Maxim Maiev

         Cleanliness is key. It’s what I learned throughout my life as someone who lived with people who’s comfort was brought through the act of cleaning. I’ve never particularly enjoyed participating in anything that involved the work, finding it tedious and frustrating. But as I grew older, and my responsibilities grew along with me, I realized cleaning isn’t as bad if it’s for the environment. Both my parents are environmentalists, so are my aunts and other relatives, so it’s no surprise that I myself have the want to make this world a cleaner and greener place.

           The start of 10th grade —or any grade for that matter— is always daunting. You never know how you new classmates or teachers will act, whether they'll be nice or strict or anything in between. It's stomach churning and anxiety inducing, but also exciting. Walking into the classroom, you'll be met with faces both new and old, voices you once only heard from the other classroom now belonging to yours.          This first quarter was a roller coaster of emotions, both from the adjustment to 10th grade as well as other personal reasons. And honestly? I don't think I would've been able to survive if not for my friends. It may sound like an overstatement, using the word "survive" like I'm in some death game, but school does sometimes feel like that. Throughout this experience, I've learned a valuable lesson that truly, no man is an island. I can't just handle everything alone, that I'm human and need help, too.    ...

Office of the President of the Philippines Malacañang 15 August 2025 HONORABLE PRESIDENT FERDINAND "BONGBONG" MARCOS JR. President of the Republic of the Philippines Malacañang Palace, Manila Dear Mr. President,           While I am well aware that you, as a leader of an entire country, are still human and therefore have flaws that may cause a hinderance to your ability to choose which is best for the citizens of the nation, I can't excuse certain actions that have left families and people ruined. As the daughter of a journalist, I've seen first hand what happens to those who try to oppose the corrupted regime of the current government, and it's far from pretty.             Journalists are still wrongfully imprisoned despite your supposed commitments to support the freedom of the press, with heavy charges and accusations hanging above their heads. This isn't only a way to silence them, it's a way of oppressing the citizens...

        In July of 2025, Ilocos Sur National High School celebrated Nutrition Month. During this time, I was able to participate in one of its activities, which was the Food Festival held by the TLE department. Despite there being a few complications, I'm quite proud to say 10-Maxwell did well. The morning of the Food Festival, I had woken up early to put the utmost care in the food I'd contribute to our stall— the food being tuna mayo sandwiches.          After excusing my fellow classroom officers and I from class, we then set up our booth in the designated area and I'll admit that we were loud, messy, and slightly chaotic during our set up time. I wasn't the only one who brought food, either. My other classmates brought their own homemade dishes, each tasting just as delicious as the last. Of course, no food stall is complete without advertising with a convincing sales person to go with it. As we drew our customers, the stock kept dwindlin...