“Good Morning, Sharks!” I hear the speakers announce on my first day here in Santiago. Looking around, I see that what stands before me is far different from what I am used to. For me, this is all unmapped territory. Navigating uncharted territory is never easy. It comes with fear, anxiety, doubts, questions, and, more importantly, excitement and anticipation. These are the exact emotions running through me on my first day at Santiago High School. The landscape is different from what I am used to, and so are the people, the culture, and the environment. The halls and buildings seemed endless, and it felt like stepping into a labyrinth, both literally and figuratively. Beyond the fear of getting lost within the school walls, I also find myself in a maze of emotions and challenges, with every turn leading to obstacles I must face.
Hailing from the other side of the world, I came to find that things are far different from where I come from. The academic standards, culture, and environment feel unfamiliar but intriguing at the same time. As a student transferring from the Philippines, I quickly realized that the educational culture here vastly differs from back home. It is primarily the diverse curriculum that amazed me most, as Santiago offers various electives that cater to multiple interests, helping nurture students in the best way possible. This is both surprising and exciting. California is a melting pot of cultures primarily dominated by Latinos, with the group comprising 40% of the state’s population as of 2021, so choosing Spanish as one of my electives was both relevant and beneficial as it would help me immerse myself more in the community. I also chose journalism as my second elective, having experience in campus journalism. In the Philippines, high schools offer standardized electives limited to vocational courses. It is overwhelming yet refreshing to have such a wide range of choices catering to different interests. Core subjects here could cater to different academic capabilities of students, with classes varying in difficulty. Back home, core subjects are standardized and follow a structured curriculum, which I find unfair to students who struggle with certain subjects. This flexibility in academic standards is easy to adjust to.
Like many Asian countries, Philippine schools heavily emphasize academics, so Filipino students often study from dawn until night to meet high academic expectations. Many students grapple with the intense pressure stemming from these standards. When I transferred to Santiago, I mentally prepared myself to face the same level of academic pressure and cope with sleepless nights and anxiety. However, it was a huge relief to discover that the educational standards here are strikingly different. Everyone, from teachers to students, seems far more relaxed. The typical school day in the Philippines runs from 7 AM to 5 PM, while the shorter American school day here provides more time for personal affairs, self-development, and mental health. After enduring the more rigorous expectations in Asia, the relaxed academic standards feel like a breath of fresh air. Before arriving, I found the stereotype that Asians are expected to be academically gifted to be racist. But having experienced the stark contrast between Eastern and Western educational systems, I now realize there is some truth to that assumption.
Outside the academic spectrum, Santiago is also a socially broad community, and navigating through the social scene is another challenge. As an Asian student, I initially feared that I would struggle to fit in. Adapting to a new learning environment would take a lot of work. That anxiety quickly shifted to amusement. Upon arriving at Santiago, I realized it was far from the stereotypical American high school I had seen in movies. Santiago reflects a wonderfully diverse community. Since my arrival, I’ve met and interacted with students from around the globe. Santiago is a melting pot of cultures and races. Albeit fearing the odds of fitting in or being an outcast, I found it wasn’t as hard as I imagined. The key to fitting in such a diverse spectrum is to show your authentic self and embrace your individuality. Santiago made me feel that there was already a spot in the puzzle I was meant to fill, and there was nothing I should change to fit the place. Santiago is not only diverse in cultures but also in talent, especially in sports. Most Filipino schools do not invest in sports, equipment, or facilities. I was amazed to see the extensive sports facilities here, with students actively participating in various athletic activities and many of my classmates being athletes.
On a not-so-positive note, I’ve noticed that students tend to keep to themselves most of the time, though they remain warm and kind to those around them. This was both a relief and a bit saddening to me. In the typical American High School I see in movies, there’s often a clear hierarchy, with popular students dominating the social scene. It was reassuring to learn that this is not the case at Santiago, where everyone’s personality is respected and valued. However, even though we don’t have a strict social hierarchy in the Philippines, Filipino teens often share a special bond, whether or not they know each other personally. The connection comes from shared experiences, struggles, and adherence to common standards and pressures. This sense of comfort in shared identity is something I miss. The thought that you are both Filipino teens, experiencing the same struggles, coming from the same cultures, and adhering to the same standards and pressure makes it comforting. There are also certain parts of the culture and humor that make schoolgoers in the Philippines have a certain connection to each other. While I’ve interacted with people from diverse backgrounds and statuses, these encounters have made me realize how differently everyone experiences life.
Like anyone in a new place, I’ve occasionally felt homesick. Despite meeting students from many different backgrounds, I’ve yet to encounter another Filipino. In the Philippines, the warmth of meeting a fellow Filipino, no matter where you are, is a comforting experience. The shared understanding of culture, struggles, and societal pressures makes the connection effortless. Although I miss that sense of familiarity, the warmth and acceptance of the people around me here have made me feel welcome.
Inside the classroom, the atmosphere is quite different as well. In the Philippines, classrooms are typically more formal. Students must sit upright, listen intently to teachers, and engage deeply in class discussions. Participation and recitation can account for up to 40% of a student’s grade, and personal evaluations based on character are also considered. This starkly contrasts my environment in Santiago, which feels more relaxed and free. Although I would always come back to the Filipino Standards, I can’t help but feel quite relieved to see that there is no longer academic segregation and hierarchy among students, which takes away academic discrimination and pressure. This absence of academic segregation fosters a more supportive and less stressful learning environment, but I would always miss the competitive atmosphere back home. Despite the Philippine academic environment having negative connotations, that intense atmosphere has taught me to push myself harder each time and strive to be the best I can be.
Coming from a tropical country, the cold environment here is another challenge I faced. I was initially bewildered to see schoolmates wearing short sleeves, shorts, and cropped tops in 19°C weather while I was shivering under multiple layers of clothing. Speaking of clothing, Santiago, like many American schools, offers more freedom in self-expression through attire. Students can wear whatever they feel comfortable in, based on the weather or personal style, without fear of violating a strict dress code. In contrast, Philippine schools are strict about uniforms. The entire set is mandatory, including neatly ironed white button-down shirts, navy blue slacks, and polished black leather shoes. The freedom to express individuality through clothing is one of the aspects I’m learning to appreciate here, as it opens an avenue for self-expression and personality development.
Since arriving at Santiago, I’ve experienced significant personal growth beyond academics. As the school bell rings, signaling the end of classes, I enjoy a peaceful stroll back home. The quiet, serene neighborhood is perfect for reflecting on the day, and I find the walk therapeutic. The shorter school day at home gives me more time to bond with family and catch up with friends back in the Philippines. My usual six-hour sleep on school nights back home has been extended, allowing me to restore my body clock. Overall, the academic scene here is more relaxed and allows time for personal growth and well-being.
Navigating uncharted territory is never easy, but the excitement of discovering something new makes it all worth it. I’ve always viewed school as a second home where I can grow and become the best version of myself. Finding a new home, away from home, has its challenges, especially when everything feels so different from what I’ve known—from the culture to the environment and the standards. However, one month in, I can confidently say that making Santiago my home is not as difficult as I once thought. The bright, diverse, and warm environment is where excellence and greatness are nurtured, making it a fitting second home. With a year and a half remaining, I hope to make the most in Santiago!
