In every elementary and high school, the administration designates all of their above average students and put them into one class — the STAR SECTION aka First Section, Cream Section etc etc. All the other students were equally divided among other classes. I remember vaguely all the years that passed since my primary and secondary education. But I wanna share some of the memories that I have found so hard to forget.

                When I was in first grade (7 years old), I wasn’t put in the Star Section until about the beginning of the 2nd quarter of the school year. I did well in my preliminary examinations enough to qualify me for a position in the Star Section. (I was ranked 7 among the top 10 students in the grade at that time.)  The teachers, surprised by my performance requested that I be transferred there. My mother, who was so proud, immediately agreed.

                I was excited and reluctant at the same time. I didn’t know anybody there. I was really scared that I wouldn’t make any friends. I was placed in a seat next to the girl who I tied with in the ranking. I remember this  conversation of ours:

                Steph: “Hello, Ok lang ba kung maging magkaibigan tayo?” (Hello, Is it ok if we become friends?)

                Girl: “Ayoko. Sabi kasi ng mama ko wag daw ako makipagkaibigan sayo kasi baka matalo mo ako sa top 10 .” (No way. My mom told me I shouldn’t be friends with you because you could out rank me in the top 10.)

                What she said made me completely shut up. I was a child and at that time I couldn’t completely comprehend what she meant but it hurt my feelings and I thought that I would be a complete outcast in our class.

                But I also remember then that what she said didn’t stop me from making new friends. (I even had a best friend at that time until she transferred to another school. ) And it also didn’t stop me from studying harder and doing better.