Face to Face with Amy
by Kriz Anne Louise Rodriguez, 6-Patriotic

In what batch did you belong?                                                                          
Actually, 1987.

What were your experiences when you were still studying in SSAM?
I was the vice-president of the dance group when I was in 3rd year high school and then I was also the vice-president of the dance club. I was very active in performing arts that’s why I was always involved in programs such as “Linggo ng Wika.” I always get to dance since I was a member of the dance group before. I also participated during mass, I remember I was a Bible bearer then. Those were my experiences.

When was the last time you visited SSAM?                                                                     
The last time was when they celebrated the 50th Golden Jubilee where I hosted an event along with Agot Isidro. She's also from St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina where she graduated in the year ‘83.

What were the changes you saw in the school?                                                  
A lot. You have a lot of walk way already. During my time then it was still plain grounds and it was muddy. I also noticed that the school added buildings. So I guess, you have lots of classrooms now.

What were your achievements when you were still a student?       
I really did not have a lot of achievement except for the fact that I was very active in school programs, activities, during sportsfest. And I was rather well-known in school during that time because I was very friendly to all the teachers, janitors, manangs in the canteen; they’re my friends. So I guess what I can consider as my greatest achievement is that I was very friendly so much so that in each batch I could name some whom I really was good friends with. But I never joined contests; I was just always part of the performing arts.

Do you still remember your favorite teacher?                                              
My favorite teacher when I was at St. Scho Marikina was Mrs. Didulo! You probably don’t know her. We were the batch that had Spanish class with her, and at that time she was also our disciplinarian.

Now that you’re successful, do you think that being a Scholastican is a big factor to your success?                                                                                               
Ah, I think the fact that one of the values that St. Scho instilled in me is discipline…I think that helps a lot in my career. And then there’s being God-fearing and respectful to your family, your parents. And also being determined to follow your dreams. I guess those are what helped me to be able to achieve whatever I am enjoying right now.

How do you feel about SSAM reaching its Golden Jubilee?                                                    
I'm very happy! Of course, I'm also very proud that I studied there from Grade 6 till high school. I studied there although it was very far, “nasa bundok.” (giggles)

What is your message to the staff and faculty of SSAM and to the Scholasticans?
First of all, to all the staff of St. Scho Marikina, thank you very much for all those times that you were always there, taking good care of our building, the students, most especially to Mr. Ubas. He was our security guard before.

To the teachers, thank you very much for all the dedication and the love that you have for St. Scho.

And to all the students, I hope that they will keep in mind to give respect to all these people working at St. Scho who have dedicated their entire life for the school. Also, they should always remember that if they neglect their studies, they won’t have a bright future. Cherish and appreciate all the hard work of your parents for you to have good education. Education now is very expensive; not everyone gets the opportunity to study in a very good school like St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina. But always, always remember, to all the ladies of St. Scho Marikina, life is what you make it! You make your life, so even now you are already molding yourselves into becoming what you want to be in your life. It is all in your hands. So, if you want to be a good daughter, good girl, good wife, good attorney or good doctor, this is the opportunity that you have to value and cherish. Also remember that you can always express how you feel; and that you can tell your parents what you want in life. There is no need to rebel because at the end of the day you are at the losing end when you do that. So value your parents and love them!

Editor’s note: Much of this conversation was originally in Filipino and was only translated to English.