids and the kids at heart helped. The teens prepared the games so we'll have fun till we would go home. The countdown began and as it ended, the pyrotechnics were lit and we never slept. The celebration lasted until Jan. 2. We believed that the way we celebrated will help us become prosperous this year.

My life has been swell since New Year. I thank God for this. I just know that if I don't' waste my chance, my 2006 will be a great year.

Missing Play Time
H Erlyn Joy Adrias

'Hello 2006', we say after we bade goodbye to 2005. We may not have much money to spend this year but at least life has remained peaceful and we did celebrate New Year with fun.

Year 2005 is gone but some parts of our lives hardly change. I do notice some changes in mine. Now, I'm more thrifty. I am very careful in spending money at school, knowing that economic problems are here to stay - with the taxes fuel prices and cost of other commodities steadily rising.

Many children can no longer continue their studies because of their families financial situation. As a result of the economic problems and poverty, the incidence of crimes also increase.

At school, I am not as noisy, too, as I was in the past year. With the many things to do at school, I can hardly take some good rest because I have to spend more time studying. I wish there is time for relaxation and play, too.

Couldn't Ask for More
H Reygelyn Magallanes

It's a fresh beginning after the deafening sounds of explosives that greeted New Year.

But nothing much has changed in me. I've remained a sleepyhead who has a lot of things to accomplish.

I guess there are a few developments, like I'm not talkative anymore, I don't spend needlessly. Also, I don't eat a lot.

If I were asked if there are more things that I'd like to change in my life, perhaps, I'd say no more because I am happy and pleased with what I have and what I am now.

But if God brings me new things in life, I would certainly be glad to accept them because I know that these changes will be for my good, especially in developing my talents and skills. Through the years, I have become more understanding of life, not only of myself but also of others. I am looking forward to my summer vacation few months from now.

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