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OPTICS / FLEDGLINGS THE QUANTUM ACADEMY Sheila Andres: The Secrets of Winning by April Rosete S However, these were the things I thought less about. I wanted to see if the stereotypes were true; if everything said about this school was right. The stereotypes, the indifference and aloof intrigued me so much that I was observing every aspect of the school-- from the students to the teachers and to the administration. I wanted to see if they were what nonQuantum “folks” said they were. And I was wrong. They were wrong. As time went by, I gained a lot of friends and I knew a lot of people. This small community called Quantum gave me a new idea of simplicity with high standard, of humility without being loud, and vast experiences in spite of its small size. I had so many experiences in my first year in Quantum and I have come to realize that everything people said about Quantum is true— except the indifference. I strongly disagree with this because I proved that Q-kids are cool, down to earth, easy to be with, and fun-loving. Quantum is also not exclusive to rich families because there are also ordinary families who strive to send their children in this school because they believe that quality education is the best gift and inheritance they could give to their children. I have corrected my perspectives and I am truly happy and that “outsiders” view us with very good qualities. I am grateful to have transferred in Quantum and I am thankful that I have discovered so many beautiful things about my new school. I can say… I am now a true blue Quantum Kid… and so proud to be one. triding in designer’s stilettos, holding her chin up high and stretching a wide smile upon her face, Sheila Mae Andres, a grade eight student, walked onto the stage with much confidence. A firm believer in God, she is poised but also very humble and kind. To her, the factors of winning the Miss Intramurals competition includes being beautiful on the inside and doing one’s best humbly. She believes that we should not praise ourselves but let other people see our deeds. “I feel blessed and grateful for this experience a n d winning this competition was definitely one of the most memorable things in my high school life,” she said. At first, the pretty Sheila was quite skeptical about joining the competition, but with a little push of encouragement from Teacher Reuben and her classmates, she finally decided to join the pageant. “I didn’t expect much because this is my first time to join a pageant. Thanks to Teacher Reuben and my classmates for believing that I could do it.” For any future aspirants and candidates for next year’s pageant, Sheila said, “Believe in yourself and don’t let other people bring you down. Always trust in God but always remember not to be overconfident. Compete fairly and stay humble.” It just goes to show that you don’t need glitz and glam to be crowned Ms. Intramurals, but a wonderful personality is what truly matters if you plan to unlock the secrets of winning. OPTICS / FLEDGLINGS 2014 I 7