“Preparing for the future
…and beyond.”
In the course of my high school journey, these words were constantly repeated, to the extent that even now, I can still remember them. Aside from the nice ring it brings when one says the words, the meaning carried is life-changing, an idea proven by what I had attained.
This is my high school’s motto. Teachers emphasize this when they teach and even mention it many times as long as the moment fits. I could not blame them for doing so; this motto actually embodies the teaching Maranatha Christian College offers. And the impact it brings to students should be shared with the world.
I spent six years at MCC. I had my junior high school there and still stayed for my senior high school. The decision to spend those long years at MCC was not only because my mother is one of the teachers, and the place somehow became my comfort zone but for worthy reasons. I remembered that I had second thoughts about staying for senior high school. Like the rest of my former classmates, I longed to be in a new environment: meet new people, form new friendships, and surround myself with new places. I wanted to experience a different setup from the four years of usual scenes. Besides, I was constantly bothered by a voice that whispered that maybe other schools could give me a much better education. Despite these doubts, I still chose to stay. I thought deeply about my decision–weighed every thought and scrutinized all options–and every time, the end would always bring me to MCC.
Let me share with you the compelling reasons that convinced me to stay. These reasons might be a bit cliche and unappealing, but these hold the kind of school I seek.
First, MCC provides an affordable education. It is a school founded with a mission. The aim is not to pile up money but to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why the tuition fee is lower than other private schools in Bacolod. I had experienced that in my junior high; the low tuition fee and the help of government scholarship–which Maranatha secured for many of its students–made it possible for me to stay. As it was proven in junior high, I thought it would still be in my senior high. I was right. With the help of government subsidies, which were given to all incoming senior high students, I was able to enroll for only 1,000 pesos per semester. Knowing the excellent learning experience the school offers, I gained more than I had paid for.
Second, MCC offers quality education. It gave me a bag of helpful knowledge and experience that I was able to put to use in college. Throughout junior high, many opportunities were presented by the school to their students. Those experiences were unique and were only undergone by a few students in high school. I was again convinced to stay when I recounted how invaluable they were. The outcome of the choice had taken a big chunk in preparing me for college life.
In my senior high, I was honed to become a versatile student. We were only less than 40 students; thus, responsibilities and opportunities were all poured onto us. I was a student government officer for two years. I handled the duties of managing the activities for my grade level, including ensuring each student was allowed to participate in activities, show their talents, and make the best memories of high school. During that time, I did not know that it was a sort of training for me–of instilling a teacher’s mentality: to look at each individual as unique, with a different set of intelligence, and capable of becoming outstanding in what they are best at.
Furthermore, I had teachers who were excellent in their craft. In fact, they were the ones who led me to realize my dream and aspire to be a teacher. They also taught me more than just the content knowledge of every subject. They also assisted me in understanding myself and knowing how I think, which made it easier for me to study and manage my time. It was not an exaggeration to say that they spent great efforts guiding each of us and attending to our different needs.
Moreover, the school had become the channel for making new friendships and exploring the country. The extra-curricular activities allowed me to travel to Murcia, La Carlota, and Tagaytay. In each place, I met people that made my high school life much more vibrant.
What I have experienced could attest that MCC provides a well-rounded, quality education. They did not just settle in teaching what’s in the textbooks and inside the classroom but provided beyond the standard. I was not caught off guard by college life because I tasted it at MCC. Indeed, I was made ready to take on any challenges, to never allow any opportunity to slip out of my hands, and to adapt in every circumstance.
Third, MCC provides Christian Education. I believe that teaching about God is the greatest thing that MCC offers its students. We were saturated with God’s words throughout senior high school. It was not proselytizing or coercing the students to blindly believe the Bible. Instead, we were taught to look for the truth. We listened to, read, and studied the Bible, and at the same time were allowed to analyze whether they were real or just made up. The kind of education was not forceful but a humane method to seek the truth.
Knowing about God, His commandments, and His promises changed my perspective on life. What motivated me to achieve the highest honor in college is God–to bring Him glory and use me for His glory. I am indebted to MCC for highlighting the significance of Christian education.
As I have mentioned above, the motto of MCC expresses the kind of education they want. And it is the summary of my reasons why I chose to stay. They had prepared me for my future by providing affordable and quality education and prepared me beyond the future by ensuring that I had heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Reminiscing my senior high journey, the most powerful emotion surging within me is gratefulness–I’m glad I chose MCC.
